Friday 23rd September
Once again, the weather was set fair, so we set out to do our planned walk - a partial repeat of
the one we did in March, with variations.
Up the hill behind the cottage, through the yard of the Quiet Woman. Very quiet at the moment, as the pub has been closed since 2020.
We both separately went off track after the second fence, skirting Hitter Hill. I went to my left instead of turning rightish. We found ourselves and each other again on the way down towards the road near Glutton Bridge.
We crossed the road and picked up the path to the top of Parkhouse Hill. Part way up, I noticed I no longer had my hat!
A warning here - the real path skirts this deceptively small, but rugged, peak, and the descent directly over has been misguidedly created during the period of lockdown. It can be quite tricky, and I used both hands to help me over the rocky outcrops. We later heard of a couple of times the local mountain rescue was called out. So ok to go up, but maybe best to retrace your steps and go round the base.
We found Chrome Hill less of a challenge, though just as spectacular.
From the photos it’s clear why the two hills are known as the Dragon’s Back.
We followed the path down Chrome Hill, through a gate, up a fairly steep grassy bank Past Tor Rock , eventually joining a bridleway/ wide track near Stoop Farm,
curving round close to Booth Farm, then continuing past Fough. We passed a few people walking this track. Eventually it turns into a smaller path over a footbridge,
crossing the river Dove, and leading into the small village of Hollinsclough, just in Staffordshire.
As it was Friday we had no hope of finding the Tea room open, but this time our luck was in. The doors were open, the woman who runs it was there, baking, and there were two other customers. So we indulged in a coffee and cake!
Along the long road to Longnor - a mile or so, very straight, then a left turn and uphill into the village.
Time for our picnic lunch on a bench - we had brought the boiled eggs this time.
From Longnor downhill along the road to Crowdecote, over the Dove into Derbyshire, and past the Pack Horse pub, where we booked a table for the evening.
There was a long walk uphill to join the track to High Wheeldon. Close to the summit we met the couple who had been in the tea room.
From High Wheeldon it was a fairly gentle downhill stroll back to the cottage.
Just under 11 miles, with 2148 feet of ascent (645 meters).
