A Full Guide to the Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill Circular Walk (How to see the Dragon’s Back, Peak District)
The Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill circular walk is easily one of the most spectacular Peak District walk and is an adventure walk to remember. These magnificent hills are located in the Peak District National Park White Peaks area near Buxton, north of the River Dove.
The walk has some of the most wonderfully unique scenery you can see and is a haven for landscape photographers. It is known as the walk where you can conquer the Dragon’s back .
The Dragon’s Back ridge is the peak of the Peak District, a range of pinnacles that is said to resemble the ‘plates’ on the spine of a stegosaurus dinosaur. You will soon understand why it gets the Dragon’s Back Ridge when you walk over the hills. Therefore, this walk is steep and rocky in places and should not be underestimated.
The hills are limestone reef knolls formed over 340 million years ago. They are a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the rare Jacob’s Ladder plant amongst other flora. Therefore, it is an offence to remove any geological samples.
Does it look familiar? The last episode of Peaky Blinders was filmed here and overlooked the hill! This walk is a must, you will have views of Parkhouse Hill almost immediately, and there is an option to have a coffee or a snack halfway around at the Honesty Shop.
Dragon’s Back Walk Details
Distance: 10.5km (6.5 miles)
Time: 3.5 – 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 576m
How to get to the Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill Walk
Car: for the trailhead from Buxton, follow the A515 southeast and turn left onto Buxton Road/B5053. Continue, and then turn left at Dale View. The Quiet Woman pub is the walk’s starting point (although it is currently closed in Earl Sterndale).
Public Transport: the nearest train station is Buxton, and you can catch the number 442 bus that runs from Buxton to Ashbourne and get off at the Main Road in Earl Sterndale. However, the service is limited, and you would have to plan your walk around bus times. Please check if the service is running before you go.
Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill Parking
The best place to park is on the green streets in Earl Sterndale, which is free. There is no official car park, meaning you need to be considerate of the locals and accept that if you’re too late to park, you should consider coming back another time.
There are no facilities on this walk, and the Quiet Woman Pub is now closed, which means there is nowhere to buy drinks/snacks. The nearest toilets are at Parsley Hay car park, which is 10-minutes away. However, there is a shop halfway, where you can buy snacks and coffee.
The address is: Main Street, Earl Sterndale, Buxton, SK17 0BX
You can follow the Google Maps directions here.
When is the best time to go on the Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill Walk?
The circular walk is a year-round walk that is best done in good weather. If it is raining, then it is likely that the rocks on the two peaks will be too slippery, and you could hurt yourself.
Additionally, it has been said that a double sunset can be seen around the summer solstice and in good weather. It occurs when the sun sets just southwest of Chrome Hill’s summit. The sun then sets again on the northeastern slope of the hill.
Useful Tips for the Dragon’s Back Walk
- Dogs are welcome on the walk, but they must be kept on leads, as there are many grazing livestock. There are some stiles, though, so keep this in mind.
- The Ordnance Survey Map is OL24 – Peak District (White Peak Area)
- You will need to wear appropriate footwear (we recommend hiking boots or trail shoes) with grip as you will climb up limestone rocks.
- You will need to wear appropriate clothes for the weather conditions. You will be exposed walking along the ridge and need to wear layers and waterproof clothing (we always take them with us, just in case).
- Take food and plenty of water with you, and you can stop at the Honesty Shop, where they have picnic benches and coffee. They accept cards and cash.
- Take all litter home with you and always leave no trace.
Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill Weather
Check the weather before you go so you know what to expect on your walk.
Chrome Hill Short Walk Alternative
You can walk from Glutton Bridge on the single-track road (limited parking on the grass near the telephone box ) if you want a short walk. Walk along the road, take a right at the fork and then a left at the cattle grid. From here, walk up to the top of Chrome Hill and head down towards Stoop Farm, then follow the road to Glutton Farm and back to Buxton Road.
This route is roughly 4 miles and will take around 3 hours to complete. You can also make it an out-and-back route if you are short on time.
Dragon’s Back Walk Directions and Route
Step 1: Earl Sterndale Village to Parkhouse Hill
Start in the quiet village of Earl Sterndale, from the Quiet Woman Pub, take a right to go through the metal gate. From here, continue straight through the wooden gates following the yellow markers. Go through the open fields, and you can see Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill in the distance if the weather is good.
Please go through the gate and follow the path as it curves left down the hill. Go down through the wooden gate to the road. Cross the B5053 road and go straight through the field to go through another wooden gate.
Carry on and begin climbing Parkhouse Hill. The path zig-zags up, and we would recommend this way rather than heading up straight as it’s too steep!
At the top, take in all the views before you head down. The path down can be difficult, as the stones were quite slippery. There are different routes down, so take the one that’s best for you. When you get down the road, turn right and left to cross over the stile.
Step 2: Parkhouse Hill up Chrome Hill and down to Washgate Lane
Head towards the tree and follow the path as it begins to go uphill towards Chrome Hill. You will head towards another large tree and enter a gate under it. From here, continue uphill to the top of Chrome Hill. You will have fabulous views behind you off Parkhouse hill.
When you are ready, head down the back of Chrome Hill. Take your time and follow the route that is best for you. We went over the ridge and found it fun. The path naturally goes down and is easy to follow. It can be muddy after heavy rain.
You will reach a wooden gate on your right. Please go through it, cross over the wooden path planks, and then follow the signs with the white arrows by going down and then back up again. Go through the wooden cafe and turn right onto the Concession path. Keep going up and then through the wooden gate and straight ahead through the next fields.
When you reach the stony road, go diagonally through the gate, cross the fields and carry on going through the wooden gates as the path goes downhill.
Step 3: Washgate Lane to Hollinsclough
When you get to Washgate Lane, go through the gate and walk briefly down the road before turning back onto the footpath to walk along behind Hollins Hill.
Some footpaths are on private roads, but you want to continue straight until you get to the road into Hollinsclough. Turn left to walk along Carr Lane in the direction of Chrome Hill. Be careful as you walk along the road.
Head to the Honesty Shop, where you can get drinks and snacks and rest on the picnic benches. You can pay using cash and a card.
Step 4: Hollinsclough to Earl Sterndale Village
Go through the Honesty Shop, walk along the road, and then head right toward Glutton Bridge. You will be able to see Parkhouse Hill in front of you.
Keep going straight, go through the gate and cross the road to walk on the grass and curve around the bottom of Parkhouse Hill.
Continue straight down through the fields, and you will go through a wooden gate you came through near the start. Keep going, cross the road and go up the hill you went on at the start as it curves left and then right uphill.
Go straight through the fields and return the way you came or head back into the village through a gap in the wall on your left.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Chrome Hill?
Chrome Hill is in the Upper Dove Valley near the Derbyshire-Staffordshire border, near Buxton in the Peak District National Park. Glutton Bridge and Earl Sterndale are the closest villages.
How high is Chrome Hill?
Chrome Hill is 425m above sea level and is higher than Parkhouse Hill.
Can you walk on Chrome Hill?
Yes, you can complete the Chrome Hill walk and follow our guide to ensure you do not trespass onto private land. There is a path up and down the summit.
How high is Parkhouse Hill?
Parkhouse Hill is 360m above sea level and is, therefore, the smaller of the two peaks, but there are still stunning views.
What other walks can I do in the Peak District National Park?
Mam Tor Walk
Padley Gorge Walk
Dovestone Reservoir Walk
Ladybower Reservoir Walk
Pots and Pans Walk
Thor’s Cave Walk
Bamford Edge
Photo Credits: averagelive.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.