Baslow RFM Blue Line

 Baslow

RFM Blue Line

27/06/25

This is a walk I have had planned for a while. Its a brutal start and then, apart from a hill at 6 miles,  a pretty easy walk. Taking in high level views from Baslow Edge and the beauty that is Chatsworth this walk has a lot going for it. 

I parked outside the lovely church of All Saints in Curbar Bridge and set off up the very steep hill towards Curbar. This is a real lung buster to start the day. 

The edge above is ever present in Curbar which sits halfway up the hill. The water feature and stone objects were interesting but I have no idea what was going on.

The locals were friendly and one put me on the right way when I was struggling to find my route. It looked like a drive but it was an entrance to the park.

The dull start to the day didn't make the slope any less fearsome.There were plenty of isolated huge rocks in the park and I thought of Mr Ellerby again and glaciation. He's never far from my thoughts on these geologic walks.

Now this rock which was really big made me think of pagans and alters, ....better not go there. Then out of the field into the small wood and this very pagan looking dell.

The views were getting expansive and I hadn't reached the top of the edge yet.

I'd only been walking half an hour and already I was at the top. Curber below and the church looked a long way down. I was puffed but as I tell the kids if you want the views you have to go up the hills.

The views from Baslow Edge towards Baslow and over the Derwent Valley are wonderful. There were a few people around but not many. I was in a very happy place.

The rock on the left is a called Eagle Stone and is the size of a house. Its a real landmark on this moor. The one on the right is just close to the edge. I was curious as to how such an angular shaped boulder ends up on the lip of Baslow Edge. C'mon Mr Ellerby why didn't you teach me that.

This raven watched me as I approached before he finally took off. To be fair the view from his perch was well worth it.

I could see Chatsworth in the distance and knew that pretty soon I would be there. On the right Wellington's Monument though high up is bizarrely pretty hidden. There is a story there.

I missed the path for the way down and after a short back track discovered it was this. It was actually a lot easier than it looks though as usual very steep.

The way down to Baslow along Bar Road fooled me as I was expecting a proper road but instead this really charming lane was my route.

I nearly stayed on the lane but decided because I had planned to avoid the road by going through Yeld Wood I should stick to my plan and I am glad I did. The wood was small  but the steep wooded drop off on my left and the huge old trees were a joy. 

I quickly went through the unremarkable but clean and tidy outskirts of Baslow and arrived at a small park near the entrance to Chatsworth where I had my first break. My aim is 3 breaks for this 9 mile walk.

I crossed Bar Brook whose valley I had followed down the hill and met a chap with 2 black Labradors. We had a chat and then I turned down towards Parkside.

This cottage in Parkside is the pick of the bunch, chocolate box or what.

Into the wide open grounds of Chatsworth. On the right the far hill is where I took the picture of Chatsworth from a short time earlier.

The deer in the park were so pretty. They watched me but are not easily spooked by humans unlike deer in the wild.

I approached Chatsworth where there were plenty of cars and people but to be fair not too many. The toilets were open to the public and how about this for a posh loo.

Golden gates and classic frontage was the most I would get from the outside but I was happy with the scraps today.

Looking down the valley the land was widening and flattening markedly but I wasn't going there.

My route was over this bridge. 

There is another small heard of deer in the centre of this picture but all the sheep are gone. I watched a dog and a farmer move them all down towards the lake in about 5 minutes, well done Shep.

John Paul will probably remember this from our visit years ago i.e. the photo on the right with a fountain shooting up above the trees and the cascade on the left.

This beautiful little place called Edensor on the other side of the hill from Chatsworth looked like an estate village so I am guessing it was. This was my site for another break as I found a posh tree bench to sit on. 2 down 1 to go.

As this house on the left was next to the gate I am assuming it was the gatehouse but who knows. It looks too big but this is Chatsworth. Cavendish Hall outside the gate seems to be the duke's nearest neighbour but it looks like it might be a golf club now. Perhaps the Devonshire's play golf, what?

Sorry Jeeves and Wooster comes to mind. I really am an inverted snob at all times.

In the distance I can see Baslow and the Edge I seem to have a long way to go yet and this hill is no help. The road has a path so though the traffic is more than I like, it wasn't too bad.

I passed through Pilsley and this also looked like an estate village. Maybe this one was for the farmers and Edensor for the staff.

I left the road outside Pilsey and dropped down the hill across a huge field. I heard a farm vehicle behind me. I turned and saw a farmer with the gate open about to release an animal into the field. He waved and I waved back. He waited till I made the corner above this path next to a stile and then I waved and he let the animal into the field. A big bull that had a minutes madness running across the grass. Thank goodness that kind farmer had let me get out of the field before the bull was released.

I crossed the road (A619) and up the hill on the other side. Luckily these curious young bullocks were in an adjoining field but they were fearsome looking.

Baslow in the distance and the hills beyond still looked a long way away

I passed though another huge field full of lots of docile cows all lying down chewing the cud. I went through the small hamlet called Bubnell. I just loved the roses on the gate and wall of this cottage.

I was starting to see some progress and a small walk along a road and then through fields next to the river was my route to Curber Bridge.

These very young cows were intent on blocking my path but I bravely pushed through them. To be honest they were just so cute. I found myself talking to them as I passed them. I'm breaking up.

This last section was good dog walking country and there were a few around. Everyone exchanged friendly greetings.

The mill at Curber Bridge has appeared in at least one other walk and was a clear sign that I was close to the end of this route.

I don't always get to park on the actual route so it was good to get to my car outside the church.

This was a mighty walk with a tough start, wonderful views, aristocratic parkland, an agricultural walk and a riverside stroll to the end. I loved every minute but I did forget my third stop so I still need to do better.

9.17     miles

1100    feet ascent

03:05    hours mins walking time

3           mph