Chrome Hill Walk

Route Description for Chrome Hill Walk

The Chrome Hill Walk is an exciting route with amazing views, but that doesn’t mean that it is perfect for all walkers. Stretches of the trail that lead up Chrome hill are very steep and rocky, which can be particularly hazardous in wet weather. If you plan to set out on this walk, make sure that the conditions are right and wear proper walking footwear to get the best traction on the uneven terrain.

While this walk might not be suitable for all skill levels, if you can traverse the challenging terrain, you will be rewarded with some stunning views overlooking the picturesque Derbyshire countryside. From the top the distinctive peaks, you will have a sweeping view across the rolling hills, fenced farms, and charming villages that dot the landscape. If you are looking for a bit of a leg burner with spectacular views, then look no further than the Chrome Hill Walk.

Setting out from the Quiet Woman pub in Earl Sterndale, follow the trail to the northwest as it passes by several buildings and through a series of four gates. After passing through the last gate, continue on through the fields for 0.6 km as the trail descends sharply and crosses over two stiles. Once you have arrived at the side of the road, make your way across and pass through the gate to pick up the path.

In 56 m, pass through the gate and keep right at the fork, proceeding for 0.2 km until you arrive at a gate at the foot of Parkhouse Hill. Head through the gate and turn right to cross a stretch of terrain that runs between two fences on the approach to Glutton Farm. Once you have met up with the lane in front of the farm, turn left and pass through a series of gates that will lead you on a trail that runs parallel to a fence.

Continue north along the meandering trail for 0.7 km, as it cuts through the lush farmland and arrives at a junction in the trail. Cross over the stile and through the gate directly opposite to pick the trail up on the left. Although the path is marked private on most maps, there is a public access path that runs parallel to it. Follow this path for 0.7 km, crossing over a stile and passing through two gates before meeting up with the road.

Once there, turn right and follow the road for 1.3 km before turning left onto a less busy road. In 380ft, turn left to cross over a stile and pick up the trail as it begins to descend fairly steeply downhill. After passing through a series of three gates that separate different fields, the trail will turn more to the south and pass through a fourth gate, reaching the lowest point of the descent before the climb up Chrome Hill.

With the peak ahead of you to the southeast, follow along the trail as it begins to climb up the steep and rocky terrain to the summit. There are no intersecting trails here, so keep straight, and you will eventually reach the viewpoint, where you will have some spectacular views over the Derbyshire landscape and Parkhouse Hill directly to the southeast. After taking in the views, head down the eastern slope of the hill and ankle your way to Parkhouse Hill.

After passing through a gate, continue along the path until you arrive at the edge of the road. Cross over the stile and turn right to follow along the road, where you will soon have the choice of whether or not you want to also climb Parkhouse Hill. After 41 m, you will find a path on your left leading over the summit for some amazing views of the surrounding landscape. For those looking to take that route, you will descend the hill on the opposite side and arrive at the aforementioned gate near Glutton Farm.

If you do not wish to climb the hill, continue along the road for 0.3 km and pick up the trail on your left to skirt around the foot of Parkhouse Hill. Pass through the gate and head right at the next fork to eventually meet back up with your initial trail that crossed Buxton Road. Pass through the gate and cross over the road, following the same route back through the fields to return to the Quiet Woman pub where you began the Chrome Hill Walk.

Trail Highlights

Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill

Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill are a series of distinctive limestone reef knolls in Derbyshire that stand as remnants of the Carboniferous Period. During that time, much of the modern-day area known as the Peak District was covered by a tropical sea, leading to the deposit of sediment that, over time, formed many of the region’s unique landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you park to access Chrome Hill?

Park near the Quiet Woman pub in the village of Earl Sterndale, where you can follow the trail leading around the peaks.

Other amazing walks in Peak District National Park

Check out our guides to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Dovedale, and Padley Gorge. Or see all of our Peak District walks on 10Adventures.

Insider Hints for Chrome Hill Walk

• Parts of this walk are very steep and rocky. Make sure to wear proper walking footwear and possibly consider avoiding this trail if the conditions are wet.
• The starting point of the walk, the Quiet Woman pub, is a great spot for a bite to eat and a drink after your walk.