Chrome and Park Hills or the Dragon’s Back as they are sometimes known are a rocky limestone outcrop to the south of Buxton. This route explores this area and some of the surrounding villages.
The route starts in Taddington, a village that was an important stop off point in the days of stage coaches, but now is a sleepy backwater due to the bypass that skirts it. From here we head off to Monyash and onto another old road called Derby Lane.
The route then joins the High Peak Trail via Green Lane and follows the former railway track to it’s end. From there it’s onto the hamlet of Glutton and to Chrome Hill. Here there’s a lung busting climb up a quiet than that weaves between the hills .
The route then joins the White Peak Link and heads northwards towards Harpur Hill. Then it’s onto Kings Sterndale and a rocky descent on another old road down to the A6.
After a short distance the route heads off to the northern end of the Monsal Trail. After enjoying a few tunnels and views across Chee Dale the route leaves the trail at the former Millers Dale station. Then it’s under a pair of very impressive viaducts and up Long Lane to Priescliffe. From there it’s back to the start. The route’s around 40% off road and the rest apart from a short section on the A6 on quiet lanes.
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