Pilsley, Bakewell is a very picturesque village within the Chatsworth estate. Many of the gritstone cottages in the village are occupied by estate workers at Chatsworth. There is a lovely spacious green in the middle of the village and there are stunning views all around the village. Part of the village was built in the mid 1700s and further houses were built in the late 1830s.
The Devonshire Arms in the centre of the village was built over 300 years ago and serves food, real ales and you can also stay. A couple of minutes walk away is Chatsworth farm shop which we visited before encountering our walk. It stocks some fantastic fresh, local produce along with gifts and cards.
This is a lovely circular walk which takes in woodland, open fields and beautiful lanes. We parked in the charming village of Pilsley, near the Devonshire Arms, on the High Street.
THE ROUTE
We start the walk in the centre of Pilsley, after a pint at the Devonshire, or a coffee and cake at the Chatsworth cafe! With the Devonshire in front of you, turn right and head down the road.
On your left you’ll see a sign for Richard Whittlestones studio. Richard Works in acrylics, water colour and oils, drawing inspiration from the Derbyshire countryside. Richard has appeared on many front covers of Country Images Magazines over the years, and his studio is well worth a visit.
Follow the road about 250 meters until you see a stile on the left hand side, pointing across the fields.
The view here is amazing, as it looks out over Baslow and the edge.
Hop over the style and head down the field with the wall on your right before going diagonally right down towards the A619. This is a little steep and tricky, so be careful. Then cross the road.
We’re then heading diagonally right again, back up the hill. When we did this walk, there were a lot of cows in this field, some with small calves. So be careful, and take the necessary precautions.
This will bring you out at Wheatlands Lane, a lovely and quiet farm track. Head left down the lane.
On your right, take note of the small circular stone building in the field. It is thought this building was built in the 1700s and was used as an ash house. A place where potash was kept before it was spread on the fields. This was used in Derbyshire well into the 1900s.
Follow all the way until this turns into School Lane. Follow this to the end where you will reach the tiny Hamlet of Hassop. Turn left at the T junction. Stay on the pavement on the left hand side of the road.
As you follow the road through the village you will notice the elaborate entrance to Hassop Hall – which used to be a stunning restaurant and hotel.
Hassop Hall, a Grade II* listed country house near Bakewell, Derbyshire, has a rich history dating back centuries. Originally owned by the Foljambe family, it passed to the Plumptons and then the famous Eyres.
The Eyres were staunch Royalists, and the Hall played a role in the Civil War. It underwent significant rebuilding in the 17th century. The estate changed hands several times, passing through the Leslies and Stephensons before being acquired by Mr. Thomas H. Chapman in 1975.
Hassop Hall operated as a hotel until 2019 and is currently undergoing restoration. Its history, architecture, and picturesque setting make it a significant part of Derbyshire’s heritage.
As you follow the road round you will see a sign here for drinks and we found it such a cool place. It’s a small little outlet selling drinks, ice cream and farm produce. Definitely worth a visit and you’re helping support local business too. They take contactless which is a nice little bonus.
Come out of the little farm shop, head left through the farm and straight in front of you is a gate. We follow a narrow path with a hill on the left. Follow this track for a while and start to slowly head back towards the car. This was super muddy when we came but only for a tiny part of the walk where you have to cross a brook at the end of the path. Once over the brook we head left through the trees. This eventually comes out to a farmers track, with tall trees to the left and an old stone wall to the right.
There is a picturesque old barn on the right hand side.
You will come out onto the main road A619 which you can cross, and then head right before turning left. When the pavement finishes there is a public bridleway sign. Here the walk dips down first then heads up the hill going all the way to the top where it winds it way up the hill to the right. (There is another path which cuts across here – it is shorter but quite steep). Take time to have a minute and admire the beautiful Derbyshire scenery.
At the top cross the wall and we head right before bending left, past a little seating area on your left. Follow this road back into Pilsley and back to your car or another pint at the pub!
DETAILS :: DETAILS :: DETAILS
Parking: There is plenty of parking on the in Pilsley, but please be mindful of the resedents.
Pubs: The Devonshire Arms, Chatsworth Farm Shop & there are a few pubs, restaurants & cafe’s in Baslow just a mile away.
Distance: 4.2mls / 6.75km
Time: Approx 2hrs
Terrain: A bit of everything, paths, road, tracks, fields, & mud!
