Walk 1986 - printer friendly version

Chatsworth Park from Rowsley Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 7.3 miles / 11.9 km

Ascent - 900 feet / 273 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SK258659
Lat 53.1895690 + Long -1.6153323
Postcode DE4 2JE (approx. location only)

Starting from Rowsley, where the Wye and Derwent Valleys meet, this Peak District walk climbs steadily out of the Wye Valley with some excellent views. The route continues past Calton Plantations to reach the estate village of Edensor. Entering Chatsworth Park, there are views to Chatsworth House before turning south down the Derwent Valley back to Rowsley.

The start is the small car park on Old Station Close (grid ref. SK258659) on the south side the A6. After parking walk back to the A6 and turn left. Continue to the Peacock and turn right onto Church Lane. Continue uphill out of the village. The lane soon narrows and becomes a track (bridleway) with good views across the Wye Valley on your left. After a kilometre from the A6 the bridleway bears right with a plantation on the left. At the next junction (grid ref. SK250668), follow the bridleway left. Continue ahead to reach a metal barrier (grid ref. SK244669) where you fork right (signed Chatsworth) to enter Rowsleymoor Wood.

The path follows a twisting route through the trees to enter open pasture. Continue downhill to pass between the Calton Plantations. Once through the trees, the route turns sharp right. Reaching a grassy track bear left and continue towards New Piece Wood. A short diversion to the right leads to the Russian Cottage which is part of the Chatsworth Estate. Continue through New Piece Wood and head downhill passing to the left of a large copse before reach Edensor with its neat cottages and church. Pass the tea cottage on your right and continue to the B6012. Cross with care and take the clear path opposite.

Continue along this path to reach a bridge across The River Derwent (grid ref. SK257702). Do not cross the bridge and turn sharp right. Follow the grassy path which roughly parallels the River Derwent. You are now on the Derwent Valley Heritage Way DVHW). Continue south using the upper path to pass a ruined mill beside the river (grid ref. SK259688). Continue on the upper path to reach the B6012. Turn left past a cattle grid and take the right fork towards Calton Lees car park.

Continue past the carpark and garden centre (on your right). Follow the lane as it bends right to a junction. Turn sharp right and just after the last building follow the waymarks for DVHW. The route heads south across pastures with the River Derwent on your left. After just over two kilometres of easy walking you reach Church Lane in Rowsley. Turn left to the A6 and then left again back to the start.

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