Chrome hill in the Peak District is one of the most iconic, and famous hikes in the whole of the National Park. One of my favorite hikes, an easy-to-do walk in the Peak District, and one I’ve gone back to do many a time.
The lush rolling hills of the Peak District are interrupted by Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill. 340 million years ago these rocks were formed and today they protrude like a dragon’s back.
A fairly easy, and light, circular walk. This is absolutely a must-do if you’re visiting the Peak District. Offering quintessential British countryside views for as far as the eye can see.
Quick Facts about Chrome Hill Peak District
- Distance: Roughly 6 mile circular
- Time: 2-4 hours
- Best travel time: Anytime, but maybe avoid weekends if you want it to be quiet!
- Difficulty: Max elevation isn’t too high, but there is some exposure and scrambling to be done.
- Parking: Quiet Woman Pub, Earl Sterndale, Buxton SK17 0BU
High Points of Chrome Hill Peak District
- Beautiful circular walk in the Peaks
- Some incredible views from both summits
- Fun scrambling and good exposure
- Not too far from good food and a good pint!
Low Points of Chrome Hill Peak District
Slippery in the wet, be careful.
How to get to Chrome Hill Peak District
There’s no official car park for the Chrome Hill Peak District hike, but there is an old pub that you can park at and easily access the start of the trail.
Park at the Quiet Woman Pub, which is linked on the google map below. The postcode is SK170BU.
Walk through the gate, and then follow the small signs that’ll lead you through small gates and across the field.
Once you’ve reached the top field you’ll see both Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill come into view.
Cross through the bottom field, across the road, and then start the walk up the very obvious trail in front of you.
From here, the trail is fairly self-explanatory until you get to the opposite side of the first hill. Then you’ll need to navigate down carefully, cross the road and pick the trail back up again over the next hill.
Once you’ve summited the next hill, it’s not as straightforward from here.
Follow the route until you get through the kissing gate and then head uphill for a fairly steep climb.
Then you’ll be through some fields that’ll likely have livestock in them and just head straight through until you pick up the road.
Follow the road until it forks off, and stick to the dirt road as opposed to the concrete road. This will just take you off the road, and through some more fields, over a river, and back up towards the road. Much better than walking on concrete personally!
From here, you’ll head into a small village, head left at the turn, and then follow it all the way down keeping both hills to your left.
You’ll then come back to the base of the first hill, and you’ll need to ascend the first fields you came down when you started the walk.
If you want the full route, then I used AllTrails for this hike and you can find it here.
My Experience of Chrome Hill Peak District
It’s definitely a must-do if you’re in the Peak District.
The handful of times I’ve done it, I’ve only ever come across a few other people. This is unusual for the Peak District as it seems there are people on every trail when I am out hiking!
It’s got a bit of everything for this hike. A fairly good climb and scramble, with some scenic countryside views, lots of wildlife and photo opportunities, and all in all a good day out on the feet!
You’re not too far from Buxton either which has many places to eat and drink when you’re finished for the day.
If you’ve any questions about Chrome Hill in the Peak District then drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help.
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