Getting There

My paws were quivering with excitement long before we rumble-stopped outside Chatsworth Park. The metal box we call a car sighed to rest, and with a click the window cracked open—instant nose-party! Autumn leaves, far-off livestock, and the promise of puddles all whooshed in at once.

My human wrestled the straps off me (no pre-walk snack—bold choice, human), and I was free to sniff, strut, and sprinkle my signature wiggle across the lawns.

https://images.dogwalksnearme.co.uk/blog/blog_68c5a343d361c3.53743910.webp“Look at this fancy welcome sign — I’m ready to explore ALL of it!”

The Walk “De-Tails”

Location: Chatsworth Park, Derbyshire DE45 1PP — full walk guide here: Chatsworth Park
Distance & Time: ~4.5 miles in about 2 hours (including deluxe sniff stops)
Difficulty: Mostly gentle with a couple of puff-worthy rises (for humans)
Terrain: Lawns, gravel, woodland edges, and riverbank paths — paws stay entertained

Human’s Head Data

  • Parking: Several official car parks near the house; arrive early on busy days.

  • Livestock: Sheep in places — leads and good recall needed.

  • Off-Lead Potential: Great in open areas if it’s quiet and stock-free; keep leads handy elsewhere.

  • Poo Bins: Near trailheads/parking.

  • Water: The River Derwent offers safe sip-stops at shallow edges.

On the Walk

First, we trotted the big crunchy lawns. I did precision zigzags to ensure maximum grass sniffed per minute.

“Is that a PALACE over there? Do they have sausages? Asking for a friend…”“Is that a PALACE over there? Do they have sausages? Asking for a friend…”

Then we nosed along the river. It whispered cool secrets, so I performed a ceremonial toe-dip (verdict: BRISK and DELICIOUS).

“Ooooh, water! Should I paddle? Should I zoom? BOTH!”

“Ooooh, water! Should I paddle? Should I zoom? BOTH!”

We wandered up through open meadows, past a tree so HUGE it clearly needed a full-body sniff report.

“This tree is MASSIVE. Challenge accepted: I sniff EVERY INCH.”“This tree is MASSIVE. Challenge accepted: I sniff EVERY INCH.”

At the top, I paused for a dramatic ears-in-the-breeze moment while we admired the view. Ten out of ten for panoramas; would pose again.

“Just me, my ears, and this view. Pure bliss.”“Just me, my ears, and this view. Pure bliss.”

On the way back, we padded through Edensor, where a pointy tower poked the sky. I wanted to go in the tea room to review the biscuits, but apparently ‘that’s not how cafes work, Mahlow.’

“Tall spiky tower! Tea rooms this way? I can be VERY polite.”

“Tall spiky tower! Tea rooms this way? I can be VERY polite.”

The Human’s Verdict

Chatsworth Park nails the “grand but dog-friendly” brief. Gentle paths, huge vistas, and river wiggles make it a crowd-pleaser. Expect sheep in parts and occasional muddy edges, so pack leads and waterproof shoes. Snacks earn bonus good-dog points.

Mahlow’s Final Verdict & Rating

Two muddy paws up, a full-body wag, and one triumphant WOOF! I found chilly river water, secret squirrel trails, and leaf carpets fit for zoomies. If you like stately scenery with space to sniff, this one’s a royal treat.

Rating: 4.5/5 paws (minus half a paw for sheep + stiles politics).