Dragon’s Back Circular Walk – Chrome & Parkhouse Hill From Earl Sterndale
🥾 Peak District

Dragon’s Back Circular Walk – Chrome & Parkhouse Hill From Earl Sterndale

🧡 Char & Ads 📅 June 15, 2026
📍
4.6 Miles
Distance
⏱️
2-3 Hours
Duration
💪
Moderate
Difficulty
⛰️
1424ft
Elevation
🅿️
Free (limited)
Parking
🍂
May - September
Best Season
🐕
No
Dogs
🌿
Ridge walk, basic scrambling, field paths
Terrain
🚻
No
Toilets
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🗺️ The route

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📍 Start: SK17 0BS
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Dragon’s Back Circular Walk – Chrome & Parkhouse Hill From Earl Sterndale

This Chrome and Parkhouse hill circular is without question, one of the best walks in the Peak District and with 360 views from the top, it’s easy to see why it’s called the ‘Dragon’s Back’.

view over a dry stone wall of the countryside and hills
looking down into a small valley, with a country lane in the bottom

What to expect

The walk starts off easy on a tarmac lane in the village of Earl Sterndale, but once you get onto Chrome Hill, it becomes much tougher. It’s steep, slippery and can feel exposed at times, the path isn’t always obvious, but choose your route carefully and if you pick a clear day the views from up here are amazing.

🔒

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farm track lane leading into a lush green valley
Limestone cliffs, animal wood and wire fencing, lush greenery

Getting there & parking

Parking is limited as its just at the roadside in Earl Sterndale – SK17 0BS.

Best time to visit Best months: May to September
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Now Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best
Good
Quieter / wet underfoot

Good to know

🅿️Where do we park?

You'll find free (limited) parking at the start of the walk. Postcode for sat nav: SK17 0BS.

🚻Are there toilets?

No, there aren't any on this route.

🐕Can I bring the dog?

No, dogs aren't allowed on this walk.

🥾What underfoot?

Expect ridge walk, basic scrambling, field paths underfoot.

The route

This is a circular route with a lot of ascent and descent but trust us, it worth it for the views. Heading along the road to approach Chrome Hill first gives you the best view of the ‘Dragon’s Back’.

public footpath sign showing Chrome Hill
Rocky ridge of the Dragon's back from a distance

Tips & what to bring

You’ll need good sturdy footwear for this one as there are stretches where its a little scrambley and you might have to go hands on. The rocks underfoot can get slippery and there are sections that can be very muddy, even in summer.

🌿 Trail conditions
☀️ Dry1 month ago
☀️ Dry1 month ago
☀️ Dry1 month ago
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Eat & drink nearby

There’s a little honesty shop just a 10 minute walk down the farm track lane between Chrome and Parkhouse Hill. You can get coffee, ice cream, snacks and even homemade jams and chutneys at certain times of the year. There is a bookstore cafe and Tagg Lane Dairy is about 10 minutes away in the car from Earl Sterndale but for pubs or a bigger choice, you’ll want to head to Buxton which is about 20 minutes away.

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Places to stay nearby

★ Featured partner · make a weekend of it
The George Hotel, Hathersage
Hotel · 12.5 miles away
Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves. Plan a weekend →
The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Hotel
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The Peacock At Rowsley ✦ NewHotel
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From walkers

1 photo from people who walked this

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