Hen Party Taxi Boys Tackle Chrome and Parkhouse Hills

Introduction

My soon-to-be daughter in law’s friends had arranged her party in a wonderful self catering country retreat near Longnor, south of Buxton. Jordan and I chauffered the bride’s mother and groom’s mother respectively to and from the event.

While most of the ladies were out on a scavenging exercise (?!) we were given a peek into the hot tub area and tonight’s bar and disco room.

So Jordan and I, with Rolo, took the opportunity to enjoy a classic White Peak walk.

The 9.4 mile hike took in the classic peaks of Chrome and Parkhouse Hills and a stop at the lovely Cheshire Cheese Inn in Longnor.

It was a cold day with much bright sunshine, and a few brief, heavy snow showers.

Rolo was with us and there was plenty of opportunity to let him off the lead.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL24.

We parked at the event site in Barrow Moor (SK17 0QP) and completed the walk clockwise. We were out for 6 hours including good stops for lunch and a pint !

Barrow Moor To Hollinsclough

The first section took us out over farm fields and tracks, and the views soon captivated us!

An ancient “road” had Closed signs at eithr end, and vehicles were no longer allowed. It was quite passable for us and had Chrome Hill as a backdrop.

Then Parkhouse Hill appeared to our right.

Hollingworth is a small hamlet, with a tearoom and a small Methodist Chapel.

Hollinsclough To Chrome Hill

We turned left, took a path on our right and crossed the River Dove, which is just a brook up here.

We rose out of the valley and enjoyed the vista down into it.

There was a bit of a stand off between sheep and Rolo along this stretch. Yes, that’s him licking his lips!

After Booth and Stoop Farm, the path rises over fields, and at the top the magnificence of Chrome Hill hit us.

We took a breather before dropping down to the foot of Chrome Hill.

And then the climb up the steep north western end of the hill.

I briefly found a sheltered spot near the summit.

We enjoyed reaching the top and rewarded ourselves with lunch.

Chrome Hill To Parkhouse Hill

The views to Parkhouse Hill and the Dove Valley as we descended were amazing!

No sooner were we down than the ascent of Parkhouse Hill started. I was wowed by Rolo’s sure-footedness so I resorted to all fours too on some of the really steep sections.

It’s a short but challenging climb! Proud looking dog and owner at the top.

He even got a portrait whilst admiring the view!

A group of girls reached the top from the opposite direction. We took their pic, and they took ours!

They stayed on the summit awhile after we began our descent.

After the first gentle slope………

…….. it’s a steep scree path to the valley floor.

Rolo was a little way below us, making light work of the steep slope, when I dislodged a tennis ball sized stone from the scree. It rolled to the very bottom of the hill…. followed at great speed by a very excited labrador, who’s played this tennis ball game with me before.

He had a good look round, but couldn’t find a tennis ball!

Parkhouse Hill To Longnor

We now had a gentle stroll along the flat Dove Valley. Looking back, a snow storm was engulfing the twin peaks.

Heading to Longnor we re-crossed the Dove.

Rising on the opposite side, we took a last look back along the valley.

Longnor is a pretty village of stone buildings.

Longnor To The Finish

After a lovely pint of Robinsons Wizard Amber Ale in The Cheshire Cheese Inn, we made our way along a track, passing a farm with twee glamping caravans and farmyard poultry and ducks.

We were now in the Manifold Valley, and found a bridge to cross the river. Rolo wasn’t bothered about a bridge.

A short walk up Leek Road, and we were back at Oak Tree Farm.

What a fantastic walk with two wonderful companions, and I’m sure the ladies will have had a special, memorable day too.

And Finally…..

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have a new album out called Unlimited Love. It’s excellent.

Here’s Black Summer.