Chatsworth to Hathersage
Author’s recommendation
Safety information
There are some road crossings, always be aware of traffic and be sure to use a pavement/sidewalk where possible, where it isn’t walk on the right-hand side of the road,
Some of the ground can be uneven, with steep descents and muddy/boggy ground. Ensure you have suitable footwear and step cautiously where needed, the mud is especially tricky in wet weather.
A note about farms and animals: Be very aware of closing gates behind you. Remember, animals on a farm are not pets and can be closer to a wild animal than a domestic pet - particularly for dogs. The main risk today is horses as the path often crosses fields with grazing horses.
When crossing the streams, be wary of slippery and loose stones, if you feel unsure bring walking poles for support, and you can always find a more suitable crossing a little up or downstream.
Tips and hints
Food and Drink
There are plenty of places to stop for food along the way, and the day is relatively short. Baslow is your best bet for a tasty lunch, with a number of small cafes and pubs.
Points of Interest
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is set in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, on the banks of the river Derwent. Home of the Cavendish family since the 1550s, it has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions and interests of succeeding generations.Chatsworth House has over 30 rooms to explore, from the magnificent Painted Hall, to the family-used chapel, regal State Rooms and beautiful Sculpture Gallery. Chatsworth also houses the Devonshire Collection, one of Europe's most significant art collections, which is continually added to, encompassing Old Masters to contemporary ceramics and artefacts from Ancient Egypt to cutting-edge modern sculpture.
The River Derwent
The River Derwent is 66 miles long and full of history- this river was once highly important to the Industrial Revolution. Going between Matlock and Derby, it provided the power for the first ever cotton mill, Richard Arkwright’s mill in Cromford.
Hathersage
At the eastern end of the Hope Valley, a large busy village with rich historical, industrial and literary associations. Hathersage has become a popular place to visit for those in search of legendary heroes and literary heroines. By the south door of the church of St Michael is the grave of Robin Hood's lieutenant, Little John, who was reputedly born in Hathersage. Near the village other associated sites with the outlaw are Robin Hood's Cave, Well and Stoop. Charlotte Bronte has close connections with the village and it is said to be featured it in her novels. North Lees Hall is thought to have been the model for Thornfield Hall in Jane Eyre. Hathersage was once an important centre for the manufacture of millstones, needles and pins. There are some outstanding areas of natural beauty surrounding the village, including Stanage and Burbage Edges, Offerton and Abney Moor and Bretton Clough. The river Derwent passes just south of the village at Leadmill, where there is a picturesque bridge an old country inn.
https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/explore/towns-and-villages/hathersage-p680731
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
0.00 km - With your back to the Chatsworth House Lodge, in the visitor's car park TURN LEFT and join the small stone path that runs through the lawn
0.22 km - STRAIGHT ON through the metal gate towards the bridge, BEAR RIGHT before bridge through the metal gate and joining a path that runs alongside the river, continue on this path ignoring the turn offs through a number of gates
2.20 km - Pass through a big blue gate into Baslow, then TURN LEFT across the bridge and past the village green, then BEAR LEFT onto the main road, Cock Hill
2.80 km - BEAR RIGHT at the roundabout then TURN LEFT and TURN LEFT again onto a stone bridge
3.20 km - TURN RIGHT off the bridge and follow the road for 1 km
4.20 km - TURN RIGHT off the road to join a path on the grass, BEAR LEFT across the field
4.40 km - STRAIGHT ON through the wall and then the wooden gate 200 metres further on
5.00 km - Pass through the wooden gate and continue STRAIGHT ON across the field, following the river
5.40 km - Through a wooden gate past a row of houses, then continue STRAIGHT ON passing under a road bridge, then cross the road in front of you and turn right into Stocking Farm
5.80 km - Continue STRAIGHT ON through the farm and through a wooden gate, continue on across the field
6.20 km - Continue STRAIGHT ON through wooden gate
6.60 km - Continue STRAIGHT ON over road and through a wooden gate to rejoin the path
6.70 km - BEAR RIGHT over the wooden bridge
7.00 km - Pass through a series of wooden gates, remaining on the path and staying close to the river
7.50 km - Pass through a wooden gate, then TURN RIGHT over a big road bridge and then TURN LEFT through the village of Froggatt
7.70 km - TURN LEFT opposite the chapel signed for Grindleford Bridge
8.20 km - Through the wooden gate and continue on the path to BEAR RIGHT and then BEAR LEFT
8.50 km - Enter Froggatt Wood, clearly signed
8.70 km - Pass over a small stone bridge
9.10 km - STRAIGHT ON through 2 wooden gates as you leave the forest then BEAR LEFT to cross a footbridge and BEAR RIGHT across the field
9.40 km - TURN RIGHT out of the field onto the road, through a wooden gate then TURN LEFT into the field passing through 2 wooden gates
9.60 km - BEAR LEFT into the field passing through the old stone gate posts
10.10 km - Pass the bridge and BEAR LEFT into the next field
10.80 km - STRAIGHT ON through Coppice Woods
11.80 km - Pass through gate and BEAR RIGHT on the path
12.20 km - Through gate and BEAR LEFT over the bridge
12.50 km - STRAIGHT ON as the path turns to road
12.90 km - STRAIGHT ON over the main road, pass through the gate and join a footpath
13.10 km - Through gate and BEAR LEFT following the path on the edge of the field
13.40 km - STRAIGHT ON through the gate
13.60 km - TURN LEFT on the main road
14.00 km - You have arrived at the George Hotel, your day of walking is finished
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Sturdy waterproof boots as the path can be slippery and wet in parts.
Walking poles for stream crossing and muddy descents if the weather is wet.
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