Scrambling and Hiking, Chrome and Parkhouse, The Dragon's Back

Route: Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill

Meet at: The former Quiet Woman pub in Earl Sterndale, post code SK17 0BU. Just park anywhere you can in the village and make your way to the pub on foot to meet us. As an environmentally conscious group, we actively encourage car sharing. Further details of car sharing arrangements from Sheffield, Manchester and elsewhere will appear in the comments section nearer the time.

This scrambling and hiking outing is the classic of the White Peak. Commonly referred to as The Dragon’s Back. This range features two surprisingly sharp limestone ridges on small but spectacularly shaped hills. Often said to be the only true peaks in the Peak District, these hills stand out like monolithic miniature mountains amongst the highly picturesque scenery of the surrounding Dove Valley.

The full day will include a pleasant hike past Glutton Bridge and along the banks of Swallow Brook to the village of Hollinsclough. A steady ascent of Hollins Hill, then a drop-down to the valley before a hike up to High Edge. A lunch stop at some world War Two fortifications overlooking Buxton Raceway, followed by a descent past Tor Rock.

The main event begins with a Grade 1 scrambling ascent of the North West ridge of Chrome Hill. A descent of the South East ridge, a Grade 1 scrambling ascent of the West Ridge of Parkhouse Hill (with some optional exposed Grade 2 moves if a steep pinnacle is ascended). A descent of the East ridge before returning to our starting point at the delightfully old-fashioned village pub in Earl Sterndale (sadly now closed down).

Photos of some of our previous outings to Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill can be seen here:

https://www.meetup.com/sheffield-mountaineering-rock-climbing-meet/photos/34687878/

https://www.meetup.com/Sheffield-Mountaineering-Rock-Climbing-Meet/photos/31039614/

https://www.meetup.com/Sheffield-Mountaineering-Rock-Climbing-Meet/photos/29729605/

Difficulty: Grade 1 scrambling and generally low in the grade. This is a very beginner friendly scramble. For more information on scrambling grades, see:

https://www.thebmc.co.uk/understanding-scrambling-grades

Experience Required: Some previous hillwalking/hiking experience would be beneficial along with a reasonable level of fitness, sense of adventure and preparation for any weather.

Duration: Approx. 12 km, with overall height gain of approx. 600 metres. Duration approx. 5 hours.

Ordnance Survey Map: OS 119 Buxton and Matlock 1:50 000 scale.

Guidebook: Scrambles in the Dark Peak, published by Cicerone Press.

As always, if everybody wants to contribute £1.00 towards our Meet Up site fees and other operating costs that will be great, thanks.