It was the Ramblers turn to meet at Chatsworth this week (making the most of the free parking). Meeting in the main car park at the house we were hoping for a dry walk. However the start of the walk had a few drizzly showers before it dried up for the rest of the walk.
We headed out in a northerly direction to cross the haha and up the hill towards the hunting tower. We were fortunate to see a stunning herd of deer at very close range and then the snowdrops by the tower were a fantastic sight. We passed the now full Swiss Lake and continued from the large wall stile to the moor. Picking up a path leading to Beeley Lodge we began the descent, the path was very muddy and the duckboard bridges made us think that it is never a dry route. Crossing the bridge over the Derwent we turned North towards the house and followed the river back. The low lying ground by the river was waterlogged and the weirs on the river were gushing - a wonderful sight and sound. 5.6 miles covered with good company and conversation.
Do join us if you fancy a 5(ish) mile stroll.
The next ramble will be on March 9th, start location to be announced nearer the time.
