1-Hour Chatsworth Walk – Explore the Estate
Please note our boutique is now located in Hathersage at The Laundry, Hathersage Hall Business Centre, Main Road, S32 1BB. You can still enjoy the walk below as we’re only a 20 minute drive from Chatsworth!
As the only bridal boutique on the Chatsworth Estate, we’re so lucky to have so much beautiful Derbyshire scenery all around us. You can see the village of Baslow from our front door, and Hassop and its incredible summertime poppy fields from our own little car park. And if you’re feeling adventurous after your appointment at the shop, we’ve put together a little walking route that shows off even more of Chatsworth in all its glory. It’s also the perfect way to clear your head if you’re in wedding-dress-decision mode.
It’s a circular walk, so let’s call it the Wedding Ring!
This Chatsworth walk takes 1 hour max, or longer if you feel like taking stops for photos... or treats! We’ve included plenty of pit-stop options for you. Be sure to tag us on Instagram too!
Just remember that this is proper Peak District countryside, so while you’ll be on marked paths at all times, you’ll want to have something decent on your feet. You’ll also be crossing one field that is (only sometimes) home to a (very friendly) herd of Chatsworth cows, so please bear that in mind if big animals give you the heebie-jeebies.
If you’re an Ordnance Survey type, you can find the route on OS Explorer OL24.
Alright, let’s go!
Pilsley + Handley Lane
From the main car park at Broomes Barns, head through the little archway at the side of Alexandra Anne and turn right at the corner of the Devonshire Arms pub.
Head up the hill, past the lovely cottages and farm buildings to reach the top of Pilsley.
Stay on the path, passing a gate on your right that leads through to a delightful little wood (with its own scout hut and everything). Pass the picnic table to reach a fork with wonderful views out across the valley.
Bear left, then follow the track that runs between the drystone walls.
Pass the outbuildings on the right, and you’ll eventually reach a stile. Cross over, then walk across this field to the other stile in the hedgerow just ahead, with a tall marker post right next to it. (This is the field where the cows might be hanging out.)
Hop over the stile, then cross the main road to the side road straight ahead of you, the one with the ‘Unsuitable for motor vehicles’ sign. This is Handley Lane. Pretty gorgeous, right?
Follow the lane as it slopes uphill and round to the right, passing Paddocks Plantation on your left. You’ll get a lovely view of the landscape from the top, with Ashford-in-the-Water visible in the distance. And if it’s springtime, plenty of lambs too!
Not long after the treeline on your left runs out, and just before the lane slopes up steeply again, you’ll reach a junction with another lane that turns back and to the left. Take the turn and start making your way down the hill.
Edensor + Chatsworth House
This is a beautiful stretch of green lane, lined with giant trees and teeming with pheasants and butterflies. Just take care with your footing as the old road gets quite rutted in places.
You’ll soon catch a glimpse of Chatsworth House in the distance, as well as the Hunting Tower on the hilltop. You can just imagine Mr Darcy in his horse-and-carriage on his way to Pemberley...
As you reach the bottom of the hill, you’ll arrive in the charming village of Edensor.
It doesn’t get much more Derbyshire picture-postcard than this place!
Edensor is the village that the 6th Duke of Devonshire took a disliking to in 1838 – the Duke ended up ordering the whole place moved round a hill so it wasn’t spoiling his view from Chatsworth House! Total. Diva.
Wander down the main road, with optional stop-offs at St Peter’s Church for some history (JFK’s sister Kick Kennedy is buried here – more on that fascinating story here) or the achingly quaint Edensor Tea Cottage for some treats.
Once you reach the main gate, turn left and stick to the pathway to the left of the main road. (If you want to go full Darcy and extend your route to Chatsworth House, just nip over the main road and follow the pretty pathway that leads you around the hill to Paine’s Bridge, the River Derwent, and the Big House itself.)
Cavendish Hall + Back to Pilsley
The path will start to peter out as you get to Cavendish Hall, so cross over the main road and take the roadside pathway up the hill with the Chatsworth golf course on your right and Dunsa Farm on the other side of the road.
At the brow of the hill, you’ll see a junction with Pilsley signposted on the left turn. (If you have time, look the other way and down the hill for the converted farm buildings with the gates. That’s the Peak Ales Visitor Centre and tap room – well worth a visit for beer-based treats and gift-shop buys to take home with you.)
Once you’re on the road back to Pilsley, stick to the path on the right-hand side and follow it round the bend. Just after the 30mph signs for Pilsley, look for a little snicket between the hedges on your right. (Alternatively, stay on the main road until you reach the crossroads that takes you over to the Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop for, oh yes, more treats.)
Follow the snicket and then turn left onto the paved side road that leads between the cottages, with the clock of the primary school straight ahead.
At the end of the side road, turn right at the end of the side road and you’re back in downtown Pilsley!
If you’re not all treated out by now, stop off at the Village Shop for sweeties, or at the Devonshire Arms for something stronger. Take the archway to the right of the pub, and you’ll be back at Alexandra Anne and the main car park.
We hope you enjoyed your little tour of our world here on the Chatsworth Estate. We’d love to see some pics of your walk on Instagram if you get the chance, too.