Secret Robin Hood Cave - How To Find It On Stanage Edge, Peak District (2026)!

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Many people visit the spectacular Stanage Edge every year, but not many know about the secret Robin Hood Cave that is hidden away here.

It’s a mysterious cave that has been named after the notorious outlaw but has seen human settlers for well over a millennia!

I have to admit, this cave is a bit of a hidden gem and not easy to find or to climb into.

But, in this post, I will give you some detailed directions for locating it.

Here’s a complete guide on how to find Robin Hood Cave in Stanage Edge and what to expect!

Robin Hood Cave Stanage Edge — Robin Hood Cave

Robin Hood Cave Peak District — *Robin Hood’s Cave*

Table of Contents

What is Robin Hood’s Cave?

Robin Hood Cave is a secret cave that has been carved out in the cliff face of Stanage Edge in the Peak District National Park.

The highest point of Stanage Edge is High Neb which is around 458 metres or 1,503 feet above sea level.

To get to Robin Hood’s Cave, you need to head down a pathway on the cliff face which can be hard to find, and then scramble your way inside the cave.

But, once you do, you’ll be greeted with some incredible views and a unique perspective of the countryside!

Did Robin Hood ever visit Robin Hood Cave?

Ah, the legends of Robin Hood spread far and wide across this country.

It is believed that the name of this cave came from the legendary outlaw visiting this cave himself!

If you didn’t know, Robin Hood was an outlaw who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, along with his band of Merry Men.

Although Hollywood centres many of the stories of Robin Hood around Nottingham and Sherwood Forest, the medieval ballads also mention Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

Indeed, there is a theory that Robin Hood was in fact a nobleman called Robert of Loxley from South Yorkshire.

The borders of Sherwood Forest were much larger in his day and stretched as far as Derbyshire and Yorkshire.

Also, it is believed that Little John was from Hathersage, which is nearby.

There is another theory that Lud’s Church in Staffordshire was another of Hood’s hiding places.

So, although it has never been proven, Robin Hood and his Merry Men could have very well used this cave as a hideout from their enemies. What do you think?

Where is Robin Hood’s Cave in the Peak District?

Robin Hood’s Cave is located on Stanage Edge in the Peak District National Park.

The nearest city to Stanage Edge is Sheffield, and it’s located in Hope Valley, which is near to Castleton and Hathersage.

Stanage Edge is in a remote part of the Peak District, so the best way to arrive here is by car.

But there is a regular 257 bus service that runs to the Peak District from Sheffield that can drop you off in Hathersage. See here for details.

Robin Hood Cave Location Map — *Click the map for a Google Pin!*

How to find Robin Hood Cave at Stanage Edge

To find Robin Hood’s Cave in the Peak District, you’ll first need to navigate your way to Stanage Edge moor.

No signs are pointing you towards Robin Hood’s Cave at all, so I will try to provide some directions below on how you can find it.

Although there are some longer Stanage Edge walks in the Peak District, the directions I’ll provide below are the quickest and easiest way to visit Robin Hood Cave.

It will take you around 20-30 minutes in total from the car park, but I’d allow a lot longer as you’ll want to explore Stanage Edge and take photos.

Plus, climbing in and out of the cave will take some time as it’s quite awkward, and you may have to wait your turn if there are lots of people.

Here are directions on how to find Robin Hood Cave on Stanage Edge!

Stanage Edge Peak District — *The bottom of Stanage Edge!*

Robin Hood’s Cave directions

1. Where to park for Robin Hood’s Cave – Hook’s Carr Car Park

The closest parking area to Robin Hood’s Cave is Hook’s Carr Car Park, right in front of Stanage Edge.

It’s a large car park that can take up to around 20-30 cars. But I would always try to get here early to secure a space as Stanage Edge is really popular.

This is especially important on weekends and Bank Holidays.

Stanage Edge parking charges are FREE all day in Hook’s Carr, but it is nice to pay a donation in the honesty box at the start of the walk.

From this car park, you simply have to walk up the ridge on a steep hike for 10-15 minutes until you’re up on the moor.

The Hook’s Carr car park for Stanage Edge postcode is S32 1BR, and here is a Google Map pin to help you locate it.

Alternatively, there is the Hollin’s Bank Car Park further down the road but this does come with a parking charge of £5 all day.

This only takes coins so have cash in hand. They have toilet facilities there as well.

Hook's Carr Car PArk Stanage Edge — *The closest place to park for Robin Hood Cave is Hook’s Carr Car Park!*

2. Walk up to Stanage Edge on a short, steep hike

You’ll easily be able to see Stanage Edge from the car park and a well-beaten trail leading you up the ridge to the moor.

Just keep following the path towards the overhanging gritstone on the escarpment.

The trail splits up multiple times, but they all lead the same way upwards. There’s no right or wrong way to get up onto Stanage Edge.

Although a short walk, getting up here is very steep and requires a bit of a scramble at the very end to get up onto the rocky moor!

But it’s the easiest access route, and you’ll be up on Stanage Edge within 10-15 minutes, perfect if you’re stuck for time.

3. Head along Stanage Edge until you see a distinctive capstone rock

Once you’ve made it to the top of Stanage Edge, you will be amazed by the views you can get from up here!

You’ll be standing around 1,500 feet above sea level, and on a clear day, you can see for miles.

Once you’re finished taking photos, head left from the path you took up here. Keep walking forward along the path by the gritstone edge.

Eventually, you’ll see a capstone rock on your left. This is quite distinctive and the only one I saw like this on the moor for miles! You can’t miss it.

Once you see it, keep heading beyond the capstone until you see a gap in the rock face on your left with a beaten path leading downwards.

Captstone rock Stanage Edge — *The capstone rock looks like a dolmen chamber and is quite distinctive; the path is just beyond this*.

4. Enter the gap, and you’ll find Robin Hood Cave in Stanage Edge

Once you follow this small path in the gap, you’ll find Robin Hood Cave straight in front of you!

There may be rock climbers here; make sure you’re not in their way and don’t bother them. They are concentrating on the safety of their group.

But, you’ve now made it to Robin Hood’s Cave…all that’s left is to climb inside, which is an adventure in itself.

How to find Robin Hood's Cave Stanage Edge — *Walk down this path to Robin Hood’s Cave!*

What NO ONE tells you about entering Robin Hood Cave

Okay, so now you have found Robin Hood Cave, you are probably thinking…where is the actual cave and ”how on earth do I get in there?!”

Well, I’m here to give you the ugly truth about how you actually get inside Robin Hood’s Cave at Stanage Edge.

No one mentioned this on any of the blog posts I read, and the walk inside is really not as romantic as the name!

Once you reach Robin Hood’s Cave, you’ll need to hop on top of the rocks that lead into the rock face.

You’ll notice a very low natural ceiling that requires you to crawl low.

You’ll see a tiny gap in the rocks and below that a rock that slopes downwards with a tiny hole at the bottom.

Yes, you need to head through that tiny hole!

To get into Robin Hood Cave, you need to pretty much lie flat or scramble your way down and then crawl through that tiny hole…kind of like Alice in Wonderland.

Mind out for all the mud and dirty puddles too at the bottom. I’d try to place your bags somewhere that won’t get mucky as you make your way down.

Also, make sure you’re wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as you’ll be scrambling.

Once you’ve got through the hole, you’ll have entered Robin Hood’s Cave!

It’s not as easy as people make it look, but it’s worth the effort for the spectacular views.

Just be careful and take your time getting in. I would not recommend this if you’re claustrophobic.

There are some very tight gaps and low rock ceilings, which could make you feel very uncomfortable.

Robin Hood Cave Entrance — *Head through this hole to access Robin Hood’s Cave*

What to expect in Robin Hood Cave

So, once you’re inside the cave, it’s time to explore and have a look around.

It’s quite a small and round cave which has just enough room for a few people inside.

On my visit in summer, it was still quite wet, so watch out for the mud and puddles.

In winter, it can get really flooded in here, so have a pair of waterproof shoes on.

Once you’re inside, there will be a tiny hole through which you entered the cave at your back.

Then you can head over to a larger hole that takes you out on a scenic balcony ledge.

Once you’re out on the balcony, you get some of the most unique and amazing views of the countryside and Stanage Edge!

You’re literally on the cliff face, which is mind-boggling. I loved having this place to myself for a while to take it all in.

There were a few rock climbers but barely any crowds, which made it a little more relaxing, especially as the climb was quite stressful!

Although not what I expected, it was still a great place to visit and a fantastic photo opportunity in the Peak District.

I’d highly recommend visiting if you can.

My top tips for visiting Robin Hood Cave

Visit early – Stanage Edge is one of the most popular walks in the Peak District, so if you want to visit with fewer crowds, I would come during the week and before 9 am! I got here around 8 am.

Facilities – there are no toilets at the start of this walk at Hook’s Carr Car Park. But the Hollin’s Bank Car Park has some.

Wear appropriate clothing – you’ll be climbing and scrambling over rocks, so this isn’t the place for fresh white tees. I would come prepared in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or ripped.

A good pair of shoes – although this is a short walk, I would still take some ankle-supporting shoes. The surface of Stanage Edge can be uneven and muddy.

Adverse weather – if it’s windy or rainy, take caution when climbing near the edges of Stanage Edge. You could seriously injure yourself.

Take bottled water and snacks – Stanage Edge is in a remote part of the Peak District. So, bring bottled water and food supplies with you. Don’t leave rubbish in the cave, it’s simply disrespectful.

Phone signal – actually amazing up here. I used the Google Pin for Robin Hood Cave to guide me along the edge until I found the entrance.

Camera – don’t miss the amazing opportunity to grab pictures of Stanage Edge. It’s honestly spectacular, and on a clear day, the views are fabulous.

Views from Robin Hood's Cave — *View’s from the cave!*

Ready to explore more of Stanage Edge?

After Robin Hood Cave, there is plenty more to see of Stanage Edge! It runs for miles, and you can make the walk as long as you’d like.

I carried on a bit further down to see the famous Pride & Prejudice film location. If you didn’t know, they filmed the movie here in 2005.

At the beginning of the movie, Keira Knightley stands on a ledge at Stanage Edge in her gorgeous dress that’s flowing in the wind.

You can visit this ledge just a little further down, and you can stand where she stood!

After that, you could head over to the likes of Bamford Edge and Ladybower Reservoir, which are just a few miles away.

Or, many people like to walk from Hathersage to Stanage Edge. It’s a gorgeous village in the Peak District that’s famous for its outdoor swimming pool.

Stanage Edge Pride and Prejudice filming location — *This is THE Keira Knightley rock from Pride & Prejudice in Stanage Edge!*

Where to next in the Peak District?

After Stanage Edge, you’re in the perfect place to explore more amazing places in the Peak District.

I would highly recommend that you visit Bamford Edge next, it’s another short walk and a similar outcrop which provides some incredible views!

Then, you could head on over to Hope Valley and the gorgeous village of Castleton through Winnats’ Pass.

Castleton is famous for its Castleton Caves and Peveril Castle. But I would also recommend stopping at Peakshole Water as it’s so photogenic.

No visit to Castleton would be complete without a hike up to Mam Tor summit, or the Mother Hill, near Edale Valley.

Further on, you can visit even more amazing locations like Chapel-en-le-Frith, Padley Gorge, and Eyam Plague Village.