DRAGON’S BACK WALK (5 MILES)

Want to feel like you’ve spent the day in Middle Earth? This route’s for you.

Start: Hollinsclough, SK17 0RH

Distance: 5 miles

Ascent: 1,000 feet

Duration: allow approx. 2 hours

Navigation: follow step-by-step

Starting and finishing in the pretty hamlet of Hollinsclough, this walk has it all: magnificent views across the Staffordshire and Peak District wilds, paths criss-crossed with ancient stone walls, and summits galore… taking you through the breath-taking landscapes of the famous Dragon’s Back over the tops of Chrome Hill (424m), before meandering back up Parkhouse Hill (360m).

From here, you descend through untouched farmland and idyllic country lanes to make the return back to Hollinsclough.

With challenging terrain in places, our route to the summit of Parkhouse Hill should only be taken on if you’re confident at scrambling. There’s free street parking in the village but spaces are limited to so plan ahead if you’re arriving by car.

The views of the landscapes surrounding are sure to take your breath away at every part of this route. But the real highlight for us came in the form of a wonderfully idyllic pitstop, The Honesty Shop.

This perfectly stocked café-come-hut-come-shop has all your refuel needs covered, with hot drinks, sweet treats and fresh local produce aplenty. The Honesty Shop has no staff and relies solely on the good nature of passers-by to do the right thing - a comforting reminder that we were far away from the hustle of the city.

The walk can be shorted by cutting out the final ascent over Parkhouse Hill or extended by following your nose to the summit of High Wheeldon.

Another option is to start at The Quiet Woman pub in Earl Sterndale, not far from Buxton. Unsurprisingly, the many routes surrounding the limestone reef knolls of Chrome and Parkhouse Hills make for magnificent views throughout.