Bakewell to Chatsworth Walk | 9 Miles
If you’re looking for a scenic Peak District walk linking two beautiful places, this Bakewell to Chatsworth walk is a fantastic option. This 9 mile circular route takes you through rolling countryside, across open fields, and into the stunning parkland of Chatsworth House.
The walk also passes through the picturesque village of Edensor, before exploring woodland behind Chatsworth and returning to Bakewell. With plenty of variety and beautiful views throughout, it’s a rewarding day out in the White Peak.
Bakewell to Chatsworth Walk Overview
- Distance – 9 miles
- Difficulty – Moderate
- Route type – Circular
- Start point – Bakewell Smith Island Car Park
- Terrain – Fields, parkland paths and woodland trails
- Facilities – Cafes and toilets in Bakewell and Chatsworth
Highlights of the Bakewell to Chatsworth Walk
- Beautiful views across the White Peak countryside (on a clear day)
- Walking through the historic Chatsworth Estate
- Visiting the picturesque village of Edensor
- Woodland trails behind Chatsworth
- Finishing in Bakewell with plenty of cafes, pubs and bakeries
Walk Details:
We started from the Bakewell Bridge car park and headed out of the main entrance by the pay machine, turning right onto Coombs Road. After about 300 yards there’s a footpath on the left.
We followed this up the hill, over the stile and across the bridge over the Monsal Trail. The route then continues up the hill, passing through Bakewell Golf Club, and then heads into the woods. The paths in here can be muddy and rough underfoot.
At the top of the woods is a small gate leading out into open countryside. We followed the path across the fields, passing a large pond, until we came to a field with an open fronted barn. Here the footpath turns left and heads down the track through New Piece Wood into the Chatsworth Park. There’s a high stile here, or you can open the gate.
We cut across the park, heading north into Edensor. Passing down the stone steps (these get slippery after rain) we walked through the village.
Edensor (pronounced Enza) is a picturesque village on the edge of the Chatsworth Estate, known for its beautiful individual stone cottages and peaceful village green. Originally rebuilt in the 19th century by the 6th Duke of Devonshire, the village was designed to complement Chatsworth House and remains one of the most charming spots to visit while exploring the estate.
Leaving Edensor, we crossed the road and followed the path towards Chatsworth House, crossing the ornate Three Arch Bridge designed by James Paine in the 18th Century.
We had a stop off at the Park Pantry and then walked up through the Stables. Turning left at the horse, we followed the path up the hill into the woods. Following the road through the woods, we came to a high stile in the wall which leads out onto the moors beyond.
After a short distance the path forks, and we turned right to head downhill through some woodland (which gets very muddy) to a rough track, passing Beeley Hill Top Farm. The road brings you to Beeley Lodge, and we walked a short distance on the roadside, crossing the One Arch Bridge, before crossing and taking the path up through the woods to the Calton Lees car park.
We turned right and headed back into Chatsworth Park, following the grass path running along the edge of the woods back to the park boundary. We climbed the stile and followed the path up the track to return to the footpath over the fields. We turned right to follow the footpath back over the fields, past the pond and back down past Bakewell Golf Club to return to the car. We then went to The Peacock for some lunch – very nice!
Tips for This Walk
- Some field paths can be muddy after rain
- Bring cash if visiting Chatsworth cafes or shops
- Keep dogs on leads in Chatsworth parkland (there are free roaming livestock and deer, and signs up everywhere)
FAQs
How long does the Bakewell to Chatsworth walk take?
Most walkers complete the 9 mile route in around 3.5 to 4 hours.
Is this walk suitable for beginners?
The route is moderate with some gentle climbs but is suitable for most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness.
Can you walk to Chatsworth from Bakewell?
Yes, there are several walking routes between Bakewell and Chatsworth, including this scenic circular route.
Bakewell to Chatsworth and Edensor Walk
Walk Map (Opens in OS Maps):ย Bakewell to Chatsworth House Walk
Parking:ย Bakewell Bridge Car Park, Coombs Rd, Bakewell DE45 1AQ W3W:///breath.buggy.beatenย โ pay and display, ยฃ5 for 4 hours (as of February 2026).
Facilities:ย Bakewell has lots of pubs, cafes and shops, so there’s plenty of facilities. There are public toilets at Chatsworth House as well.
Walk Time:ย 4-5 hours
Difficulty:ย โฒโฒ
Distance:ย 9.2 miles (14.85km)
Trig Points Bagged: None
Peak District Peaks Bagged: None
Peak District Ethels Bagged: None
