On Thursday 2 August I finished my 55th year with a good walk – the next bit of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way. I parked at Baslow – SK 257722, crossed the Bar Brook, walked passed the thatched cottages and into the Chatsworth Estate – there is mega kissing gate as you enter to allow wheelchairs in.
A blue plaque to Joseph Paxton, and some lovely views of the house. I shouldn’t admit that we’ve been in Derbyshire now for two years and have still not visited – website.
I passed Queen Mary’s Bower. Tradition has it that this was constructed in the 1570s when Mary Queen of Scots was held here. Then over the bridge in front of the house. Three Arch Bridge, was designed by James Paine, started about 1759 and substantially completed by 1761. Apparently “the bridge was carefully angled so as to be seen from the house and orientated in such a way as to provide that last, striking view to the house from the entrance drive.” It was early evening, about 6 pm, so the final people were leaving – it is good to see there are so many service buses (Sheffield, Bakewell and Matlock).
Along the river with a view across to the deer, and up to the road and across Calton Lees car park.
My original plan had been to walk to Rowsley and then back, but I had misjudged how long it would take to drive to Baslow in the first place. So I left the DV walk and headed uphill. Views over Calton Leeds, then quite a steep climb up to Calton Leeds.
Then I cut across through New Piece Wood and into the park. The views were lovely, north across the Peak, and down to Chatsworth itself. Deer were closer this time.
The walk was well signed, and I cut down to Edensor. It is an estate village, and the church dates to the 1860s. I will come and visit properly soon.
Across the road and back across the Park to the bridge, the House looking almost golden in the setting son. I took a photo of the bridge this time, then retraced my steps. 7 miles
