Chatsworth Park Perimeter Walk
Derbyshire
Chatsworth is one of England's grandest country estates and its 1,000 acre Capability Brown parkland offers one of the most picturesque walks anywhere in the Peak District, with the Derwent, Chatsworth House, the Hunting Tower and the surrounding wooded edges all on show. This dog friendly perimeter circular starts at Calton Lees and loops the park via the Hunting Tower, Edensor village and the riverside lawns, with open views of the house from almost every angle.
Because the estate is grazed by red and fallow deer and sheep, dogs must stay on a lead throughout the park; letting them off is not an option and can result in stock-chasing incidents. The paths are mostly good, with a proper climb up to the Hunting Tower and longer, gentler gradients elsewhere. Calton Lees has a pay and display car park and the Chatsworth Garden Centre nearby, and Edensor village has a tea room that welcomes dogs.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.8 km (6.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Park, Woodland, River, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Tea rooms and toilets at the garden centre and at Chatsworth House during opening hours; a cafe and toilets in Edensor.
- Parking
- Pay and display at Calton Lees car park at the south end of the park; main Chatsworth car park further north, both fill quickly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chatsworth Park Perimeter Walk dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Chatsworth Park Perimeter Walk, which loops around the 1,000 acre parkland taking in the River Derwent, the Hunting Tower and sweeping views of Chatsworth House. It scores 6 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating, largely because leads are compulsory throughout — but it's still a genuinely beautiful outing for you and your dog.
Can dogs be off lead at Chatsworth Park Perimeter Walk?
No — dogs must remain on a lead for the entire walk without exception. The estate is actively grazed by red and fallow deer as well as sheep, and letting dogs off can result in serious stock-chasing incidents, so this one is firmly a lead-only route from start to finish.
What should I know before visiting Chatsworth Park Perimeter Walk with my dog?
Come prepared for a mix of terrain — there's a proper climb up to the Hunting Tower alongside longer, gentler stretches — and make sure your lead is on before you leave the car. Both Calton Lees car park (pay and display) and the main Chatsworth car park can fill up quickly, so an early arrival helps. There are dog-friendly refreshment stops along the way, including a tea room in Edensor village, and toilets and tea rooms at the garden centre near Calton Lees.
What’s Nearby?
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