Chatsworth Park and Gardens
"Explore the landscape created by Joseph Paxton and the 6th Duke of Devonshire; and contrast it with some rugged deer park away from the house"
Walk directions
Head to the bottom of the car park, and pass the former Game Larder. Now follow exit signs out to the northern edge of the car park. Take the pedestrian/’estate traffic only’ tarmac track heading north. For the walk extension continue ahead, otherwise cut across parkland left towards Queen Mary’s Bower. Head left and back through a gate to the main drive to Chatsworth House then cross the road bridge on your right.
Immediately after the bridge, cross the road and walk downhill to the riverbank. Follow the River Derwent past a couple of weirs and the remains of an old mill to the next bridge which carries the B6012 over the river. Go through a metal kissing gate on to the road and across the narrow bridge.
At the bend in the road, take the second of two tarmac tracks on the bend and to the right of a gatehouse to the estate. Continue uphill, past Beeley Hill Top Farm.
Immediately after the farm, cross a stile on the left, taking a concession path across the field. Go through an ordinary gate then a deer fence gate, then bend left on a well-defined path through bracken. This crosses occasional boardwalks and narrows somewhat as it rises. Go through another deer fence, then turn left on to a broad track. Cross the wall into the estate by a high stile and continue to a crossroads.
Go straight ahead and follow the track as it passes the Swiss Lake on the right and then loops round Emperor Lake on the left. When you reach a junction of tracks by a telegraph pole, continue briefly along the main track to reach a crossroads with a tarmac lane. Turn left for the Hunting Tower.
Descend steps in front of the Hunting Tower to return to the tarmac track. Turn left along this. It now takes a long lazy zigzag downhill, passing what appears to be the remains of an old aqueduct (with water cascading from the end in wet conditions), then doubling back. Continue downhill, eventually turning left by the farmyard entrance and down to the car park at Chatsworth House.
Additional information
Terrain
- Mostly good paths and forest trails, estate roads, rougher and sometimes muddy in deer park, narrow road bridge, no pavement at Calton Lees Bridge, 2 stiles
Landscape
- Parkland, woodland and rugged moorland
Dog friendliness
- Keep on lead at all times
Parking
- Chatsworth House car park (pay car park)
Toilets en route
- In the stable block
About the walk
Sitting on the banks of the River Derwent, surrounded by lush green parkland, moors and a backdrop of wooded hillsides, Chatsworth is one of the most elegant and popular of England’s stately homes. First opened to the public in 1844 it continues to attract large numbers of visitors. Work first... started on the house in 1549 when Sir William Cavendish acquired the land and set about building a mansion. He died before it was completed and it was finished by his widow, Bess of Hardwick, who by the simple expedient of marrying four times, each time to a more powerful and richer man, succeeded in becoming the richest woman in England after the queen. Bess left Chatsworth to her son Henry Cavendish, who sold it to his brother William, the 1st Earl of Devonshire. It has now been home to 14 generations of the Cavendish family and is the seat of the current Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Initially a three-storey Elizabethan mansion, the house has been significantly altered and added to over the centuries. The 4th Earl, who was later made 1st Duke of Devonshire for his support of William III in the ‘Glorious Revolution’ of 1688, practically rebuilt it. Towards the end of the 18th century the 4th Duke had the magnificent baroque stables built and engaged the services of the famous landscape gardener Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, and it is the gardens and parkland (covering 1,000 acres (405ha)) that draw visitors back again and again. There are rare trees, sculptures, fountains and gardens, as well as a maze and adventure playground. The Emperor Fountain in the long canal pond, built in 1844 by Chatsworth’s head gardener, Joseph Paxton, is the highest gravity-fed fountain in the world. Paxton also built a great conservatory at Chatsworth and went on to design the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. Knighted by Queen Victoria, he later became a Member of Parliament and is buried in the churchyard at Edensor.
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
The natural features of this central English county range from the modest heights of the Peak District National Park, where Kinder Scout stands at 2,088 ft (636 m), to the depths of its remarkable underground caverns, floodlit to reveal exquisite Blue John stone. Walkers and cyclists will enjoy the High Peak Trail which extends from the Derwent Valley to the limestone plateau near Buxton, and for many, the spectacular scenery is what draws them to the area.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Self-Catering
Baslow Cottage
★★★★
"A cosy cottage in a charming Peak District cottage..."
- Washing machine
- Sky or freeview
- Linens provided
Self-Catering
Baslow Cottage
★★★★
"A cosy cottage in a charming Peak District cottage..."
- Total units: 1
- Washing machine
- Sky or freeview
- Linens provided
Hotel
The Cavendish Hotel
★★★★
"Discover a relaxed, warm and welcoming atmosphere at this amazing property...."
- Family rooms: 3
- Free TV
- WiFi available
Nearby places to stay
Baslow Cottage
Close to the River Derwent, overlooking Chatsworth Park, Baslow Cottage is a cosy stone-built cottage in the centre of the lovely village of Baslow. Just cross the river for a visit to ...
★★★★ Rating
Baslow Cottage
Close to the River Derwent, overlooking Chatsworth Park, Baslow Cottage is a cosy stone-built cottage in the centre of the lovely village of Baslow. Just cross the river for a visit to ...
★★★★ Rating
The Cavendish Hotel
Cavendish Hotel is a stylish property, dating back to the 18th century, and situated on the outskirts of the Chatsworth Estate. All rooms enjoy far-reaching views across the estate and ...
★★★★ Rating
The Pilsley Inn
Pilsley Inn, part of the Chatworth Escapes collection, (formerly The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley) is just two miles from Chatsworth House, and also a minute's walk from the Chatsworth fa...
★★★★ Rating
Fischer's Baslow Hall
Located at the end of a chestnut tree-lined drive on the edge of the Chatsworth Estate, Fischer's Baslow Hall is a beautiful Derbyshire manor house that sits in marvellous gardens and o...
★★★★ Rating
The Beeley Inn
The Beeley inn, part of the Chatworth Escapes collection (formerly The Devonshire Arms at Beeley) is a charming 18th-century village inn, located on the Chatsworth Estate, with Chatswor...
★★★★★ Rating
The Peacock at Rowsley
Set in the village of Rowsley only a few miles from Bakewell, The Peacock combines stylish contemporary design with original period and antique features. Individually designed bedrooms ...
★★★★ Rating
Millbrook House
Close to the River Wye, Millbrook House is a large detached house that sleeps eight. One major attraction is the small brook that runs along the bottom of the small garden. Inside, the ...
★★★★ Rating
Places to eat nearby View all




