Sunday October 8th

 Around Chatsworth

A lovely, sunny day and really warm for the beginning of October. Described in the guidebook as a walk though an "incredible mix of man-made and natural landscape"- this was a walk that we had wanted to do for quite a while. Leaving Calton Lees in the Chatsworth Park, the first section of the walk goes up the hillside and across to a wooded knoll, passing many estate houses on the way. Then, all the height is lost as the walk descends to Edenor- a sort of model village almost, owned by the Devonshires. It was noteworthy because of the size of its church and the delicious cake that we were able to buy from a stall outside a house- it was the best ginger and apricot parkin that we'd ever had.

Edensor church with hunting tower just visible in distance
(no picture of parkin available...)

The next section took us through the grounds of Chatsworth itself- always an imposing sight and we worked our way past the farmyard towards the woods.

Obligatory picture of Jacinta in front of Chatsworth House

They seemed to have changed some of the signage but we managed to pass some of the major landmarks as we headed for the prominent Hunting Tower, including the spectacular but ruined aqueduct.

Aqueduct with Edensor Church in the distance

We had our lunch at the tower and then started the long(ish) walk past the Emperor and Swiss Lakes to Beeley.

Approaching Beeley

It was good to approach Beeley from a different direction and a different route- and it was a super walk down through the greenery as the photos show. Back at the car park, we had a welcome drink from our supplies and went home to have supper. A long (six hours) but ultimately satisfying day out.

6 hours, 12.6 miles with 500m ascent.


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