Highlight • Climb
Chrome Hill
Hiking
4.9
(413)
You can’t miss the hill for its eye-catching dragon’s back shape, just begging to be ascended. It’s steep-going but the views and the experience are well worth the short climb. You can admire its similar neighbour, Parkhouse Hill, and even climb that too while you’re at it.
An extraordinarily shaped hill in the glorious South West Peak area
There seem to be more footpaths and bridleways in this area than roads, so you can reach the base of Chrome Hill from almost anywhere and slot it into an adventure as long or short as you want. A classic starting point is the village of Longnor, to the south east, thanks to its modest parking and facilities.
The hill itself is open access land and there’s a permissive footpath running along its beautiful spine. The ascent is steep, and you may have to scramble in places but the path is fairly easy underfoot. At every stage on this hill, the rocky spine is awe-inspiring and the trail meanders around its mighty vertebrae.
At the top, the views of shark-finned Parkhouse Hill are epic, and the Dove Valley to the south carves its way through rolling hills. The landscape is usually a vivid green, with dry stone walls flowing between fields. You can explore Chrome Hill throughout the year but take great care in harsh winter conditions and if you’re not confident walking a ridge in snow, wait until it passes.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
September 28, 2018
Hiking
March 1, 2019
Hiking
September 26, 2020
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Chrome Hill
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Embark on the Dragon's Back loop from Longnor, a moderate 9.0-mile (14.5 km) hike in the Peak District National Park that typically takes about 4 hours and 22 minutes to complete. You will gain 1463 feet (446 metres) in elevation as you traverse a diverse landscape. The trail features a mix of unpaved paths, natural trails, and quiet lanes, but also includes challenging sections requiring some scrambling, especially on the narrow edges of Chrome Hill. Expect uneven and sometimes slippery limestone rocks on steep ascents and descents. As you hike, you will encounter step stiles and kissing gates, and cross a ford, though a footbridge is available if needed. The scenery unfolds with magnificent views over the wild Staffordshire hills, dotted with farms and criss-crossed with stone walls, offering spellbinding vistas over the distinctive "Dragon's Back" formed by Chrome and Parkhouse Hills.
This loop is generally considered a moderate hike, requiring good fitness due to its challenging sections. The ascent of Chrome Hill is particularly strenuous, involving steep inclines and uneven, slippery limestone rocks. Descending from Parkhouse Hill also involves a very steep path, so it is advisable to take great care on these sections due to potential steep drops. While some parts are easily accessible, be prepared for significant challenges on others. The route offers continuous panoramic views from various points, particularly from Chrome Hill and High Wheeldon, making the effort worthwhile.
The Dragon's Back loop is most notable for the distinctive geological formations of Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill, which resemble the plates along a stegosaurus's spine. These unique reef knolls were formed from an ancient coral reef when the area was covered by a tropical sea millions of years ago. The trail is celebrated for its demanding yet exhilarating nature, featuring seven short, very steep climbs to and off the summits. This area is also recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unusual geology and unique flora, such as foxgloves in summer and bright yellow gorse in autumn.
4.8
(131)
823
hikers
7.37km
02:14
240m
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 410 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
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Monday 1 June
17°C
11°C
87 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h
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