Chatsworth Estate
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 8.01 miles
Embark on a revitalizing circular walk starting from the Calton Lees car park, perfectly situated for exploring the breathtaking Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire. This route offers a delightful blend of picturesque countryside, charming villages, and iconic landmarks, making it a must-try for walkers of all abilities, though some sections have limited accessibility.
Your journey begins as you traverse the open fields, leading you towards the idyllic Edensor village, a model village with unique architectural styles. Crossing the quiet road, you'll enter the expansive parkland of the Chatsworth Estate, where the majestic Chatsworth House will come into view. Continue your walk, heading uphill towards the historic Old Hunting Tower, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Turning right behind the grand house, the path guides you past the tranquil Emperor Lake, the source of the impressive fountain gracing the Chatsworth gardens. Keep an eye out through the trees on your left for a glimpse of the charming Swiss Cottage. Following the well-trodden path, you'll ascend onto the open moors, where the scenery transforms into a more rugged beauty. Be aware that along this stretch, there are two substantial stone stiles that, while stable, are not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies due to their construction.
Upon reaching Beeley Brook, the route turns back, guiding you towards Calton Lees and the welcoming car park where your walk began. For the most part, the tracks are well-maintained and generally accessible even in less favorable weather. However, the final section of the walk involves a stretch of road past local farms leading down to the B6012. It's important to exercise caution here, as this section has been noted to be slippery due to a potential oily residue.
This circular walk provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Peak District, taking in charming villages, the grandeur of Chatsworth House, and the natural splendor of the moors. Remember to consider the accessibility notes for the stone stiles and the potentially slippery road surface to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Further Information
The Chatsworth Estate is a large estate located in Derbyshire. It is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has been passed down through the Cavendish family for over 450 years. The estate spans over 12,000 acres and includes the famous Chatsworth House, which is a popular tourist attraction. The house, built in the 16th century, is known for its beautiful architecture and art collections, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and many others. The estate also includes a 105-acre garden, which is considered one of the most significant gardens in Europe and is also open to visitors. The garden features a wide variety of plants, as well as several statues, water features and a maze. The estate also includes several farms, a stud, and a large herd of fallow deer. The Chatsworth Estate is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful architecture, art, and gardens.
The Cavendish family is a British aristocratic family that has been prominent in British society for several centuries. The family is known for owning several large estates, including the Chatsworth Estate, which has been passed down through the family for over 450 years. The current head of the family is Peregrine Cavendish (2023), the 12th Duke of Devonshire, who inherited the title and the Chatsworth estate in 2004.
The Cavendish family has a long and distinguished history, including several prominent members who have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, science, and literature. The 3rd Duke of Devonshire was a prominent politician and served as Prime Minister of Great Britain in the 18th century. The 6th Duke of Devonshire was a patron of the arts and a collector of fine art. The 7th Duke of Devonshire was a prominent scientist and served as president of the Royal Society.
The Cavendish family is also known for its connections to other prominent aristocratic families and has intermarried with several royal families, including the Spencer and Churchill families. Today, the Cavendish family continue to be active in public life, but also focus on preserving the family's heritage and maintaining the Chatsworth estate.
What will I see on this walk?
