Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill, Peak District National Park

Ah, the beautiful summer days…How do we miss them when the cold comes and we struggle to wake up in the morning. It’s tempting to stay inside, but there’s no better season to be outdoors…

When you are a fan of winter walks (like I am, you guessed) shorter winter days do have their advantages, like the ease with which we get to admire the sunrise or sunset.

Frost is beautiful, and I’m frequently the only person around for miles, landscapes are at their most dramatic – kind of perfect for special, magical pictures too.

‘Me’ time, tranquillity, adventure, exploring, fresher air, more slippery ground (that’s part of the fun, but exercise caution at all times!)…it’s all in a winter’s day walk. Get the right gear, play around with layers (it is easy enough if you keep yourself warm and dry), and winter walks become a great way to keep body and mind healthy and tune in to nature.

So, without any further ado, here is my ‘first on the list’ of a series of inspiring (I hope) walks to satisfy your spirit of adventure during the coldest months of the year.

Shot by - walkingenglishman.com

Top of my list is…the route cutting through Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill, Peak District National Park.

Where does the route start?  This route, commonly called ‘Dragon’s Back’, includes some steep and rough sections, a line of pinnacles said to resemble the ‘plates’ along the spine of a - you guessed it -dragon’s back (or a dinosaur?). `It starts at beautiful Longnor (SK17 0NS) and is set amidst a quiet corner of the Peak District National Park.

How long is it: The trail is just over 14Km long. Good weather conditions will make this route much easier – there are some pretty muddy patches, so grippy boots are a must, as well as gloves (no one likes freezing hands).

I strongly recommend a good map: I used the All Trail map and it was absolutely perfect, from start to finish.

Where can I park: At the beginning of the trail, you’ll find a lot of really convenient park-up spots where you can easily leave your car all day long – perfect for a relaxed stroll without the stress of having to run back to avoid a parking fine (never ideal).

Dog-friendly or pet-averse: Dogs are welcome on this route but please, do check the route’s details before you set off with your pooch and be wary of the amount of stiles you will need to cross. This will not be an ideal walk for all dogs, although I would 100% take Aggie, because she truly is my little ‘mountain goat’.

Bonus points: There is a lovely pub at the end of the trail but, to my dismay, it was closed the last time I tackled this walk, so whether you will get your roast dinner or you’ll have to make do with leftover sandwiches from your trusted backpack, that’s left to fate. I must admit, I felt a pang of disappointment but that’s ok – still a wonderful walk!

How fit is fit enough: Fitness-wise, this isn’t a super-challenging route but please remember you are about to tackle 14Km of slippery surfaces on an incline of over 600m, so I wouldn’t recommend underestimating this trail. It is definitely one for either experienced hikers or individuals with a good base level of fitness rather than beginners.

What not to leave behind: Waterproof socks/boots. The Peak District tends to be a little muddier than average, and surfaces are moistier. I would also recommend not leaving behind a warmer base layer, comfy T-shirts. hat and gloves.

Why has this walk made it to my Favourites list: It’s the remoteness that does it for me, as well as the shape of the hills and the chance to be outdoors exploring the wonderful, green landscape (unless it’s snowing, that is).

Add the beauty of the route to the fact that winter walking is great for your heart – cold weather requires more blood flow and light exercise (light a good walk) just gets that going – and how you need to top up your Vitamin D intake when daylight hours are scarce, and you’ll have a perfect reason to try this route out. Just don’t forget: caution is your friend. I hope you enjoy it.

Let me know if you love this route too, or if you have any funny stories from when you’ve attempted it, or anything else you’d like to share around your favourite winter walking spots!

Next in the series...Hawes and Hardraw Force Circular.

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