Day 1: Arrive Bakewell
Settle into your accommodation in the historic town of Bakewell.
Day 2: Chatsworth House Walk (9 miles)
Leaving Bakewell behind you will pass the attractive woodland at the Manners Estate before dropping down to the picturesque village of Edensor. You will continue to Chatsworth House, one of the grandest houses in the country. Built in 1549 by the Cavendish family the house was finished by Bess of Hardwick, after the death of her husband, Sir William Cavendish. Over the years, money continued to pour into Chatsworth, making it an almost unparalleled showcase for art treasures. Every aspect of fine arts is here, ranging from old masterpieces, furniture, tapestries, porcelain & alabaster carvings. There are also some fantastic gardens which have a number of interesting features such as the Emperor Fountain, which dominates the Canal Pond & can reach up to 290 feet. After visiting Chatsworth you return to Bakewell by following the River Derwent Southwards to Calton Lees and along the bridleway through Manners Wood.
Day 3: Haddon Hall Walk (5 or 7 miles)
This short walk takes you up past the impressive Bakewell Parish Church to open rolling green fields. You will have the option to take a detour to the picturesque hamlet of Over Haddon which takes in some of picturesque Lathkil Dale or take the shorter route that drops down to reveal splendid views over Haddon Hall. Haddon Hall is the finest example of a mediaeval manor house currently in existence in England. Entering the main house you soon come to the highlight of the visit - a glorious 14th Century Banqueting Hall complete with minstrels' gallery, which looks exactly as it must have done 600 years ago.The house is in a beautiful situation and is very well preserved - even down to kitchens straight from the 17th century - so it looks magnificent. The Estate also has some fine gardens which, combined with splendour of the house, makes for an extremely romantic setting. The walk from Haddon back to Bakewell is practically flat all the way as the path runs along side the River Wye to bring you out at the farmers market.
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