Chatsworth - Peak District Walk
Thursday 6th February 2020
With a dry and sunny day forecast we decided to head out for a walk around the Chatsworth estate. John has done this walk just before Christmas but I hadn't been able to join him as my grandson's stocking needed finishing in time for Santa's first visit. We took advantage of the free parking that was on offer at Calton Lees to encourage people to explore the grounds of Chatsworth whilst the house was shut for winter. Unfortunately shortly after setting off we discovered that I had failed to put the memory card back in my camera so the limited photos I did take are taken with my phone which, as the quality of the images will show, I very rarely use for taking photographs with.
Start: Calton Lees car park (SK 2588 6856)
Route: Calton Lees car park - Derwent Valley Heritage Way - Chatsworth House - The Hunting Lodge - Emperor Lake - Swiss Lake - Rabbit Warren - Beeley Hilltop - Calton Lees car park
Distance: 6.5 miles Ascent: 267 metres Time Taken: 3 hrs 50 mins
Terrain: Clear paths
Weather: Dry and sunny
Pub Visited: None Ale Drunk: None
The shape of this tree caught my eye as we headed down to pick up the path by the river.
What I would have given to have been able to use my proper camera for this shot, it might have even been used as a competition entry for one of my camera club's competitons.
Chatsworth House comes into view and it looks a lot quieter than when we were last there.
Although not completely calm there are some lovely reflections in the water.
We soon reach the bridge where we can at least leave the muddy, squelchy path behind us.
Stand Wood, behind Chatsworth House is our next destination, hopefully we will be able to grab a seat at the Hunting Tower and enjoy our lunch with a view.
The phone, or the phone operater, can't get a decent shot of Baslow Edge, but as it is one of my favourite views from here it is included anyway.
Looking across Edensor to New Piece Wood from the Hunting Tower. All the seats were occupied so it looks like lunch will be delayed.
Five minutes later we have a quiet and secluded seat next to Emperor Lake, where we enjoyed a peaceful lunch in the sun.
A beautiful day to be out taking in the sunshine.
The clearing just beyond Emperor Lake means we can enjoy the view across to Birchen Edge.
Swiss Cottage seen across a completly drained Swiss Lake.
Having left the estate we now need to decide if we are dropping straight down to Beeley Hilltop, via the path below, or continuing along Rabbit Warren.
Before we decide there is time to take in the view across to New Piece Wood and Longstone Edge.
We opt to continue the walk along Rabbit Warren and enjoy views across to Falling Edge as we approach the gate and stile.
Once through the gate we turn downhill and only the presence of Hell Bank Plantation to our left stops the sun blinding us.
As we approach Beeley Hilltop the path flattens out until just beyond the houses it becomes a tarmac road.
Once we are back on the main road we cut across in front of the old mill rather than stick to the road.
All pictures copyright © Peak Walker 2006-2023