River Wye, Rowsley and Chatsworth Park

An excellent walk through great countryside with woodlands and meadows, two of the Peak District's most beautiful rivers, great views of the Wye valley, ending with a ramble through Chatsworth Park, surely one of the most attractive and popular locations in the Peak District.

Starting in Calton Lees P&D car park at the edge of Chatsworth Park, we walk past the Garden Centre and take the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail, following the route of the River Derwent to Rowsley.  We turn right to climb a steep lane past Rowsley church, eventually reaching a plantation at the top of the gradient.  We bear left through the trees, emerging as the way begins to fall to be met by a grand view of the Wye valley.  We continue on tracks and fields through part of the Haddon estate before joining the Monsal Trail at it's starting point near Bakewell.  We proceed along the Trail as far as Bakewell Station.  We leave the Trail to turn right, climbing steeply over the golf course and through woods, emerging on a lane near the top, following it over the top of a hill, a splendid view unfolding across the Derwent valley to Chatsworth.  We branch off right along an unsurfaced track to the beautiful and historic estate village of Edensor from where we proceed across the main road and uphill with more magnificent views of Chatsworth House itself.  Upon meeting the river bridge we turn right and follow the course of the River Derwent back to the car park.