A Full Guide to the Calver to Chatsworth Walk
One of the best Chatsworth walks is the Calver to Chatsworth walk that goes up to and across Baslow Edge and then down into the estate and back. Baslow Edge, in essence, is a gritstone escarpment that’s surrounded by wild moorland.
On Baslow edge, you will see walkers, mountain bikers and climbers. We love Baslow Edge and the amazing views you can get of Curbar Edge. The walk we describe begins in Calver in the Derwent Valley, which has two river crossings and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.
This guide will find all the information you need to complete this walk, from tips to details, parking, weather and directions to help make the most out of your day in the Peak District National Park.
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House is a stately residence in the Cavendish family since 1549. It is located on the east bank of the River Derwent and faces the hills between the Derwent valleys. The parkland is backed by heather moorland and wooded hills.
It houses major collections of furniture, paintings, Old Masters drawings, Neoclassical sculptures, and books. It has been named Britain’s favourite country house several times and is a Grade I listed building from the 17th Century. On this walk, you can visit the house and gardens (for a fee) or eat in a restaurant or cafe.
Walk Details
Distance: 14.1km or 8.7 miles
Time: 3.5 – 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 534m
Route Type: circular
How to get to the Calver to Chatsworth Walk
Calver is a small and pleasant village located 5 miles north of Bakewell in the Derbyshire Dales. It’s also close to Derbyshire and is in the Peak District National Park.
Calver to Chatsworth Walk Parking Information
The best place to park for the walk is either outside Curbar Primary School or Curbar Gap car park (they are both free).
The only thing to be aware of is that if you park at Curbar Gap, you will end with an uphill walk, whereas if you park at Curbar Primary school, you will begin with the climb, but after that, you won’t have any more uphill sections (we recommend the latter).
There is also a cafe to go to before the walk (The Eating House) and a pub at the end (The Bridge Inn), which is a bonus.
Although there aren’t any toilets available at Curbar Gap, Jolly’s Coffee and Cake van sell hot chocolates, coffee, and homemade cakes on Fridays and Saturdays.
When is the best time to go on the Calver to Chatsworth Walk?
In our opinion, arriving before 9 am or later in the afternoon in summer (after 4 pm) is best to make the most out of your day on the Calver to Chatworth walk.
It is best to visit at the end of August or September to see the stunning heather on the moors.
There are also numerous events at Chatsworth throughout the year, such as sculptures, Christmas markets, and jazz events which help make the walk more exciting (if that’s possible). You can read about the events at Chatsworth here.
Useful Tips
- You should wear suitable footwear as there are parts that can be quite muddy, and the path along the edge is uneven because of the boulders. We always wear hiking shoes. We did, however, see many people wearing trainers.
- You must keep your dog on a leash from 1 March through 31 July.
- The Peak District National Park prohibits barbecues and fires.
- You must take all your litter with you and leave no trace .
- To help you navigate your route, make sure you have a map and are proficient at reading maps. These directions should only be used as a guide.
- Baslow is the nearest town with public toilets.
- For after-walk drinks or food, visit The Eating House in Calver or The Bridge Inn.
Calver to Chatsworth Walk Weather
Before you leave on the Calver to Chatsworth walk, make sure to check the weather forecast. It is quite exposed at the edge, so ensure you have enough clothing. Sun cream and a hat are recommended for warmer months.
To ensure that you are ready for anything, we recommend checking the following sites:
Met Office Forecast For Bakewell
Chatsworth Walks Route
Stage 1 – Calver to Baslow Edge
Start at the Bridge Inn and walk up Curbar Lane. Take care as you walk up the road as the path disappears.
When you reach a hole in the wall, as the road begins to bend right, walk through the fields and continue going up when you see the National Trust sign for Curbar Gap. Go up the steps, and follow the path until it meets the road.
At the road, go through the gate and turn right to follow the path uphill until you reach a gate on your right. Go through the gate, continue straight until you reach the crossroads and take the right-hand path to walk to the edge of Baslow Edge.
Keep walking along the edge, and remember to take in the views of Curbar behind you. Keep walking along the edge; eventually, it will take you to a crossroad on the other side. You will have Eagle Stone to your left and the Wellington Monument straight ahead.
Stage 2 – Baslow Edge to the Chatsworth Estate
You can detour any of these things or turn right and downhill to continue the walk. Keep going down, ignore paths to turn and go through the gate. Keep going down, and you will eventually reach Bar Road, where you should continue down past the houses.
When you reach a fork with a tree with benches under it, take a left onto Eaton Hill road and continue straight until you reach a public footpath sign on your right opposite Woodlands House. Take a right and walk between the houses.
Cross the road, and there is a footpath sign with some stairs. Continue along the path and go through the metal kissing gate, walk through the field, cross the bridge, and then out the metal gate on the other side.
Stage 3 – Explore the Chatsworth Estate
You have now entered the Chatsworth Estate. Turn right and continue down the white pebble path, through the Cannon Kissing Gate and continue straight along the tarmac path. Keep going and walk next to the river. When you reach the bridge, turn left to walk towards Chatsworth House. There is an option now to have a cafe stop in the old stables. Or you can explore the house and gardens at a cost.
Once you have explored the grounds and house, you need to head back to the Cannon Kissing Gate. You can cross the fields or return to the path near the bridge.
Stage 3 – The Chatsworth Estate to Calver via Baslow
Continue following the path, past the thatched cottages, turn left and head down into the main square. There is a tea shop, pub, and Italian restaurant. Keep straight and go past the Cavendish Hotel.
Keep walking along the road and go to the right-hand side. At the main roundabout, continue straight and go past the Prince of Wales pub. Continue straight at the mini roundabout. Walk past the church, turn left over the bridge next to the Co-op, and turn right onto Bubnell Road.
Keep straight until you reach a public footpath sign on your right and cross over the field toward the sign towards Calver. There is a small post to help guide you, but essentially you cross over diagonally, cut through the hole in the wall, and follow the path between the stone wall.
Go through the small wooden gate in front of you and continue straight through another wooden gate to walk along the river.
Keep close to the river and walk behind the houses to get back into Calver! Turn right and Cross over the bridge, and you will be back at the Bridge Inn where you started.
Calver to Chatsworth Walk complete!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there toilets at the start of the walk?
There are customer toilets in the Eating House and Bridge Inn. The nearest public toilets are in Baslow.
Can I take my dog to the Chatsworth walk?
Yes, dogs are welcome, but you must keep your dog on a leash from 1 March through 31 July. It would be best if you always remembered to clean up after your dog and make sure you leave no trace. There are also sections of the walk on the road, so you should be careful.
What can I do nearby?
- Near the 18th-century bridge, you can visit Calver Mill. This impressive mill was once a cotton mill. Later it produced stainless steel. It has now been converted into luxury apartments.
- Through Calver village runs the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail.
- The bridge has a busy Craft Centre, which includes a shop, gallery, and cafe. At the South end, there are outdoor retail shops, a garden centre, and a cafe.
What other walks can I do in the Peak District?
There are many exciting walks you can do. Please read our guides to:
We hope you found this guide to the Calver to Chatsworth walk useful, please let us know if you have any questions. Enjoy your walk!
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.
Photo Credits: averagelives.com