Loop - Hike + Chatsworth House Christmas Market - 10.5mi/17km

Join us for a hike in the Peak District and if you wish a walk a look around Chatsworth House’s Christmas Markets.

Start Time: 9:45am
Miles/Kilometres: 10.5mi/17km (Approx)
Total ascent: 400m (Approx) **
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated length of time: Hike will take approx 5 hours (including a lunch break)
Dogs Allowed: Yes. They must be on a lead at all times when on Chatsworth House grounds as there is wildlife and sheep.
Public Transport: No, not from West Yorkshire, happy to give people a lift from Huddersfield or any train station in the Holme Valley.
Parking: Car park at Baslow.
Payment: £1 - Use this link to pay: https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1 - please put "Chatsworth" as reference.

Itinerary

Meet outside the toilets at the car park

We start by following the Derwent Valley Heritage Way away from the house, across the grounds to Baslow village. We cut through the village and take a gradual ascent up a farm road to Eagle Stone (a rock that looks like an Eagle(?)) and then along the clifftops of Baslow Edge until we reach a main road which we cross.

We then continue along Curbar Edge for views across the village of Curbar before cutting in and heading to a trig point. We head across the moors back to the road we crossed earlier but at a different point. Walk down the road slightly to a crossroad. Cross the road and then follow a path around the crest of the hill to then walk along Gardom's Edge before again cutting inwards away from the clifftops.

We come across another trig point and then walk along to Birchen Edge clifftops which includes a weird monument called Nelson's Monument (perhaps a monument to Lord Nelson beating Napolean at the Battle of Trafalgar(?)). We come out at Robin Hood Farm/Pub and walk down the road slightly, crossing over to then follow a path into the upper part of Chatsworth House's grounds.

We follow the path until it joins one of the grounds roads. We follow the road until we come across a tower that I believe was where the ladies would congregate to watch the gentlemen hunting. We then descend down to Chatsworth House. For anyone that came only for the hike, feel free to go back to your car and head home.

The rest of us will go into the house (anyone who has brought dogs will have to enter via the garden entrance and wait outside the souvenir shop or explore the gardens without those that entered the house). Look around the house which should be decorated with Christmas decorations, we then exit out through the souvenir shop into the gardens. The gardens will have a lights trail to follow so hopefully it will be dark enough by now for this to be good. We can then explore the gardens for as long as we wish, they close at 5pm. Then head out and explore the Christmas markets before heading home.

Disclaimers

The walk organisers do not have training or insurance. Therefore, anyone who joins the walk is accountable for their own safety and anyone they bring with them. By signing up you accept this.

Check the weather (on multiple websites) before leaving your residence. Bring clothing & footwear suitable for the forecast. We advise you to bring walking boots for any medium or harder walk. Trainers are only recommended for easy walks. Bring a coat just in case (this is Britain after all...) and extra layers if it is going to be cold.

All proceeds go towards equipment for leading walks, group events & trips. A percentage will go to charities.

Bring a packed lunch and snacks. Bring enough food & water to last the estimated time.

We recommend bringing some cash just in case. Especially if parking. Not everywhere is contactless yet.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the walks organiser.