Peak Routes Podcast - Episode 6 - Chrome Hill & Parkhouse Hill

Episode 6 of the Podcast follows my walk up both Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill. The weather on the day was rather wet, windy and a little wild but it was a great little wander. These 2 Limestone Gems are a must see for visitors of the Peak District and Crowdecote is a great place to start from to explore this stunning area.

[caption id="attachment_1620" align="alignnone" width="600"] Peak Routes Podcast - Episode 6 - Chrome Hill & Parkhouse Hill[/caption]

You can view the blog post to which this podcast relates by clicking over to Peak District – Chrome Hill & Parkhouse Hill. You'll find plenty of pictures, some video and more audio there to accompany this episode. I hope you enjoy it :-)

If you would like to download this episode or any of the others then you can visit the Podcast page of the site. You can also subscribe to get them delivered to you via iTunes or Feedburner. FeedBurner have all the popular Podcast catching links listed but please let me know if there are any other apps or programs that need adding to this list.

Peak District - Chrome Hill & Parkhouse Hill

There are some fantastic landscapes to be seen in the Peak District, it really does have it all to offer when it comes to views. You have the Dark Peak with its bog, moorland and gritstone edges. The White Peak offers up some fantastic limestone gorges, lush green farmland and its tranquil rolling hills. There are some sites in the Peak that really do look like they are from a different world. I remember the first time I set eyes on the Roaches and Ramshaw Rocks while driving north from Leek. It was like some form of Alien being had dropped these awesome looking objects for us all to enjoy. The wonders of nature never fail to amaze me, the fact that these shapes in our landscape can be formed by the powers of erosion. You don't have to look very far from the Roaches to find more examples of these Alien looking formations, Chrome Hill & Parkhouse Hill are just a mear hop skip and a jump over in the Upper Dove Valley.

The weather was pretty dire when I looked out over the eastern peaks from my bedroom this morning, I have never let that stop me before so ignored the dark clouds and got my kit together. I had decided that I would walk today regardless of weather, without planning any routes, without checking my maps, there was only one certainty, I was to start from Crowdecote and head over both Chrome and Parkhouse.

[caption id="attachment_1591" align="alignnone" width="600"] Crowdecote - Underhill Farm[/caption]

I parked up in Crowdecote at around 09:30 after a swift 25 minute drive from home, I chucked my waterproofs on and marched out into the rain heading for Glutten Bridge. I took the footpath that starts from Meadow Farm and takes you across the fields to Underhill Farm. The farmland around was looking rather deserted but that may have been because today was farmers market day over in Bakewell.



I eventually reached the garage at Glutten Bridge after passing through Underhill Farm and walking along the single track road. I turned towards the north for a short while and walked along the road before swinging back to the west again. I was greeted by a view of ParkHouse Hill's eastern flanks.

[caption id="attachment_1593" align="alignnone" width="600"] Parkhouse Hill from the East[/caption]

I made my way across the field just as the rain decided to stop for a short while, in no time at all I was walking through the gate to begin my attack of Parkhouse Hill. Access to this area was once pretty tricky but thanks to the Countryside Rights of Way act 2000 (CROW) thankfully it is no longer a problem. I'm so thankful that I can walk freely here, its all thanks to those valiant campaigners and trespassers that have paved the way for us all.

[caption id="attachment_1592" align="alignnone" width="600"] Parkhouse Hill - Access Land[/caption]

After a short sharp slog up towards the very top I was greated with a great view around to Chrome Hill. It almost felt like the sheep were teasing as I scrambled my way up the slippy ground, while they moved around with ease :-)

[caption id="attachment_1594" align="alignnone" width="600"] Parkhouse summit with Chrome Hill in the background[/caption]

The very top of ParkHouse Hill feels razor sharp. It is almost a sheer drop off the northern edge and you certainly wouldn't want to miss place your footing on a wet and windy day like today. I paused for a short while to take some pictures, record a snippet of audio for the podcast and then I begun my way down the western side.

[caption id="attachment_1588" align="alignnone" width="600"] Chrome From Parkhouse - Instagram[/caption]

listen to ‘Peak District - ParkHouse Hill’ on Audioboo

[caption id="attachment_1595" align="alignnone" width="600"] Chrome Hill from Parkhouse Hill[/caption]

I arrived back down at the bottom after slip sliding my way down the muddy and rocky western flanks of Parkhouse. Once I set foot on the road I was reminded of the very first time I ever came here. That was back in 2003 when the hunt for a Geocache bought me to the area. It was when Geocaching was in its infancy and there were very few Caches placed at that time. I remember when I was first introduced to Geocaching by my father in 2000 that there were only 3 in the entire British Isles, Now there are around 100+ in a 10mile radius of my home.

[caption id="attachment_1590" align="alignnone" width="600"] Chrome Hill Sheep[/caption]

After another sharp but short slog upwards I found myself standing at the very top of the awesome Limestone gem. Chrome Hill has always been a favourite of mine, from the first day I clapped eyes on the place I was hooked. The shape of it really does make me think it has been transported from a parallel universe :-)

[caption id="attachment_1603" align="alignnone" width="600"] Parkhouse Hill & Dove Valley - HDR[/caption]

The image above is my first attempt at HDR photography, I layered 3 images in Photoshop and tweeked it a little to come up with this one. I have learned a few lessons from this attempt so next time I will do a few things differently, mainly to concentrate on not allowing the camera to get wet and also where to focus on.

[caption id="attachment_1587" align="alignnone" width="600"] Parkhouse from Chrome - Instagram[/caption]

The rain had been intermittent for the last few hours, the cloud base was dropping now and the precipitation intensified. The wind was beginning to pick up too so I decided not to linger long at the top and make my way off the north western side. I began to drop down until I saw the archway which is 30 or so metres west of the summit. This is the area in which the Geocache was hidden all those years ago. I forgot to mention that the very first time we came we ran out of daylight, got absolutely drenched and didn't even find the cache. Thankfully, we managed to locate the sneaky little hiding place on our second visit :-)

[caption id="attachment_1596" align="alignnone" width="600"] Chrome Hill Archway[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1599" align="alignnone" width="600"] Chrome Hill - Mini Cave[/caption]

Moving on from the archway and heading further downwards you come to another interesting formation. A huge chunk of exposed limestone with a great looking little mini cave.

[caption id="attachment_1598" align="alignnone" width="600"] Chrome Hill from the bottom[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1602" align="alignnone" width="600"] Sheep near Tor Rock[/caption]

I kept going north westward and joined the concessionary footpath that leads up towards Tor Rock, the rain had all but stopped again thankfully by this point. I passed Stoop Farm and crossed the field towards Booth Farm.

[caption id="attachment_1597" align="alignnone" width="600"] Chrome Hill from Booth Farm[/caption]

Just before you arrive at Booth Farm you can pick up the bridleway that runs around the western flanks of Hollins Hill. I chose to head downwards instead of along the top of Hollins Hill mainly because I wanted to find some shelter from the elements so I could have a bite to eat. I found what I was looking for when I arrived at the bridge over the river Dove just before Hollinsclough. I'm not sure what the story is behind the sign, I can only assume some work is being done to strengthen the bridge.

[caption id="attachment_1600" align="alignnone" width="600"] River Dove Bridge - Near Hollinsclough[/caption]

After a very short break under the tree cover near the bridge I moved on once more. I walked up the muddy field and then joined the road down into Hollinsclough. There was not a sole to be seen in the village today, only the postman urinating against the side of his van. I never saw Postman Pat do that on TV, Mrs Goggins would have given him a firm telling off he had i'm sure :-)

After passing through Hollinsclough I picked up the track that follows the river down stream towards Glutten Bridge. I crossed the bridge next to the ford and I was back in Derbyshire once again. The river Dove marks the boundary between Derbyshire and Staffordshire and I had just realised I had come out without my passport. Thankfully I had only been an illegal immigrant in Staffordshire for a short time and was now back on home turf in sunny (not today) Derbyshire.

[caption id="attachment_1601" align="alignnone" width="600"] Parkhouse Hill - River Dove Ford[/caption]

I reached the garage at Glutten Bridge and decided that I would retrace my steps from here back to the car. I took the single track road, I made my way to Underhill Farm and then walked across the wet fields to Meadow Farm. The rain was quite intense at this point so in a way I was glad to reach the car and to be able to get out of it for a moment.

[caption id="attachment_1589" align="alignnone" width="600"] Chrome & Parkhouse from Crowdecote - Instagram[/caption]

Regardless of the weather I had had a thoroughly enjoyable few hours out walking. It was quite refreshing to have a relatively aimless wander today, Instead of plotting a route in ViewRanger and knowing exactly where I was going. The route I took over Parkhouse and Chrome is considered a classic and it really is. The stunning 360 views from both hills need to be seen and experienced. The weather was rather dramatic today but that only enhanced the experience, I don't mind a bit of rain, which is a good thing as this summer has been offering up plenty of it.

I'm hoping to head back over this way again soon and to bring you some routes from places further down the River Dove. Its hard to stray from the beaten path in these areas and bring you anything new but a routes a route. Thanks for taking the time to visit and to read my nonsensical rambling about my rambles :-)

Why not download the GPX route file for today's walk and have a go yourself [wpdm_file id=9]

Peak District - Wild Camping - Axe Edge Moor

Walking is one of my biggest passions in life, the freedom and oneness with the landscape really appeal to me. I crave solitude at times when it comes to walking, sadly in the Peak District there are very few places that you can go to get away from the crowds. Over these last few years i've made it my mission to try and explore every corner of the Peak and seek out some new areas that I haven't set foot before. As i'm from the Chesterfield area I mainly dedicated my walking time to the eastern or central areas of the Dark Peak, its just so easily accesible to me so I can safely say I have that area covered. The western area of the Peak is slightly less trodden by me so i've set a goal of ticking off as much as possible this year.



Since revisiting the Roaches earlier this year after an absence of about a decade I have renewed my love of this area, although it isn't quiete as steep or as wild as other places not too far away it holds a real charm of its own. Traveling a little further north from the Roaches you come across an area populated by Axe Edge Moor, The Goyt Valley and Shining Tor. I have been pleasantly surprised to find that these areas seem to be relatively empty when compared to the likes of Edale and Hathersage. So... seeing as the weather was going to be pretty good, I decided to pack my tent in my bag, plot a quick route and set off for an afternoon wander and a wild camp.

[caption id="attachment_1270" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="New Inn - Flash"][/caption]

The village of Flash in Staffordshire was to be the starting point... At 463 metres above sea level, Flash is the highest village in Great Britain and is a nice quaint little place that is worthy of a little exploring. I chose to park here as it was an ideal starting point and also very handy to reach from where I had planned to camp that night.

Setting off from Flash I took the footpath up Oliver Hill and then down to Knotbury via Wolf Edge. We have had some substantial rainfall in recent weeks but the weather had vastly improved over the weekend. The path was fairly boggy and damp while descending towards the road but that didn't matter to me as I was bounding down the hill taking in the glorious surroundings. I joined the road and begun navigating my way to a place that I haven't visited in quite some time, Three Shire Heads.

[caption id="attachment_1245" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Three Shire Heads"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1244" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Three Shire Heads Bridge"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1255" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Three Shire Heads Bridge"][/caption]

Three Shire Heads which is also known as Three Shire's Head is the point on Axe Edge Moor where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet. It is a great little spot which is pretty popular and a great place to relax in summer while having a dip in the river. You can find it on your OS Map at grid ref SK009685, or 53.213°N 1.987°W if you prefer.

[caption id="attachment_1249" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Danebower Colliery"][/caption]

After a quick stop for a few pictures I departed by heading north along the River Dane towards a point on the map called Dane Bower. You climb out of the valley up towards the road past an interesting looking Chimney that stands half way up the hill. The 8 metre tall Chimney is the remains of the old Dane Bower Colliery which was last worked back in 1925... I did a quick google search while I was stood there and came across a page on http://www.english-heritage.org.uk which gives a few more details.

[caption id="attachment_1254" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Shutlingsloe"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1251" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Jodrell Bank"][/caption]

After crossing the road I joined the well maintained path to the Cat & Fiddle via Danebower Hollow over Whetstone Ridge. The views from this point start to become very interesting as you rise up and can then see out towards the west. The majestic heights of Shutlingsloe can bee seen off towards the south west, another place that I first discovered around 10 years ago while out Geocaching but haven't revisited since. As you gaze around you can see the telescopes at the Jodrell Bank Observatory, this is another place that I haven't been back to for some time but have always been in awe of. it is the home of the mighty Lovell Telescope, which is the third largest steerable radio telescope in the world.. If you look towards the north west you can see the urban sprawl of Manchester.

[caption id="attachment_1246" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Cat & Fiddle"][/caption]

I eventually arrived at the Cat & Fiddle after a pleasant walk admiring the vistas, I arrived there at the same time as a convoy of Harley Davidsons which was a great sight and sounds to behold. I decided not to linger long here and kept moving towards my goal of Shining Tor.

[caption id="attachment_1253" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Shining Tor Trig"][/caption]

Shining Tor is the highest point in Cheshire and it stands at 559 metres tall, on a good day you can see all the way to Snowdonia from here. today however there was allot of haze in the air so I couldn't quite make it out. The Trig point on Shining Tor numbered S2773 at SJ 99463 73739 is a great place to sit and relax but today all I did was take a few pictures. The climb up from the Cat & Fiddle is pretty easy so there wasn't any need to stop for a break.

[caption id="attachment_1252" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Duke of Edinburgh Group"][/caption]

listen to ‘Peak District - Social Hiking on Shining Tor’ on Audioboo

I continued along the ridge towards Cats Tor and passed a group of kids looking pretty glum, they were laden with huge rucksacks and I can only assume they were doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. I had been too busy enjoying myself that it had only just dawned on me I hadn't eaten yet that day, so at around 16:00 I decided to drop my bag and pause for a little lunch.

[caption id="attachment_1248" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Cats Tor"][/caption]

I had a few bits of new kit with me... I was testing out my PowerMonkeys Extreme again today and I had it strapped to my bag soaking up the sunlight. It was feeding power to my iPhone to keep it topped up while I was tweeting and broadcasting my position to ShareYourAdventure.com. I have had the Extreme for around a month and have been very impressed with it so far, You can expect a review very soon.

[caption id="attachment_1247" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Cats Tor - Karrimor Rucksack & PowerMonkeys Extreme"][/caption]

I also had with me some new bits of gear from Karrimor which I have been testing out. I was wearing their new eVent Jacket, carrying everything in their Alpiniste 35 Plus 10 Backpack and the journey was being cushioned by their ksb Skye X-Lite eVent Boots. The reason why I have all this shiny new Karrimor Gear is because of my involvement with some new videos that are being made for them by Terrybnd... more on that and some reviews of all the gear will be coming your way very soon. I will say this though.... I have been very impressed with the kit that was sent our way by Karrimor, I genuinely do feel that they have upped their game. The new range seems to be a return to former glory and its great to see a British brand have a resurgence.

[caption id="attachment_1266" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Errwood Shrine"][/caption]

Enough about gear, lets get back to the walking and the route which then took me from Cats Tor down in to the Goyt Valley. I dropped down along the road and then took the path towards Errwood Hall. On my way down the hill I spotted a small circular building. A Google search returned some info about this great looking little place. It is a Spanish Shrine which was erected by the Grimshawes of Errwood in 1889 in memory of a much loved Spanish Governess in their employ.

[caption id="attachment_1262" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Berry Clough"][/caption]

I reached the road in no time at all after the very pleasant walk down the hill through the forest. I took a few pictures down the Errwood Reservoir and then continued in a southerly direction past the car park and up the hill. This little section along the road is very nice indeed, i'm not a big fan of walking on tarmac but its thoroughly enjoyable as you rise up the valley following the River Goyt. I eventually left the road and crossed over the river to ascend up Berry Clough, I hadn't set foot here before and it was great to tick off another first today.

[caption id="attachment_1250" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Goyt Valley"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1263" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Cat & Fiddle"][/caption]

When I arose out of the top of Berry Clough it was a short walk across the moor towards the A54. I crossed over the road and made my way along the path before turning due east straight for the Trig Point on Axe Edge Moor... It was to be there that I would spend the night.

[caption id="attachment_1258" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Axe Edge Moor - Wild Country Zephyros 1"][/caption]

I arrived at the Trig Point after a short soggy walk across the moor from the main path, The views from here are stunning in all directions and especially towards the east. You can pick out many landmarks including Chrome Hill which rises ruggedly out of the Upper Dove Valley.

[caption id="attachment_1268" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Wild Country Zephyros 1 - Upper Dove Valley"][/caption]

I had brought along my new Wild Country Zephyros 1 again today. this was to be the fourth time that I have used it and have been very impressed with it so far. once again you can expect a full review of this great little backpacking tent very soon.

[caption id="attachment_1259" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Wild Country Zephyros 1"][/caption]

After pitching up I made myself some food, had a drink and then got ready for what looked like it was going to be an amazing sunset. I was snapping away like mad in all directions as the sun began to drop towards the horizon. The light that was being cast across the surrounding hills was stunning and I was mesmerised by the experience. I can safely say I haven't seen a sunset as good as that one for a long while :-)

[caption id="attachment_1256" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Axe Edge Trig Point"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1257" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Watching the Sunset"][/caption]

After the sun had gone down I remained by the Trig Pillar for around an hour. As the light faded I begun to see what looked like Fireworks down towards Manchester. Then it dawned on me.. it was the night of the Queens Diamond Jubilee and these were celebratory fireworks to mark the occasion. I then noticed a dozen or so Beacons begin to appear and then more Fireworks in all directions. It really was a great place to be stood to witness it all.

[caption id="attachment_1265" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Cat & Fiddle Sunset"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1264" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Watching the Sunset"][/caption]

I retired to the tent at around 23:00 and set my alarm for sunrise at 04:30.

[caption id="attachment_1269" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Axe Edge Sunrise"][/caption]

When my alarm went off I quickly stuck my head out of the tent only to be greeted by a brilliant fiery red as the sun was about to break above the horizon. I quickly jumped out and got ready with my camera as it slowly began to rise. Sadly there was a layer of cloud right on the horizon which obscured the view a little but it also added to the effect in some ways.

[caption id="attachment_1260" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Wild Country Zephyros 1 at Sunrise"][/caption]

I then went back inside the tent and admired the stunning views out the door down into the Upper Dove Valley. a nice layer of mist was creating an inversion and I watched it move slowly around Chrome Hill.

[caption id="attachment_1267" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Wild Country Zephyros 1 - Upper Dove Valley"][/caption]

I decided to pack away at around 08:00 after many hours of relaxing while enjoying the views. One of the reasons why I had chosen to park in Flash was that it was only going to be a short walk from where I had camped. Sadly I had to work the night shift that night so I wanted to be back home at a reasonable hour.

[caption id="attachment_1271" align="alignnone" width="600" caption="Upper Dove Valley"][/caption]

I got on my way and headed south along Axe Edge Moor towards the hamlet at Axe Edge End. I walked along the road for a short while until taking a footpath over Oliver Hill towards Flash, I was back at the car at around 09:00.

listen to ‘Peak District - Social Hiking & Wild Camping’ on Audioboo

What a great night it had been, my head was filled with the colours of the sunset all the way home. That for me is what Wild Camping is all about.. being up in the hills after everyone else has gone home and enjoying all that nature has to offer.. I suppose Axe Edge Moor can't really be classed as wild, The main Buxton to Leek road is only a stones through away. After last night though it has been firmly cemented in the list of favourite wild camping spots.

[sgpx gpx="/wp-content/uploads/gpx/AxeEdgeWildCamp.gpx"]