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| Along The Dragon's Back |
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Date : 12th July 2009
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Leaders : Trevor Whittaker |
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Report by : Phil Bedson |
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Photos © : Phil Bedson |
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| CLICK HERE FOR ROUTE DETAILS |
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| Chrome Hill AKA The Dragon's Back | |
Derbyshire was the destination for nine members of Hyndburn Ramblers as they endeavoured to conquer Chrome Hill aka the Dragon’s Back, a limestone outcrop in the heart of the Peak District. The long drive went pretty quickly and was via Glossop and Buxton to our starting point in the village of Earl Stendale.
We parked up next to the small church and, once everyone had donned their boots and packs, our leader set off towards The Quiet Woman public house (unfortunately still closed) to take a public footpath on the right of the building. Following the path uphill past some donkeys we went over a stile to enter some access land where we veered slightly right to top Hitter Hill from where we got our first views of The Dragon’s Back. The route descended the steep side of Hitter Hill to join a footpath across a field and a small road to enter another field whereby the path took us around the southern flank of Parkhouse Hill. Joining a good track a drizzle started to fall and we quickly stopped to put on the waterproofs although one of our number dealt with the rain with a bright red brolly! The rain was to stay with us for the next mile or so until we arrived at the village green of Hollinsclough.
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left:
First view of the peaks |
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right: Towards Parkhouse Hill |
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left:
Suits you Sir!! |
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right: Back to Parkhouse Hill |
Turning right up the road we soon came upon a gate off to the right which led to a path across a field, affording a superb side on view of the Dragon’s Back. Soon after crossing a footbridge a concessionary path took us to another Access Area and a steady climb uphill to the long ridge of Hollins Hill. A brief drink stop was had whilst looking at our target before we resumed walking to the highest most point of the ridge at the tumulus. After photo’s were taken the group had a sharp descent down to join the small road next to Booth Farm before taking a footpath off towards Stoop Farm just as a small shower began which made everyone reach for their coats. As we proceeded along the path the view of the Dragon’s Back which emerged before us showed just why the nickname had been applied and, with the rain having stopped again, it was here a decision was made to have lunch.
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left:
Ascending to Hollins Hill |
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right: Across the valley to Chrome Hill |
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A break atop Hollins Hill |
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right: Group on the tumulus of Hollins Hill |
After eating, made a little difficult due to everyone sat on a steep slope like mountain goats, the only way to go was up. Remaining upright was possible the majority of the time but all fours had to be employed on the odd occasion as we scrambled up to the ridge, the strong wind not helpful in the slightest. Once there the views to either side were astounding and the narrow path ahead to the high point was exhilarating to say the least. We’d been beaten to the summit by a whole family, including a baby in a baby carrier, and they were encamped having a picnic which made the obligatory photograph a bit of a squeeze getting us all in.
The way down was a little treacherous after the light rain earlier and, indeed, one of our group did slip and ended up with his leg buried in a bed of nettles but apart from that everyone made it down safely. We re-grouped on the track at the bottom of the hill and, before ascending our next ridge, had a very well deserved drink break.
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left:
Ascending the Dragons Back on foot... |
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right: ...and all fours!! |
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left:
The Dragon is slain |
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right: The descent |
The climb up Parkhouse Hill was, quite literally, that as we hauled ourselves up an extremely steep path. When we eventually got to stand up it was still an almighty scramble over the limestone as each high spot gave way to the next until we finally reached the summit. Looking behind us, the Dragon’s Back stretched away and the general feeling of achievement was discernible amongst the group. However, like before, the way down was equally difficult and steep and the mention of grass-sledging was an idea that everyone liked if only sledges were available. We reached the bottom without incident and rejoined the field path from earlier to again cross the small road and re-cross the field towards Hitter Hill. We didn’t ascend the hill this time but rather took a well defined track around the northern fringe which led us back into the village of Earl Sterndale.
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left:
Clambering up Parkhouse |
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right: Looking back to the Dragon |
The walk had been less than the advertised mileage but the arduous hill climbing had more than made up for it and the leader was thanked for his efforts. After returning to the vehicles to change footwear and drop off the backpacks we headed for a well deserved drink at the Quiet Woman, which according some, was a little bit of an oxymoron!!
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| Our Leader and The Quiet Woman
"Soft Words Turneth Away Wrath" | |
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