Seven walkers gathered outside Church on the 5th February on a clear cool afternoon. Our leader Bob had confirmed there was free parking at Chatsworth due to the house being closed so we decided to start our walk from their main car park.
When we got there it seemed the fine weather and free parking had brought everybody out. After finding a parking space we consumed our packed lunch before starting the walk.
Leaving our cars, we crossed the River Derwent on James Paine’s bridge, completed on 1761. On the far side a woman passed us with a large colourful macaw perched on her arm – not so colourful as one of our party missed it! Continuing, we crossed the main road through Chatsworth Park and entered the village of Edensor. The village consists of an eccentric mixture of different house styles, from Tudor to Norman, from Swiss-style cottages to Italian-style villas.
The original village of Edensor was closer to Chatsworth House, but William Cavendish did not like the view of it so it was demolished between 1838 and 1842 and the present village built by Sir Joseph Paxton.
The church of Edensor, St Peter’s, was rebuilt in 1867 by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The churchyard holds the resting place of Kathleen Agnes Cavendish, Marchioness of Hartington (née Kennedy), and sister of U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
We climbed steadily through the village, pausing to admire the cakes and preserves for sale on a small stall at the side of the road. A wonderful display of snowdrops and celandine at the side of one of the houses gave us another excuse for a rest. As we neared the end of the village a convoy of five land rovers passed us. We continued up the lane as it became a rutted track, where off-road motorbikes passed us, although the slope was too much for a couple with electric push bikes as they ‘walked’ their bikes up the hill.
After ¾ mile we reached a minor road which we followed for ½ mile, enjoying the views across to Hassop before turning onto a track. We were now starting to descend. On our left we skirted the so called ‘Moatless Plantation’ then a large pond. We were now crossing Calton Pastures but could see no sheep nor other wildlife.
Soon we approached Russian Cottage. The cottage is based on a model of a Russian farm given to the 6th Duke of Devonshire by the brother of Tsar Nicholas of Russia and is now a holiday let. We now had a decision to make – either a five or six-mile walk! Deciding on the shorter route we continued through Chatsworth Park aiming for the spire of Edensor Church. On our right we spied a large herd of deer.
On reaching Edensor we descended down some stone steps before turning right and retracing our route back through the village, crossing the main road and returning to our cars.
If anyone wishes to join our small friendly group, meet us outside church at 12noon with a packed lunch on Sunday 5th March.
You will be made very welcome.
Steve Franks