summary of distance, time, gradient, level of difficulty, type of surface and access, landscape, dog friendliness, parking and public toilets. All walks have been plotted using Ordnance Survey online mapping tools. The main paper maps for the area are the OS Explorer Dark Peak OL1 and White Peak OL24. Harvey and the BMC Dark Peak maps are also useful. Always take a map and compass, even if you are using a GPS device. Then another small gate will lead you to a road, cross the road (Cliff Lane) and then continue along the path descending gradually to Cliff Farm, via a wooden stile, then a stone stile in the corner of the field. A 205 mile-long (330km) National Trail running through the Pennine hills from Middleton in Derbyshire to Ravenstonedale in Cumbria designed especially for use by horse-riders and cyclists but open to walkers. More information from National Trails here.

On the walk route, there are no toilets, however, if you needed a toilet there are two options, both slightly off the route, but there’s a public toilet at Middleton (400 m) and also one at Youlgreave (200 m) too (Donations accepted so take some change with you). However, if you want to take a step up from this level, below is a selection of walks that do involve the passing of gates and stiles and at some points, on undulating or uneven terrain, but are generally fairly untaxing. I have always found Cicerone guidebooks to be well produced with excellent introductions to the area in question and containing detailed descriptions of well-chosen walks. This new guide is no exception. Walk across the next three fields, over stiles, with Bleakley Plantation on your left. You’ll reach a fingerpost signposted Public Footpath (in three directions) and Youlgreave. Keep walking in a north-easterly direction (signposted Public Footpath).You’ll see a signpost for Robin Hood’s Stride and Middleton Dale (keep heading towards Middleton Dale). It’s a circular walk so don’t panic, you’ll head towards Robin Hood’s Stride later on the walk. The Monsal Head Hotel Stable Bar serves a wide variety of bar meals. In Ashford, the Bull's Head is a popular choice for real ale and after-walk pub meals. Aisseford cafe in Ashford, and Hobb's at Monsal Head are ideal for those preferring hot drinks and cakes. What to look out for Follow the trail through the next five fields, then onto to flagstones to a mini bridge across Bleakey Dike. Head up the flagstones on the other side and across the field. You’ll spot a random stile in the middle of the field! Now you simply follow the beautiful Bradford River through Bradford Dale, you’ll go past a bridge on your left, then through a gate and on to the Limestone Way.

You can start the walk at Elton, follow the route instructions, stage 1 to Tomlinson Wood andinstead of bearing left, walk straight on, descending towards to Harthill Moor Farm. There are also numerous wooden and stone stiles, along the route that might not be that easy with a larger dog (I met a couple who had had to lift their dog over a couple!) Find Derbyshire walks from the list below which features the best walking routes in the area. Most of routes are circular walks although there are a few linear hikes. The walks are listed from the shortest and easiest to the longest more challenging routes. The walks are divided into sub areas so you can find specific walks. You’ll spot the Duke of York pub in the village, but this is only open from 8.30 pm, so no good for a post-walk drink! There are several trails up to the top, where you get wonderful views, but the secret spot is the Hermit’s Cave at the base of the cliffs situated at the most southern point.Where to stay - Edale, Castleton and Hayfield are convenient for this area. Map - Kinder Scout Edale The path takes you through a stone stile and the driveway of the house next to the trail, and out the other side through a small gate into a field. The Way, 225-miles long (362km) and designed for multi-use, links the Ridgeway National Trail with the Trans Pennine Trail across the shires of Middle England. A guide is available from the LDWA.

Where to stay - Castleton, Hope, and Edale are convenient for this area. Map - Great Ridge Castleton Follow the path down towards a caravan park (the public footpath takes you through the middle). Sign on the way through the caravan park If you would like to explore over 200 walks in Derbyshire and the Peak District, take a look at the Derbyshire & Peak District Walks app. Derbyshire has four distinct regions: The Dark Peak, upland country formed by the silt from great rivers; the White Peak, an underlying layer of limestone formed when Derbyshire was beneath a tropical sea; the Northeast Derbyshire coalfields; and the clay and sandstone plains of the Trent. It is these contrasts of landscape that makes Derbyshire such a fine place for walking, whether it's a mammoth mountain hike, or just a stroll through the woods. Once you’ve crossed the bridge at Youlgreave, follow the road for a short distance, before turning onto a footpath on the left at a fingerpost signposted Limestone Way.

Walking in Derbyshire

After admiring the view, take the continuing path signed 'Monsal Trail and Viaduct', descending steeply on steps. Fork left at a junction towards 'Viaduct and Monsal Trail', descending to the trail at the western portal of the Headstone Tunnel. Cross the viaduct, then fork right through a gate towards 'Monsal Head via Netherdale' at a junction of bridleways. Turn right along the valley, go underneath the viaduct and through a squeeze stile. Turn right up the road for a short distance and you’ll reach a sign saying Robin Hood’s Stride 1/4 mile away. But first, if you want a little detour, follow the boundary fence around for 200 m to the Stone Circle.

You’ll then walk through another four fields, across stone stiles, before reaching a wooden gate that crosses the road. From the road outside Elton church (with the church on your right), continue down the road, then take the path forking off left, signposted Youlgreave.Robin Hood gets quite a few mentions in the Peak District, as it’s not too far from his home in Sherwood Forest in Nottingham. There’s Robin Hood’s cave on Stanage Edge and also Robin Hood’s well near Padley Gorge. Limestone Way signs (plus look for the green circular sign) As you reach the beginning of Bradford Dale on your walk, look out for the unique books in the wall, next to the old sheep dips! If you read from top to bottom, you can read jabout them. Beginning of Bradford Dale