A breathtaking Peak District hike which has been named the ‘UK’s most beautiful’ walk is located just an hour’s drive from Derby – and it boasts gorgeous countryside views
The route has been praised as one of the UK’s ‘most beautiful’ hikes(Image: Shutterstock / Daniel_Kay)
One of the UK’s most beautiful walks is just an hour away from Derby.
Now the weather is improving, it’s the perfect occasion to get outside and spend some time in nature. Going for walks and hikes can do wonders for both your physical and mental health, as not only do you get the benefits of doing exercise, but the fresh air and calming scenery can help to lower stress and anxiety levels.
And if you’re looking for somewhere to escape this weekend, then one “breathtaking” walk in the Peak District could be just the thing you need. It’s only an hour’s drive from Derby, and boasts stunning countryside views, with those who have walked the trail calling it “one of the most beautiful hikes in the UK”.
The walk is known as The Dragon’s Back Walk, and it’s a hiking ridge trail in Staffordshire. It begins in the pretty hamlet of Hollinsclough and gets its name thanks to two hills, Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill, that look like sleeping dragons.
The route isn’t very long at just under 4 miles, but it is not an easy walk and may not be suitable for beginners. There are uneven rocks in some parts and steep ascents and descents. The Let’s Go Peak District website describes the terrain as “very challenging in places” – but well worth the views from the top of both hills.
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A travel and hiking fan on social media named Alice shared the route on her TikTok account, where she said the walk took her around three and a half hours to complete, with free parking in the nearby village and plenty of benches to stop for a picnic or a rest along the route.
She wrote in her caption: “This might just be one of the most beautiful hikes in the UK! There are two rocky hills that literally look like sleeping dragons (hence the nickname ‘Dragon’s Back’), surrounded by gorgeous countryside.
“The hike is pretty steep in places, and you’ll have to scramble over rocks, too. You can hike it in either direction, and the hike took us around 3.5 hours. There’s free parking nearby in the village and several benches nearby, perfect for a picnic! Plus, the scenery is so gorgeous, especially if you visit on a sunny day!”
You can find the full walking route on the Let’s Go Peak District website, which describes the hike as “wonderful”.
On the website, it says: “This wonderful walk starts and ends in the pretty little hamlet of Hollinsclough. To begin, it takes you along field paths and country lanes with magnificent views over the wild Staffordshire hills, dotted with farms and criss-crossed with stone walls.
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“The route then brings you along the crest of one half of the famous ‘Dragon’s Back’, over the top of Chrome Hill (425m) with panoramic views over the wide valley, including a spectacular view of Parkhouse Hill ahead. You then descend on field paths and follow country lanes to return to Hollinsclough.”
Commenters on Alice’s video also heaped praise on the walk, with those who have done it before speaking about how “spectacular” the views are, and people yet to take on the hike expressing a desire to try it themselves.
One person said: “Did this 4 [or] 5 weeks ago with my Akita [and] absolutely loved it. Beautiful day as well, views were stupidly spectacular.”
Another spoke about how the traditional British wet weather actually helps areas like this, writing: “Without all the rain, we wouldn’t have these views!”
