Starting at Hell Bank Plantation means that the first landmark we see as we start along the track is Harland Edge.

We follow the track which takes us around Hell Bank Plantation. We could have taken the footpath through the plantation but given all the recent rain we opted to avoid having to cross the stream just before you leave the plantation.

Looking across Beeley Moor towards Bunker's Hill Wood. We had delayed our start as the weathermen had said the early morning mist would clear to give us sunshine and it looks like they might be correct.

Looking along the Derwent Valley towards Stanton Moor with Aleck Low and Minninglow in the distance.

Looking across to Lees Moor Wood as we continue downhill.

After all the recent rain the track down wasn't as bad as I expected it to be,
although there were one or two spots where we had to dodge the mud.

When we reach Beeley Lodge we have a very short section of road walking to do, the one disadvantage of this track over the one that heads through the village.

Pausing on Paine's One Arch Bridge to get a shot of the Derwent before we enter Chatsworth Park.

The walk alongside the Derwent was a muddy affair, where it was best to try and stay off the obvious paths as they were incredibly slippery.

Looking across towards the house where the car park was already full and cars were being lined up in front of the house.

Approaching Paine's Three Arch Bridge and there is a noticeable increase in the number of people around us.

Looking back across the wet fields we have just crossed from the bridge.

Having indulged in a quick trip around the gift shop in Chatsworth we escape the crowds and head uphill to the Hunting Tower, passing these deer just before we go through the gates into the wood.

When we got to the Hunting Tower two of the benches were free, so we sat having lunch trying to enjoy the view across towards New Piece Wood.

Calton Pastures and Manner Wood from our lunchtime spot.

When we first saw this robin it looked quite cute and we were surprised at how close it was to us. It wasn't quite so cute when it spent the rest of our lunch break diving at us which meant far too much time was spent watching it rather than admiring the view we had come to enjoy.

With the sun shining on it the Hunting Tower almost glowed today.

As ever I failed to get a good shot of Emperor Lake, one day I'll time it right.

Looking across to White Edge shortly after passing Emperor Lake.

Once we left Emperor Lake behind us we only saw two estate employees and a couple of runners in the distance despite the crowds we had seen at the house

We were delighted to finally see Swiss Lake had some water back in it, we had given up on ever being able to get a shot of Swiss Cottage reflected in the water again.

Looking through the trees towards the distant Swine Sty.

Walking through Stand Wood it was clear the sun was winning the battle with the clouds and so the walk across Rabbit Warren was very pleasant.

Looking back to Stand Wood as we head along Rabbit Warren.

As we reached the highest point on Rabbit Warren we could look back and see Longstone Edge.

Ahead of us Harland Edge is once more in view, so all that remains now is to tackle the final high stone stile and follow the track back to the car.

 

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