Our drawing of the route, over road and path data from OpenStreetMap. It shows where the walk goes and what it goes through. It is not a survey and not a navigation aid — carry OS Explorer on the hill.
Seven miles and close to four hours across the limestone shelf to the gritstone tors of Robin Hood's Stride, returning by the Bradford valley. Start from roadside parking in Youlgreave; the alternative is the small free pull-in on the lane below Robin Hood's Stride, which holds about eight cars. Field paths cross sheep and cattle pasture almost continuously so a two-metre lead is needed near stock, the packhorse route has steep stone steps at Cratcliffe, and dogs can drink from the Bradford at the end but not on the high ground.
Five and a half miles and about three hours linking two of the clearest rivers in England, with only one real climb out of Bradford Dale and back down to Alport. Park on Alport Lane or Church Street in Youlgreave, both free but tight; there is no car park in the village at all. The dales are part of the Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve where livestock graze large areas and dogs are asked to be on the lead, the shallow pools in Bradford Dale are the best dog swimming in the White Peak, and there are stone stiles that a big dog will need help over.
The old Co-op building in the middle of Youlgreave, above Bradford Dale and a mile from Lathkill. Dogs are only allowed if you take the whole hostel on YHA's Exclusive Hire, and even then not in the bedrooms, on the furniture or in the kitchen, and on a lead in the grounds. For a group with dogs that is a genuinely useful option; for a couple booking a room it is a no.
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