Seven walkers gathered outside Church on the 5th March on a cloudy cool afternoon. Once again, we took advantage of the free parking at Chatsworth due to the house being closed.
After eating our lunch, we walked towards the imposing stable block before steadily climbing through Stand Wood before reaching the Hunting Tower. The tower was completed in 1582 for Bess of Hardwick and designed by the Elizabethan architect Robert Smythson; it is now a holiday let.
Continuing through the woods we passed large piles of cut logs as well as signs warning us of tree felling. The signs told us that the Forestry Commission had advised felling due to Phytophthora Ramorum, an algae like organism which causes extensive damage, especially to larch trees.
Soon we were alongside Emperor Lake. The 8 acre lake was built during the time of the 6th Duke by Joseph Paxton. Paxton used the lake to feed the Emperor Fountain in anticipation of a visit by Tsar Nicholas 1 in 1844. The water drops 122 metres down to the fountain, the resulting water pressure enables the fountain to reach heights of 90 metres and for 160 years, it was the tallest gravity-fed fountain in the world.
Next, we reached Swiss Lake with views across to Swiss Cottage, another holiday let. The cottage was built between 1839 and 1842 as part of the 6th Duke of Devonshire’s many improvements to the Chatsworth Estate. The lake, from which the cottage takes its name, was dug out to supply water to the 1st Duke’s cascade in the 1690s and is now drained.
Soon we climbed over a high, stepped stile to leave the Chatsworth Estate before descending the hillside and crossing fields to reach Beeley Hilltop Farm. We continued down the steep lane before passing Beeley Lodge and reaching the main road through Chatsworth Park.
After crossing the humped, single arched bridge over the River Derwent we followed the riverside path past the old mill. The mill, designed by James Paine, was built between 1761 and 1762 replacing an older working mill nearer the house. It was originally an ornamented working building but was damaged by falling beech trees in the great storm of 1962. Work is currently being undertaken to restore the water supply which is fed by the river through a culvert which has partially collapsed.
After a mile of walking by the river we crossed Paine’s triple arched bridge back over the Derwent before returning to our cars after an enjoyable five mile walk.
If anyone wishes to join our small friendly group meet us outside church at 12noon with a packed lunch on Sunday 2nd April. You will be made very welcome.
Steve Franks