24 October 2016

Dowel Dale, Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill

A surprisingly dramatic circuit with two sharp ascents with Kathryn, Steve and the boys.

Route: leaving the cars at Earl Sterndale and heading west across fields to Glutton Grange. There following a grassy track northwest in a shallow valley. Bending west to the quiet road in Dowel Dale and north west to Stoop Farm. Following permissive paths across fields to the start of the steep ridge of Chrome Hill and to the top. Descending the ridge to cross a minor road and then Steve, Lois and I ascending an unpleasant muddy very steep path to gain the ridge of Parkhouse Hill, easing towards the summit. Down the ridge to meet the outward path and hence back.

Conditions: still, cloudy warm.

Pub: Church Inn, Chelmorton for Thornbridge Peverel (and lunch).