Chatsworth House, Hunting Tower & Emperor Lake Walk

Chatsworth House is one of the most beautiful stately homes in the UK and its easy to see why on this walk. From riverside paths, to woodland walks and amazing views over the estate, if you’re visiting the Peak District, this walk is a must.

What to expect

As you follow the river Derwent through the grounds upto the house and high into the woods, you can expect muddy paths. Chatsworth House is a popular area with locals and tourists alike so even on a quiet day there will be many other people exploring the grounds.

The steps up towards the Hunting Tower are very steep so take your time on these, we promise, the view from the top is worth it.

Getting there & parking

For the Calton lees car park, use postcode DE4 2NX, this is a pay & display car park. Alternative parking is available at Chatsworth House itself and is the same price as Calton Lees but we really do love the walk along the river so that is why we recommend parking here.

Good to know

The route

From the car park, head left across the cattle grid and down towards the river, follow this path all the way to the bridge where you’ll cross the river and head uptown the house itself. From here the route gets a little trickier taking in steep paths towards the Hunting tower and woodland trails to Emperor lake before heading back down to retrace your footsteps back to the start.

Tips & what to bring

Remember good footwear for muddy paths and steep sections along the route. Chatsworth organise special events here through the year so its worth checking before your visit, as some events mean the footpaths through the estate close temporarily, specifically the country fair, although footpaths remain open during the Christmas market and we think it makes this route even more magical.

Eat & drink nearby

There is a restaurant, food trucks and refreshments onsite. It is also only a short drive from nearby towns of Matlock and Bakewell.

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop Cafe

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is one of the only places you can try this early 19th century recipe.

2.5 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Charleston Restaurant

The Charleston in Bakewell is a 1920's style, restaurant, cocktail, wine bar and live jazz music venue in the heart of the…

2.5 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Pub

The Ashford Arms is a quintessential country pub that blends traditional charm with contemporary comfort.

3.9 miles away 📍 Map View →

Cafe 19, Calver, Peak District Cafe

Cafe 19 at Calver crossroads, a Peak District cafe with great coffee and frankly amazing cakes. The kind of place you stop…

4.1 miles away 📍 Map View →

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Places to stay nearby

★ Featured partner · make a weekend of it

The George Hotel, Hathersage

Hotel · 8.2 miles away

Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves. Plan a weekend →

The Peacock At Rowsley ✦ NewHotel

A historic 17th century luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Peak District

1.7 miles away 📍 Map View →

Darwin Forest ✦ NewGlamping

Darwin Forest is a luxury lodge holiday park nestled in 47 acres of woodland on the edge of the Peak District between…

3.4 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Hotel

A beautifully restored 17th century coaching inn in Ashford-in-the-Water near Bakewell, with cosy boutique rooms, award-winning food and the Monsal Trail on…

3.9 miles away 📍 Map View →

A Charming Country Cottage Just Minutes From The Monsal Dale & Trail ✦ NewSelf-catering

Unwind at this cosy cottage on the doorstep of some of the best walks in the Peak District

4.1 miles away 📍 Map View →

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From walkers

1 photo from people who walked this

✓ Berto in the Westcountry

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POIs nearby

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