Peakwalking .. the original online guide to walking in England's Peak District
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Peakwalking .. the original online guide to walking in England's Peak District
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A walk in Chatsworth Park which can be as long or short as you wish. Ideal at any time of year.
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Walk Facts: |
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| Start | Calton Lees, at the Beeley end of the road through Chatsworth Park (SK 258 684) which leaves the A6 at Rowsley (click for MAP). |
| Terrain | Easy. Grass, paths and tracks throughout. |
| Length | Three or more miles |
| Time | 2 hours minimum |
| Food/Drink | Snack hut in car park, cafe at adjacent Garden Centre, post office at Edensor. |
| Toilets | At the Garden Centre (not open between Christmas and New Year) |
Walk down onto the car park access road and turn right, passing the entrance to the garden centre on your left. Follow the road, which is straight for a short distance before curving to the right.
Take the left fork just past the driveway of Calton Lees Farm and head along the valley, past Lees Wood. This is a good place for spotting birds, particularly in winter and spring. Eventually, you reach Calton Houses. The path (which is signposted) passes between the somewhat dilapidated houses and a derelict barn before exiting into a field.
Once the field is reached, turn right and follow the obvious path across the grass to a gate leading to a track through New Piece Wood. Take the short track through the wood, descending steeply before exiting to the open parkland with its extensive views of Chatsworth House and the surrounding countryside. This is a grand place for a spot of refreshment! You may well be able to see the park's herd of deer, and there are birds a-plenty to be seen and heard.
Walk across the parkland heading diagonally left, descending gradually and heading between two small plantations to reach the village of Edensor. This is a pretty little 19th century 'Model Village' which is worth a look around. The village was built to replace one demolished by the 6th Duke of Devonshire, reputedly because it got in the way of the view from Chatsworth House.
Among its designers was Joseph Paxton who, as Superintendent of the Gardens at Chatsworth, also designed the water features in the gardens. He later went on to design the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition, coming up with the basic design while waiting for a train at Derby railway station.
From Edensor, you can explore the extensive parkland at your leisure as you make your way back to the car, or visit the House, gardens and other attractions in season. The car park is easy to find - simply follow the western bank of the river Derwent downstream until you see the white gates at the cattle grid on the road above you.
