Chatsworth – Mince Pie Ramble

The walk starts from the Coach Park/Cattle Market in the village of Bakewell. We leave Bakewell in an easterly direction, crossing the Golf Course and rise up through Manners Wood to Calton Pastures. We then enter the Chatsworth Estate thru New Piece Wood – the Russian Cottage visible to the left just before we enter the estate. On exiting the wood, good views (hopefully) of Edensor Church & Chatsworth House as we drop down the hill and join the River Derwent at the Old Mill. Crossing over the bridge we take the path to Beeley Village.

We leave the village following Beeley Brook to the edge of Beeley Moor. After traversing west along Rabbit Warren Edge we re-enter the Chatsworth Estate. The walk continues on the high ground to the Chatsworth Lakes – first lake is the Swiss Lake with the Swiss Cottage on the far side. The second lake is the Emperor Lake which supplies the Emperor Fountain in the Chatsworth Gardens. The water from both lakes is now also used to provide hydro-electric power for Chatsworth House. We proceed to the Hunting Tower – magnificent view point – short stop of 5 mins to admire the view. We depart the Chatsworth Estate along Dobb Edge with excellent panoramic views to the west.

After crossing the Baslow – Chesterfield Road we head North West staying below Gardom’s Edge eventually arriving at Sheffield Road. After crossing the road we encounter the final climb of the day, up through the wood to the Wellington Monument – an excellent viewpoint – short stop to admire the view and get our breath back. From the monument we drop down to Baslow village along the Baslow Bar path/road. Finish at around 15.45 – 16.00 hrs; bus departure 16.15hrs from the Baslow Car Park – where refreshments & toilet facilities are available.

NOTES: As daylight hours will be short “pit stops” will be limited to two, 20/30 mins duration.

Free mince pie to ALL participants! – David G Coleman.