Harthill Moor, near Elton, Derbyshire, Peak District
Photo: Colin Park / Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 2.0 · Display cropped to fit
WHY GO
Walk from Elton to distinctive gritstone towers on Harthill Moor, amid a landscape of rocky outcrops and ancient monuments.
Robin Hood’s Stride rises above Harthill Moor in a distinctive arrangement of deeply weathered gritstone blocks and towers. The rocks make a memorable walking destination in a landscape shared with nearby Cratcliffe Rocks and prehistoric monuments. Their shapes are as much a reason to visit as the views: pause at ground level to appreciate the outcrop’s scale and its changing outline. A walk from Elton links village lanes and field paths with the Limestone Way, giving the approach an interest of its own. The name adds character, without needing to treat stories about Robin Hood as established history.
A closer look
Discover the landscape and stories behind this place.
Before you set out
Details and coordinates can be incomplete or out of date. Check current access, conditions, weather and your route with the site operator before travelling. This is not live navigation or emergency guidance.
Editorial review: 30 October 2026. Conditions may change.
Approach
Start on Well Street beside All Saints’ Church. Use the published Elton circuit: take the signed footpath towards Youlgreave, cross the fields and squeeze stile to the lane, then continue towards Cliff Farm and the path leading to the rocks. The linked guide supplies the junction-by-junction directions. Allow 2–3 hours for its complete 2.7-mile circular walk, including exploration and the return to Elton.
Walking time from arrival (one way)
50 minutes (approximate)
Terrain & steps
Uneven field paths, country lanes, muddy sections, gates and squeeze stiles, with moderate ascents and descents. Rocky ground and drops occur around the outcrop.
Accessibility
The described Elton approach includes stiles and squeeze stiles and is not step-free; it is unsuitable for wheelchairs and ordinary pushchairs.
Access & restrictions
Follow signed public footpaths and current access signs. The walking source identifies street parking in Elton; use only lawful spaces that leave residents, junctions and farm access clear. This is not a reserved or dedicated visitor parking area. Livestock may be encountered; keep dogs under close control. Nearby monuments are not automatically open to access.
Facilities
No dedicated visitor facilities are provided at the rocks. The researched walking route does not establish public toilets or refreshments at the arrival point; plan those separately.
Seasonal considerations
Field paths can be muddy after rain and exposed rock becomes slippery in wet or icy weather. Allow enough daylight for the complete return walk.
Sources & further reading
The references behind this entry. Use current site guidance for visiting arrangements.
Approach walk: approximately 50 minutes one way from the stated arrival point.
Typical total visit: 120–180 minutes, including exploring.
The stated approach has steps or stiles. Read the accessibility notes for details.
The source title/URL retains ‘2 miles’ but its current route data and body specify 2.7 miles and 2–3 hours. The 120–180-minute total is for that entire Elton circular outing, including stops and return, not time at the rocks or a one-way approach. Stiles and squeeze stiles explicitly rule out a step-free approach. Exact one-way timing remains null.
Source for these planning details
More to discover nearby
A few other places within 25 miles of Robin Hood’s Stride. Distances are approximate, straight line; use each guide’s arrival point to plan your journey.
