Longnor, Hollins Hill, Dragon’s Back, Earl Sterndale hike

This is considered a challenging hike and will require a good level of fitness. It does include some scrambling so please familiarise yourself with the route and ensure this matches your ability.

Longnor, Hollins Hill, Dragon's Back, and Earl Sterndale Circular on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/derbyshire/dragons-back?sh=6p5ayp&u=i&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

This shows on alltrails as 9.9 miles with 2575ft elevation. Last time I did this route it was 11.26 miles and was around 6 hours to complete including a stop for lunch.

This challenging circular route which offers a diverse hiking experience through the heart of the Peak District.

Beginning in the village of Longnor, the trail ascends Hollins Hill, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The path then leads to the iconic Dragon's Back ridge, formed by the sharp limestone outcrops of Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill. These formations are renowned for their dramatic appearance and offer exhilarating scrambles along their crests. The return leg of the hike passes through the village of Earl Sterndale and follows Green Lane back to Longnor.

You can expect varied terrain, including narrow ridgelines, steep climbs, and sections that may be boggy or overgrown.
Arrive at 9.30am to leave at 10:00am.

The car park in Longnor next to the cobbles cafe is small and is operated on an honesty box.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jifKKkLyDcDpeadE6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

There are public toilets at the car park. I cannot guarantee if these will be open but it is likely that they are. I will check nearer the time.

Please use the chat to arrange car sharing to reduce our impact on the locality and the environment. It's also a great way to get to know each other. Please use the chat in good time to arrange this.

After the hike we will head to the pub Ye Old Cheshire Inn, Longnor which is at the end of the hike for those that want an after hike pint (other drinks are available!)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/nzSjCc3bw8pmdyPJA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

A few of us are camping at a nearby campsite on the Friday night and Saturday night. This is located in the village of Chelmorton nearby and is £12 cash per person per night operated through an honesty box if the farmer is not there (Derbyshire folk love an honesty box!) therefore this cannot be booked or reserved and is on a first come first serve basis.

There is a pitch up site for this which charges a booking fee. Please do not use this. We have contacted the farmer and there is plenty of fields we can use. You will be charged booking fee if you do use this so save your pennies for the after hike refreshments!

We will operate a separate WhatsApp chat for those wanting to camp to up to date with everyone’s plans. I’ve added the link to the WhatsApp chat in the comments. All info for camping is in the description of that WhatsApp chat.

Any questions - feel free to drop a message on the event or message either of myself or if it’s more about the camping Vicki separately if preferred.

See you there!

Please note: any walks in the Peak District can be quite boggy (even in July!).
You must wear appropriate footwear and clothing for this hike.

A good list of items to pack include:
• Sturdy, waterproof walking boots. It can get very muddy and slippy on these hikes
•Waterproof clothing, it is England after all
•Warm/cold weather layers. Prepare for all weather
•Enough water for the duration of the hike
•Lunch and snacks as needed. There aren’t places on this hike to pick up supplies that I can ensure is open.

Etiquette - If you can no longer attend the event, please remember to cancel yours and / or your guests rsvp as we often have people on the waiting list and it means we won't wait around for you either

Please note that the organisers may not have walked these routes for a while, so bear with us whilst we navigate.

You are joining these walks at your own risk and are fully responsible for yourself and the choices and actions you choose to take at these events.

Meetup charge organisers to run these groups, and therefore, we would appreciate a £1 donation to help toward the cost of the group. Anything extra will go toward maps, apps, and first aid.
Please bring £1 on the walk or pay as a friend payment via PayPal

https://www.paypal.me/STholema

Dogs are welcome to join, but please act responsibly.

There is livestock on this hike so when passing dogs must be on lead.