BASLOW TO CHATSWORTH HOUSE WALK
Take a scenic countryside stroll from the pretty village of Baslow to Chatsworth House
Start: Baslow Sports Field, Baslow, Bakewell DE45 1SP
Distance: 7.89 miles
Elevation: 650 feet
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot or download GPX file
About the route
This charming circular walk begins at the Pavilion Café in Baslow and takes you through picturesque countryside, including the Derwent Valley Heritage Way, woodland trails in Stand Wood, and the stunning grounds of Chatsworth House. Highlights include Chatsworth's Christmas Markets, the iconic Hunting Tower, and cosy pubs along the way.
It’s also FREE to enter Chatsworth Estate. However, if you choose to visit the gardens, farm, adventure playground, or the house, you’ll need to pre-book online.
Route difficulty
Walk type: Easy to moderate, with gentle climbs and some uneven paths. Not pram-friendly but can be adjusted by using estate paths that bypass stiles.
Parking: Free parking is available at the Baslow Sports Field Car Park, just a short walk from the Pavilion Café.
Walk highlights:
Chatsworth House
Cosy pubs and cafes
Christmas activities at Chatsworth
Baslow village
Route highlights
Derwent Valley Heritage Way
From the Pavilion Café, you’ll follow the Derwent Valley Heritage Way along the peaceful riverside path. The route hugs the banks of the River Derwent, leading you directly to the expansive Chatsworth Estate. Look out for deer and sheep grazing as you approach the grand estate.
Stand Wood and the Hunting Tower
After exploring Chatsworth, continue into Stand Wood, a tranquil patch of woodland with well-marked trails. A gentle climb leads you to the Hunting Tower, a 16th-century tower offering breathtaking views over the estate and surrounding Peak District landscape.
Chatsworth House
The centrepiece of this walk is Chatsworth House, an architectural masterpiece and one of the UK’s most celebrated stately homes. The estate is particularly magical during the festive season when it hosts the Chatsworth Christmas Markets (running until December 1st, 2024).
Stroll through over 100 stalls offering unique gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. Indulge in mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, or a Baileys hot chocolate as you soak in the festive atmosphere.
Fun fact: The estate inspired numerous literary works and served as a filming location for Pride and Prejudice and The Duchess.
The Pavilion Cafe and Bar
Located near Baslow Sports Field at the start of your walk, The Pavilion makes a great place to fuel up before heading out. Baslow, nestled on the edge of the Peak District, is a charming village of stone cottages and historic pubs. Two noteworthy stops on this route include The Wheatsheaf Hotel and The Devonshire Arms, both ideal for a relaxing pint or meal after your hike.
Adjusting the route
Shortening the walk
For a shorter, easier walk, focus on the riverside section from Baslow to Chatsworth House. Start at Baslow Sports Field, walk along the Derwent Valley Heritage Way to Chatsworth, and explore the house and Christmas Markets. Return the same way. This route is approximately 3 miles and avoids the steeper paths in Stand Wood.
Making the walk pram-friendly
While the main route isn’t pram-friendly due to stiles and uneven terrain, you can adapt it by sticking to the estate's well-maintained paths. Follow the Derwent Valley Heritage Way into Chatsworth’s main grounds and avoid venturing into Stand Wood. The estate paths are wide, flat, and ideal for pushchairs. If you’re looking for a longer pram friendly Chatsworth walk, take a detour up to the House when you get to Paine’s Bridge and walk up through the car park, following signs for the Farmyard & Adventure Playground.
Extending the walk
For a longer adventure, extend the route by exploring additional trails within Chatsworth Park or continuing along the Derwent Valley Heritage Way towards Calton Lees. Adding this detour can turn the walk into a full-day outing with more riverside and parkland scenery.
Getting to the starting point
Arriving by car
Free parking is available next to the Baslow Sports Field Car Park, just a short walk to the Pavilion Café and the start of the route. Space is limited, so consider arriving early.
Alternatively, you’ll find a pay and display car park in Baslow called Nether End Car Park. Click here for Google Maps location. Postcode: DE45 1SR. Parking is £4 for 3 hours, £5.20 for 4 hours, or £6.20 all day.
Public transport
Baslow is accessible by bus from Bakewell and Sheffield. The Chesterfield-Tideswell bus (66) and the Sheffield-Bakewell bus (257) both stop in Baslow. Be sure to check current schedules for weekend and holiday service.
✔️ Good to knows
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with some stiles and gentle inclines. For a pram-friendly option, stick to estate paths that avoid the stiles.
Accessibility: This is a carrier only route. This particular trail isn’t suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
Food and drink: Options include the Pavilion Café, Chatsworth's Christmas Markets, and Baslow’s pubs.
Parking: Free parking is available near Baslow Sports Field.
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow this walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
