Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill from Earl Sterndale
Derbyshire
Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill rise from the upper Dove valley like a row of teeth, two steep, narrow limestone ridges known as reef knolls, the remains of ancient coral reefs. Sheep and cattle graze throughout, so this tough little circuit suits a fit dog on a lead, with some hands-on scrambling where rock and path mix. Their serrated skyline has earned them the nickname of the Dragon's Back, and both sit within a Site of Special Scientific Interest where fossils can be seen in the rock. This 7.4km circuit starts from the village green at Earl Sterndale, climbs over the summit of Parkhouse Hill, crosses the valley to the top of Chrome Hill at 425 metres and returns through Dowel Dale. It packs in 466 metres of climbing on rocky limestone paths, with very steep grassy slopes and six stiles.
This dog friendly walk is for fit, sure-footed dogs and owners who are happy to keep them on a lead. Sheep and cattle graze the hills and the fields between them, and the ridges are narrow with steep drops on either side, so a lead is the safe choice for almost the whole route. There is little water along the way and no shade on the tops, so carry plenty for your dog in warm weather. The stiles and steep rocky steps can be hard for larger or older dogs. Parking is free along the road by the green in Earl Sterndale, and there are no toilets at the start.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.4 km (4.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- No toilets at the start or on route; nearest toilets at Parsley Hay.
- Parking
- Free roadside parking by the village green in Earl Sterndale; busy at peak times.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill from Earl Sterndale, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in DerbyshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill from Earl Sterndale dog friendly?
This walk is dog friendly, but with some important caveats — it earns a 6/10 rating because it's a tough, technical route that really suits fit, sure-footed dogs and confident owners. The 7.4km circuit involves 466 metres of climbing, steep rocky limestone paths, and six stiles, which can be challenging for larger or older dogs. If your dog is energetic and capable, it's a genuinely rewarding outing through one of the Peak District's most dramatic landscapes.
Can dogs be off lead at Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill from Earl Sterndale?
Dogs should be kept on a lead for almost the entire route. Sheep and cattle graze both the hills and the fields between them, and the ridges are narrow with steep drops on either side, making a lead the safe choice throughout. This is very much a walk where on-lead is the norm rather than the exception.
What should I know before visiting Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill from Earl Sterndale with my dog?
There is little water along the route and no shade on the tops, so carry plenty of water for your dog, especially in warm weather. There are no toilets at the start or on the route — the nearest are at Parsley Hay — and parking is free roadside by the village green in Earl Sterndale, though it can get busy at peak times. The steep rocky steps and stiles may be tricky for larger or older dogs, so it's worth being honest about your dog's fitness and agility before setting out.
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