England’s magnificent summer walks includes breath-taking Derbyshire beauty spot: Full top 20 list

August is here which means we are officially in peak summer.

One of the best ways to catch some rays and boost your wellbeing is to explore the great outdoors in Derbyshire.

Now, experts Jen and Sim Benson at The Times have curated a list of the best summer walks in England.

One of the great things about embarking on a walk is that it’s a great way to bypass crowds.

Instead you can look out for vibrant wildlife, be held in thrall of pretty waterfalls, gaze upon wildflower meadows, or linger on the outskirts of ancient woodland.

A Derbyshire beauty spot lauded by the experts is the Chatsworth and Bakewell route in the Peak District, which came eleventh on the list.

The Times rated the fairly hilly, seven-mile-walk with bridleway, footpaths and lanes as moderate.

What makes Chatsworth Derbyshire route so appealing?

One of the key characteristics is the stunning River Wye.

It connects Chatsworth Estate with the quaint market town of Bakewell.

The route will take you across sweeping landscapes of the Peak District including the dramatic White Peak’s limestone backdrop.

You can climb up to Calton Pastures Trig Point and be rewarded on the descent with jaw-dropping views across Chatsworth.

If you really want to push the boat out, finish strong with a picnic packed with local delicacies and a paddle down the river.

Here are The Times’ full walking directions on the Chatsworth route

Starting point: Chatsworth car park, postcode DE45 1PP, map OS Explorer OL24

By train: The nearest train station to Chatsworth is Chesterfield, bus service are also available.

If driving: A619 from Chesterfield then follow the large brown signs to Chatsworth.

Walk: Cross River Derwent on Paine’s Bridge, heading right on footpath (FP) over road and through gate into Edensor village.

Follow road through village onto track to Handley Lane.

Join lane, continue in the same direction to sharp right bend with bridleway (BW) on left (227693).

Join BW through woods and across golf course to Station Road. Turn left, over Bakewell Bridge then right onto riverside path to footbridge.

Cross, continuing past car park and buildings.

Turn left between houses, right onto Coombs Road then left onto FP.

Follow FP uphill, crossing over Monsal Trail and continuing over golf course and through woodland to path junction by pond on Carlton Pastures (233688).

Follow FP right of pond and across pastures to gate into woodland next to cottage (247687). Go through woodland into parkland above Edensor.

Follow path downhill, bearing right onto bridleway before copse, downhill to B6012. Continue straight over, following paths across grassland to Paine’s Bridge. Cross bridge to return to start point.

Lunch: Build your own fabulous picnic by picking up local produce.

Scour seemingly endless shelves of Chatsworth Farm Shop for cheeses, jams and chutneys, be tempted by artisan bread and delicate pastries at Lambton Larder, and tuck into Bakewell tarts and Bakewell puddings at the several fine bakeries in the heart of the market town.

Here is the full list of 20 most stunning summer walks in Britain

1. Sellack and Hoarwithy, Herefordshire
2. Savernake Forest, Wiltshire
3. Dedham Vale, Suffolk
4. Beesands and Slapton Ley, South Devon
5. Compton Down, Isle of Wight
6. Blean Woods, Kent
7. Stackpole Quay and Bosherton, Pembrokeshire
8. Leckhampton Loop, Gloucestershire
9. Blakeney, Norfolk
10. Tongue Pot, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria
11. Chatsworth and Bakewell, Peak District, Derbyshire
12. Cautley Spout and The Calf, Howgill Fells, Cumbria
13. Weardale, Co Durham
14. Moray Firth, Highland
15. Aysgarth Falls, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire
16. Llanthony Priory and Hatterrall Ridge, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
17. Rhinog Fawr and Gloyw Lyn from Cwm Bychan, Eryri (Snowdonia)
18. Loch Lee and waterfalls, Glen Esk, Angus
19. Sandwood Bay, Highland
20. Divis and the Black Mountain, Belfast