A Dragon’s Back Walk!
The Dragon’s Back Walk is a spectacular 3.9-mile route through one of the most striking landscapes in the Peak District National Park. Beginning and ending in the peaceful hamlet of Hollinsclough, this circular walk takes you along field paths and quiet country lanes, offering sweeping views over the wild Staffordshire hills with their scattered farms and criss-crossing stone walls.
The highlight of the journey is the ascent of Chrome Hill, where you follow the dramatic crest of the famous Dragon’s Back to a summit of 425 metres, rewarded with panoramic vistas across the wide valley and a particularly impressive view of the craggy Parkhouse Hill ahead.
The return leg descends gently through pastoral fields and lanes back to Hollinsclough. Walkers should be prepared for challenging terrain in places, with uneven rocks and steep sections on the summit ridge, as well as several kissing gates and step stiles. Street parking is available in Hollinsclough, though visitors are asked to park considerately. At a moderate pace with stops to enjoy the views, the walk takes around three to four hours to complete.
Dragon’s Back Walk
This magnificent Dragon’s Back Walk offers an unforgettable way to explore one of the most breathtaking corners of the Peak District National Park, immersing you in the raw, untamed beauty of the Staffordshire countryside. Beginning and ending in the charming, pretty little hamlet of Hollinsclough, the route initially guides you along winding field paths and quiet country lanes, where sweeping vistas unfold across the rolling, wild hills. These hills are dotted with isolated farmsteads and intricately patterned with weathered stone walls that stitch the landscape together. As the journey progresses, you are led up onto the dramatic crest of one half of the legendary Dragon’s Back, ascending to the summit of Chrome Hill at 425 metres. From this lofty perch, an awe-inspiring, 360-degree panorama opens out over the expansive valley below, and the sight of the striking, craggy outline of Parkhouse Hill rising sharply ahead is particularly breathtaking. The return leg then gently takes you downhill once more, meandering through pastoral fields and along peaceful country lanes, eventually looping back to the quiet welcome of Hollinsclough. By the end, you are left with a deep sense of having traversed something truly special.
Distance 3.9 miles
Time 3-4 hours
Terrain Hill paths, field tracks and country lanes
Accessibility Steep ascents, very uneven terrain, step stiles, kissing gates, gates
Start and End Point Nearest Postcode SK17 0RH | /// bedrock.cookbooks.eyeful
Map Ordnance Survey Explorer OL24
Dragon’s Back Walk
This is a walk of 3.9 miles, a modest distance that belies the richness of the experience it delivers. However, prospective walkers should be aware that the terrain is very challenging in places, particularly along the exposed summit ridge of Chrome Hill. Here, the path gives way to uneven, weathered rocks underfoot, and the route demands steady footing and sure confidence as you navigate steep ascents and equally testing descents. Along the way, you will encounter a number of kissing gates and step stiles, which add to the character of the journey but require a little extra care and patience. For those arriving by car, there is street parking available in Hollinsclough at the start of the walk, offering a convenient starting point. That said, it is important to remember that this is a small, peaceful hamlet, and visitors are kindly asked to park with thoughtful consideration for the local residents who call this quiet corner of the Peak District home. In terms of timing, it is wise to allow around three to four hours to complete the walk at a moderate, unhurried pace. This generous window gives you ample opportunity to pause frequently, catch your breath, and truly soak in the sweeping views that unfold at every turn, ensuring that you experience the full splendour of this remarkable route without feeling rushed.
How do I get to Hollinsclough to complete this Dragon’s Back Walk?
From the A53 Buxton to Leek road, at Flash Bar Stores, set the sat nav for Postcode SK17 0RH.
If the exhilarating ridge walking of the Dragon’s Back has left you wanting more, the surrounding area is packed with adventure. For more spectacular ridge walking, The Roaches provides a dramatic gritstone escarpment with panoramic views. The historic village of Longnor sits on a high ridge nearby, while England’s highest village, Flash, offers wild open countryside and stunning views. If you enjoyed the challenging terrain, you might also like to explore the mysterious chasm of Lud’s Church or take on the famous ridges of Stanage Edge. For more walking routes, visit our Peak District Walking Trails Guide.
