Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill Walk: Dragon’s Back Peak District
It’s not often that a hill looks quite like its nickname, but the Dragon’s Back in the Peak District comes pretty close. From certain angles, Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill resemble the jagged spine of a dragon rising out of the surrounding fields.
The 7.7 km circular walk from Earl Sterndale takes in both limestone hills, with steep grassy slopes, narrow ridges and rocky sections that involve a little scrambling. Although the hills aren’t particularly high, their sharp limestone ridges make them stand out from the surrounding countryside.
The route offers some excellent views, but there are a few things worth knowing before setting off, particularly when it comes to the scrambling on Parkhouse Hill. Here’s what to expect, including the route, difficulty and where to park.
Is the Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill walk worth it?
Yes, particularly if you’re looking for something different from the usual Peak District walks. The two limestone hills rise sharply from the surrounding fields, with impressive views along their ridges and across the surrounding valleys.
One of the best views is from Parkhouse Hill looking back towards Chrome Hill. We particularly enjoyed this spot in the evening, when the afternoon sun was beginning to drop.
The circular route is manageable in half a day, with enough variety between the two hills and the surrounding countryside to make it worthwhile.
Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill walking route
The 7.7 km circular route from Earl Sterndale covers both hills, with 394 m of elevation gain. There are shorter alternatives, but this route also takes in the surrounding countryside.
The route follows an anticlockwise loop, climbing Chrome Hill first, followed by Parkhouse Hill, before returning to Earl Sterndale.
The walk starts by heading from Earl Sterndale towards Glutton, crossing fields and continuing through Dowel Dale before approaching Chrome Hill from the north-east.
We encountered cows with calves in some of these fields, so we gave them plenty of space. If you come across cattle, keep your distance, avoid getting between cows and their calves, and take particular care if you’re walking with a dog.
Chrome Hill is the higher of the two hills, although its slopes are less abrupt than those of Parkhouse Hill. The route follows the limestone ridge, with grassy slopes, rocky sections and views across the surrounding countryside.
Look out for a natural limestone arch along this section of the route, another interesting feature of Chrome Hill’s unusual landscape.
After descending Chrome Hill, you cross the road separating the two hills before climbing Parkhouse Hill. This is the steeper of the two, with rocky sections that involve some scrambling.
The route then descends the eastern side of Parkhouse Hill before returning to Earl Sterndale. The descent is steep and can be tricky on loose or wet ground, so take your time.
You can follow the exact route we used on AllTrails.
How difficult is the Dragon’s Back walk?
The Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill walk is moderately challenging. At 7.7 km with 394 m of elevation gain, it’s not particularly long, but the steep climbs, uneven ground and exposed ridges make it more demanding than a typical countryside walk.
Parkhouse Hill is the more challenging of the two, despite being lower than Chrome Hill. Its steeper slopes involve scrambling, and wet limestone can make the climb and descent considerably trickier.
We found both hills fairly manageable, although we’ve previously tackled more demanding ridges such as Crib Goch and Helvellyn. If you’re less comfortable with heights or rocky terrain, you may find the walk more challenging. Good walking footwear is advisable.
Where to park and start the walk
The Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill circular route starts in Earl Sterndale, a small village in the Peak District. Roadside parking is available around the village, including near St Michael’s Church and the cemetery.
We parked near the church and cemetery in the late afternoon and had no trouble finding a space. Parking may be more difficult at busier times, so check for restrictions and avoid blocking access for residents.
Facilities in Earl Sterndale are limited, so bring food and water for the walk.
Best time to walk Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill
Spring is a good time to start planning the Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill walk, particularly from April onwards as the days get longer. Winter rain, frost and ice can make the steep limestone slopes particularly slippery, especially on Parkhouse Hill.
We visited on 1 May and had dry weather, although it was still cool enough for light jackets.
We also prefer starting shorter hikes later in the afternoon, when many of the morning walkers have already finished. It worked well here, as we spent some time near the summit of Parkhouse Hill taking photographs, with lovely evening light across Chrome Hill.
If you’re planning a later start, leave enough daylight for the descent and the return to Earl Sterndale.
