Walk 3557 - printer friendly version

Chatsworth Park from Calton Lees Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 6.5 miles / 10.6 km

Ascent - 750 feet / 227 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SK258685
Lat 53.212939 + Long -1.6151232
Postcode DE4 2NX (approx. location only)

This Peak District walk takes in some of the highlights of the Chatsworth Estate and also provides an opportunity to visit this great Stately Home if required. The start is the Calton Lees car park (Grid ref. SK258685) on the west side of the B6012 road from Baslow to Rowsley.

Exit the car park onto the B6012 and turn right towards Rowsley. Cross this busy main road as soon as is safe and continue along the grass verge towards the bridge across the River Derwent. Cross the bridge and continue along the main road to the first road junction where you turn left along a narrow lane. There is far less traffic now and you gradually ascend with improving views across pastures on your left. Reaching Beeley Hilltop Farm (Grid ref. SK270684), turn left off the lane to follow a well-trodden path northeast across fields to reach a wall with steps. Cross this and continue on the clear path that climbs gently across the gritstone edge.

Joining a track keep straight ahead into the woodland. Keep right at the first junction (grid ref. SK269691) and continue ahead on this main track. It turns sharp right, offering glimpses of fields and Park Farm through the trees on your right, before swinging left to continue in a northerly direction. Passing Swiss Lake with Swiss Cottage on the far shore, the track reaches the outflow of Emperor Lake on your left. Stay on the main track. When you see the Hunting Lodge through the trees avoid the temptation of taking the direct path through the trees, instead staying on the track to reach a junction (grid ref. SK265707). A short way to the left from here will take you to the Hunting Lodge.

Return to this junction after enjoying the extensive views from the Hunting Lodge and walk north from the junction on the clear track. Look out for a signed footpath on the left of the track at grid ref. SK265710. Take this path, descending to enter open parkland. You need to cross the grass taking a north-westerly line crossing two access tracks to reach a path a rather fine rotary gate at grid ref. SK260721. Do not go through the gate, instead turn south on the path. This will take you past the cricket ground and then alongside the River Derwent. Reaching the main access road to Chatsworth House (Grid ref. SK257701), cross the bridge and once on the other side bear left to follow the river downstream. The path gradually climbs to reach the main road opposite Calton Lees car park. Take care crossing this busy road and return to the start.

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