Wednesday 20th September 2006

When I set out today nobody had said anything on the weather about it being particularly windy until much later in the day. I was somewhat surprised therefore to find myself being blown sideways as I started to climb up Chrome Hill, today was certainly not the right day to be walking along a ridge. As the wind seemed to be getting stronger I decided to abandon the climb at the end of the walk to the summit of Wheeldon Hill as I didn't fancy struggling uphill into the strong wind.

Start: Longnor (SK 0884 6492)

Route: Longnor - Parkhouse Hill - Chrome Hill (The Dragon's Back) - Dowel Dale - Earl Sterndale
            - Green Lane - Longnor                

Distance: 6.75 miles    Ascent: 406 metres     Time Taken: 3 hours 50 minutes   

Weather: Warm, overcast and windy

Pub visited: None        Ale Drunk: None

Parkhouse Hill comes into view from the descent to Under the Hill.

Chrome Hill (L) and Parkhouse Hill (R).

Chrome Hill, from here it is easy to see why it is also known as the Dragon's Back.

Looking up the Dragon's Back.

Parkhouse Hill requires a head for heights due to its sharp ridge.

Looking down the Dragon's Back to Parkhouse Hill.

From the summit of Chrome Hill, the wide valley in the background is home to the river Dove. 
It was so windy on the top the only way I could keep the camera still was to take the
 picture lying on the ground.

Looking down the other side of Chrome Hill, with Hollins Hill to the left in the sun
 and Axe Edge forming the ridge in the background.

                        The natural limestone arch which I passed on the descent of Chrome Hill.

Looking back up Chrome Hill.

Dowel Dale with Wheeldon Hill behind.

From this angle the sharp ridge of Parkhouse Hill is more obvious.

The village of Earl Sterndale with Wheeldon Hill behind it.

Chrome Hill's ridge.

The classic view of Chrome Hill (L) and Parkhouse Hill (R).