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Derbyshire Walks

Chatsworth Estate Walks & Route Maps

Chatsworth Estate walk, Derbyshire
Chatsworth Estate · Photo: Andrew Hill

Beginning and ending at the magnificent Chatsworth House, these walks explore the sweeping parkland and woodland of the Chatsworth Estate.

Both routes follow stretches of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way before venturing through tranquil woods and open pasture, with highlights including the hilltop Hunting Tower and the peaceful waters of Emperor Lake.

The longer of the walks extends further south to take in Swiss Lake as well, adding extra distance and a few more climbs in this gently hilly landscape.

With a mixture of easy paths, some steady ascents and a short stepped descent near the end, these walks offer rewarding views and a wonderful sense of space - with plenty of refreshment options waiting back at Chatsworth.

Download the Derbyshire Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.

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Walk information

Chatsworth Estate Walk 1

Walk distance
3½ miles
Time
2.5 hours
Route type
Circular

This stunning walk starts and finishes at Derbyshire's finest estate - Chatsworth.

It is an easy walk most of the way starting along the Derwent Valley Heritage Way and explores some of the extensive park and woodland surrounding the house.

There is a bit of a climb at one point followed by a lovely walk through the woodlands passing a wonderful hilltop hunting tower. There is also a short gentle uphill detour to the beautiful Emperor Lake where you can rest for a moment or two.

There is a bit of a steep decline with steps towards the end of the walk so take care in wet weather as it may be slippery. From here its back to the magnificent Chatsworth House.

After all of your exploring, Chatsworth offers plenty of places to grab a quick bite.

Chatsworth Estate Walk 1 4.5 Ratings and reviews 6 ratings · 4 reviews

Based on 6 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.5

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly3.3 / 5
Path condition3.8 / 5
Buggy friendly0.8 / 5
Wheelchair friendly0.8 / 5
Toilet facilities3.2 / 5
Pub or café3.5 / 5
Route accuracy4.7 / 5
ClimbingSome climbing
LivestockSome livestock
StilesA stile or two
Mud levelMostly dry

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Derbyshire Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Free toilets by the start next to the carpark. The path up the hill to the old guard tower is very steep with a lot of steps. Once you are up there however, the rest of the walk is a doddle. Emperor Lake provides a nice and quiet lunch spot with beautiful views. You may be lucky enough to see the herd of deer after coming back down the hill to the chatsworth grounds.

Walker review

Carried on when we got to the lake detour and it turned out to be the best bit of the walk even though we didnt follow the route!

Walker review

I have vertigo so the stairs were difficult for me. I had to take a few breaks, but once I was up them I was fine. Overall great walk, helped me conqueror my fears.

Walker review

A walk full of variety. Emperor Lake was a bit disappointing though but still an enjoyable walk with some beautiful views.

Walk information

Chatsworth Estate Walk 2

Walk distance
6½ miles
Time
3.5 hours
Route type
Circular

This second route option is similar to Chatsworth Walk 1, but it adds some more distance in this wonderful estate.

This time, it travels further south, walking past Swiss Lake, Emperor Lake and the Hunting Tower offering you some lovely scenery and heart-warming exercise in delightful surroundings.

It is quite a hilly area, so be prepared for some climbing on the route.

Chatsworth Estate Walk 2 4.3 Ratings and reviews 3 ratings · 2 reviews

Based on 3 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.3

A very popular walk

Dog friendly4.0 / 5
Path condition5.0 / 5
Buggy friendly1.3 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.3 / 5
Toilet facilities3.3 / 5
Pub or café4.0 / 5
Route accuracy4.7 / 5
ClimbingGentle slopes
LivestockSome livestock
StilesA stile or two
Mud levelMay be muddy after wet weather

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Derbyshire Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

It was a lovely walk around chatswoeth although its not as long as stated. Its around 6 miles. It took us 2 hours to do. Lovely cafes at chatsworth.

Walker review

Parking is very expensive.

Navigate the walks

Derbyshire Walks App

Follow the Chatsworth Estate walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

Download the app

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Derbyshire Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 250 Derbyshire walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Expanded route map for Chatsworth Estate Walk 1, a 3.5 mile circular walk in Derbyshire