Peak District walk: The Dragon's Back (20 miles)

This ambitious walk from Buxton offers a breathtaking adventure, drawing hikers deep into the dramatic and inspiring heart of the Peak District.
The highlight is conquering the iconic Dragon's Back, an ancient limestone reef consisting of Chrome and Parkhouse hills, whose jagged profile resembles a sleeping dragon. Following this strenuous but rewarding ridge-walk, the route will continue over other challenging hills, offering panoramic views of the rugged, sweeping countryside. This epic journey tests both endurance and sure-footedness on steep, rocky, and sometimes slippery terrain, ensuring a truly memorable day for confident hikers.

📍 Meeting Location & Time

• Meeting Location: Buxton Medical Practice, 2 Temple Road, Buxton, SK17 9BZ (entrance from Temple Rd)
• Meeting Time: 9:40

🥾 Walk Overview

• Distance: ~20 miles (32 km)
• Elevation Gain: ~3,200 ft (1,000 mt)
• Duration: ~10 hours
• Difficulty: Hard
• Route Type: Circular

🐇🐢 Pace & Fitness Requirements
This is a challenging walk intended for those in good physical condition. Please note that the group may not be able to wait for significantly slower walkers, so it is important to be prepared.
While you are welcome to walk at your own pace, be aware that the route may take longer than expected if walking slower than average. If you find the walk too difficult, there are several shortcuts available to help you complete the route. However, if you choose to take a shortcut, you will need to navigate independently, as the group leader will continue with the planned full route.

⛰️ Route Highlights

• Solomon's Temple (Grin Low Tower)
• Chrome Hill
• Parkhouse Hill (optional ascent with scrambling)
• Hitter Hill
• High Wheeldon
• Hollinsclough village
• Hollins Hill

📲 Route Links

• View Route on Komoot
• Download GPX file

🚆 Public Transport

• direct trains from/to Manchester
• direct trains from/to Buxton

🚉 Traveling by train from Sheffield
If you are traveling by train to or from Sheffield, please note that there are no direct trains. You will need to change trains at either Stockport or New Mills stations.
Consider purchasing the Derbyshire Wayfarer rover ticket — a daily pass costing £17 that allows unlimited travel within Derbyshire and nearby areas, including Sheffield. Read more here and here.
If you use the Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket and change at New Mills, be aware that you will need to walk about 10 minutes between New Mills Central and New Mills Newtown stations (and vice versa).
Important: Do not follow the route suggested by Google Maps — there is a quicker shortcut.

🌦️ Weather & Clothing
The weather on the hills can be highly variable, windy, and cold — even during the summer months.
Please wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip to handle muddy and slippery terrain. Avoid flat trainers or jeans.
Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions:

• Moisture-wicking base layers
• Insulating mid-layers
• Waterproof outer layers

If it's sunny, don’t forget sun protection such as suncream and sunglasses.
Useful links for weather forecasts:

• Buxton @ BBC Weather
• Buxton @ Met Office
• Chrome Hill @ Mountain Forecast
• High Wheeldon @ Mountain Forecast

🎒 What to Bring

• Sturdy walking boots or shoes with good grip (no flat trainers)
• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (avoid jeans)
• Sufficient food and water for the entire day
• Waterproof jacket and warm layers
• Sun protection (suncream, sunglasses)
• A comfortable backpack
• Optional: hiking poles, gloves, hat, torch (or headlamp), camera, power bank, phone (or watch) with the route downloaded

🐶 Dogs
Fit and friendly dogs are welcome! Please keep them on a lead near livestock.

📢 Notes

• The route is planned via Komoot and not pre-walked, so expect possible muddy or slippery sections.
• Parkhouse Hill ascent is optional. You can take a flat path around the hill instead of completing the scramble over the top.
• This event may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are unsafe. Updates will be emailed to you.

📌 Bookings

• Please only book if you genuinely intend to attend.
• If you reserve a spot but can no longer make it, please cancel your booking or let the organiser know. It only takes a moment to update your booking, and it really helps everyone: the organiser, the walk leader, and your fellow attendees.

⛑️ Disclaimer
You are fully responsible for your own safety, health, fitness, and equipment. The group has no insurance — by RSVPing, you agree to these terms.

📬 Questions?
Feel free to email the organiser.

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