Dragon's Back loop from Longnor — Peak District National Park
Dragon's Back loop from Longnor — Peak District National Park
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Dragon's Back loop from Longnor — Peak District National Park
04:23
14.5km
450m
Hiking
Embark on the Dragon's Back loop from Longnor, a moderate 9.0-mile (14.5 km) hike in the Peak District National Park that typically takes about 4 hours and 22 minutes to complete. You will gain 1463 feet (446 metres) in elevation as you traverse a diverse landscape. The trail features a mix of unpaved paths, natural trails, and quiet lanes, but also includes challenging sections requiring some scrambling, especially on the narrow edges of Chrome Hill. Expect uneven and sometimes slippery limestone rocks on steep ascents and descents. As you hike, you will encounter step stiles and kissing gates, and cross a ford, though a footbridge is available if needed. The scenery unfolds with magnificent views over the wild Staffordshire hills, dotted with farms and criss-crossed with stone walls, offering spellbinding vistas over the distinctive "Dragon's Back" formed by Chrome and Parkhouse Hills.
This loop is generally considered a moderate hike, requiring good fitness due to its challenging sections. The ascent of Chrome Hill is particularly strenuous, involving steep inclines and uneven, slippery limestone rocks. Descending from Parkhouse Hill also involves a very steep path, so it is advisable to take great care on these sections due to potential steep drops. While some parts are easily accessible, be prepared for significant challenges on others. The route offers continuous panoramic views from various points, particularly from Chrome Hill and High Wheeldon, making the effort worthwhile.
The Dragon's Back loop is most notable for the distinctive geological formations of Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill, which resemble the plates along a stegosaurus's spine. These unique reef knolls were formed from an ancient coral reef when the area was covered by a tropical sea millions of years ago. The trail is celebrated for its demanding yet exhilarating nature, featuring seven short, very steep climbs to and off the summits. This area is also recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unusual geology and unique flora, such as foxgloves in summer and bright yellow gorse in autumn.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
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Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
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353 m
View of High Wheeldon
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
2.29 km
High Wheeldon Summit Trig Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
5.36 km
Parkhouse Hill
Highlight • Climb
Tip by
6.55 km
Chrome Hill
Highlight • Climb
Tip by
8.71 km
View of Chrome Hill from Hollins Hill
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
9.45 km
Hollins Hill
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
11.7 km
View of Parkhouse Hill
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
14.4 km
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn
Highlight • Pub
Tip by
14.5 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
7.08 km
3.70 km
1.91 km
1.84 km
Surfaces
5.54 km
3.66 km
2.46 km
2.07 km
445 m
360 m
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Elevation
Highest point (430 m)
Lowest point (260 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 6 May
13°C
3°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
This is a brilliant hike, a decent level of fitness definitely required !!
Tough 9 mile circular taking in High Wheeldon, Parkhouse Hill, Chrome Hill and Hollins Hill. Recomend the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub for food afterwards, superd 😋
Challenging route with lots of fab views. My first time on the dragon's back. Parkhouse Hill was a bit too scary for me! Was regretting my choices for a while there clinging to the near-vertical rocks with my fingers but made it through 😅 Serves me right for not doing my research beforehand. You are all braver than me I'm sure, but I'd avoid this and High Wheeldon if it is at all wet and slippy. Lovely honesty shop at Hollinsclough open 7.30 - 7.30 daily. Has ice creams, bean to cup coffee machine and a card reader in case you are short of cash!
If I was going to do this route again. I would choose a drier day and do it in the opposite direction.
Absolutely an amazing walk and loved every single second of it!!! Challenging, muddy, slippy, boggy, foggy. Most of all breathtaking in more ways than one!!! Would highly recommend to anybody. 😊👍❤️
Peak & Lake District Sojourn. Day 13. Dragons Back, Longnor, Peak District. High Wealdon 422m, Parkhouse Hill 300m, Chrome Hill 443m and Hollins Hill 450m. Well this was an absolute gem even if the first half was spent in the rain cursing because my iPhone Lifeproof cover is past its sell by date. A great looped route taking in a beautiful line of shark fin type rocky tops with some half decent scrambles. Even on a weather day like today the views were stunning. If this had been a good weather day this would have been my favourite route that I have done in the Peak District this last two weeks. I would love to do this on a clear winter or summer day just to do the scenery justice with some ace shots. A 13.5km 630m wet and slippy bimble in 4 hours.
Planned and walked this route 11th May 24. Shorter than my usual but quite challenging in high temperature.
Deffinately the more challenging of the Intermediate routes ive done on here. Wouldnt reccommemd attempting Dragons back in anything other that dry perfect weather conditions. Scrambley and very steep in sections.