Strenuous and challenging routes but worth the effort Chrome and Parkhouse hill are two of the peakier peaks in the Peak District, and whilst they are not the highest of hills in the area, they are certainly the steepest.

The Peak District in central England is a landscape of two halves, and its "steepness" depends entirely on where you are. The Southern "White Peak" is characterized by rolling limestone plateaus and deeply incised dales; while the dales have steep sides, the walking is generally more moderate. In contrast, the Northern "Dark Peak" is significantly steeper and more rugged, featuring gritstone edges and high moorland plateaus like Kinder Scout and Mam Tor. In 2026, Mam Tor (the "Shivering Mountain") remains one of the most famous steep walks, offering a sharp ascent that rewards hikers with dramatic ridgeline views. While the Peak District does not have the "spike" peaks of the Lake District or Scotland, it features "short, sharp shocks"—short but very intense inclines that can be taxing on the legs. Cyclists in 2026 often find the Peak District more challenging than the mountains, as the roads frequently feature gradients of 15% to 20% (such as Winnats Pass), providing some of the most difficult hill climbs in the United Kingdom.