Hermits Cave

Heritage Site in Derbyshire Derbyshire Dales

England

Hermits Cave

Path down from Stanton Moor
Path down from Stanton Moor Credit: David Lally

Hermits Cave is a renowned heritage site located in the picturesque village of Dale Abbey, Derbyshire, England. This historic cave holds great significance, dating back to the 12th century when it was used as a dwelling for hermits seeking solitude and spiritual reflection.

Nestled within a limestone hillside, Hermits Cave is a natural cavern that provided a secluded retreat for those seeking a life of solitude. These hermits, often men of religious devotion, would live in the cave in complete isolation from the outside world. The entrance to the cave is located at the base of the hill, accessible through a small doorway.

The cave consists of several interconnected chambers, the largest of which is believed to have served as the hermits' living quarters. It is an impressive space, with a high ceiling and natural rock formations. The cave's interior is dimly lit, creating an atmosphere of mystery and contemplation.

Over the centuries, Hermits Cave has undergone various renovations and restorations to preserve its historical and cultural significance. Today, it stands as a testament to the hermetic lifestyle of the past and serves as a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.

Visitors to Hermits Cave can explore the cavern and learn about its history through informative displays and guided tours. The site also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Hermits Cave Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.158/-1.663 or Grid Reference SK2262. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Path down from Stanton Moor
Path down from Stanton Moor
Leaning oak Wind-blown on Stanton Moor.
Leaning oak
Wind-blown on Stanton Moor.
Path from Winster to Birchover Necessarily paved because the ground can be soggy. It is crossing rough grazing land which does not seem to be currently grazed.
Path from Winster to Birchover
Necessarily paved because the ground can be soggy. It is crossing rough grazing land which does not seem to be currently grazed.
Footpath to Winster It crosses an area of rough grazing with a propensity to be very soft when damp. It is fine in the summer months.
Footpath to Winster
It crosses an area of rough grazing with a propensity to be very soft when damp. It is fine in the summer months.
Path to Birchover It is necessary to climb up Birchover Edge.
Path to Birchover
It is necessary to climb up Birchover Edge.
Path to Winster The village of Winster is seen on the hill ahead.
Path to Winster
The village of Winster is seen on the hill ahead.
Fields near Birchover The village is seen in the background from this point on Birchover Edge.
Fields near Birchover
The village is seen in the background from this point on Birchover Edge.
Fields below Birchover Edge Looking roughly towards Winster which is slightly off to the left.
Fields below Birchover Edge
Looking roughly towards Winster which is slightly off to the left.
Fields below Birchover Looking down towards the valley of Ivy Bar Brook.
Fields below Birchover
Looking down towards the valley of Ivy Bar Brook.
Ruined barn near Birchover Hermit's Cave and Robin Hood's Stride are rocky outcrops on the opposite hill.
Ruined barn near Birchover
Hermit's Cave and Robin Hood's Stride are rocky outcrops on the opposite hill.
Path towards Elton Elton is over the top of the hill seen ahead.
Path towards Elton
Elton is over the top of the hill seen ahead.
Path to Birchover The path leaves Dudwood Lane by Meadowside Farm. The field has been harvested for silage.
Path to Birchover
The path leaves Dudwood Lane by Meadowside Farm. The field has been harvested for silage.
Barn by Dudwood Lane The valley of Ivy Bar Brook is down to the right, and Bradley Rocks are in the trees on the other side.
Barn by Dudwood Lane
The valley of Ivy Bar Brook is down to the right, and Bradley Rocks are in the trees on the other side.
The top of Dudwood Lane The lane is also the route of the Limestone Way.
The top of Dudwood Lane
The lane is also the route of the Limestone Way.
Hilltop fields near Elton The top is a bit further out of sight, on Blake Low.
Hilltop fields near Elton
The top is a bit further out of sight, on Blake Low.
Field near Elton The eastern end of the village can be seen.
Field near Elton
The eastern end of the village can be seen.
Islington Lane A farm track near Elton which is also the route of the Limestone Way.
Islington Lane
A farm track near Elton which is also the route of the Limestone Way.
Farm on Chadwick Hill Looking down from Islington Lane. The Derwent valley is just about seen in the distance.
Farm on Chadwick Hill
Looking down from Islington Lane. The Derwent valley is just about seen in the distance.
Show me another place!

Hermits Cave is located at Grid Ref: SK2262 (Lat: 53.158, Lng: -1.663)

Administrative County: Derbyshire

District: Derbyshire Dales

Police Authority: Derbyshire

What 3 Words

///gloom.deprive.taxpayers. Near Youlgreave, Derbyshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 53.158,-1.663
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 53.1587262/-1.6561118
Barrier: stile
Foot: yes
Material: stone
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 53.1592741/-1.6666134
Bench
Hilary's seat
Ele: 217.0000000
Lat/Long: 53.157091/-1.6636422
Barrier: stile
Stile: squeezer
Lat/Long: 53.1587479/-1.6690563
Barrier: stile
Ele: 236.0000000
Steps: 3
Stile: wall
Lat/Long: 53.1578411/-1.666586
Barrier: stile
Ele: 231.0000000
Material: stone
Source: survey
Steps: 2
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 53.1573586/-1.6645692
Barrier: stile
Ele: 230.0000000
Steps: 1
Stile: wall
Lat/Long: 53.1579691/-1.662049
Barrier: stile
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 53.1604973/-1.6677309
Robin Hood's Stride
Natural: peak
Sport: climbing
Lat/Long: 53.1570297/-1.6658699
Barrier: stile
Material: stone
Source: survey;gps
Stile: squeezer
Lat/Long: 53.1576798/-1.6653089
Barrier: stile
Material: wood
Source: survey;gps
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 53.1576904/-1.6649778
Robin Hood Viewpoint
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 53.1571378/-1.6659492
Hermits Cave
Natural: cave_entrance
Lat/Long: 53.1577095/-1.6607304
Crucifixion
Artwork Type: sculpture
Material: stone
Tourism: artwork
Lat/Long: 53.1577115/-1.6607043
Barrier: stile
Material: stone
Source: survey;gps
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 53.1604972/-1.6679216
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: metal
Lat/Long: 53.1570429/-1.6637182
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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