A small but select party set off through the woods above Bakewell.  It was a cool day but plenty of sunshine to encourage us.  I was talking to Michelle throughout this bit but I’m told we passed through chocolate box pretty Edensor and had great views all round.  We arrived at the Derwent in Chatsworth and found a suitable patch of mud from which to push off into the dark depths of the river.  Mark and Joe looked on as Michelle and I braved the unseasonally cold waters (8 degrees?) Michelle clad only in her cozzie whereas I had a variety of neoprine coverings.  There was a good current and plenty of river to go at.  After 10 minutes or so we felt we’d met the requirement of a wild swiming meet, highly envigourating though it was and enjoyed a welcome hot drink before meandering on through fields and pastures into Rowsley.  Here we had our respective picnics sitting on a finely mown piece of lawn at Cauldwell Mill attended by a magnificent swan.  The route back to Bakewell was on easy stone paths making 10.7 miles according to Joe’s phone.  As our first meet for many months it was delightful to chat and catch up.  Looking forward to the next one.

PLEASE NOTE MEET NOW STARTS AT 10AM.  

Meet at 9:45 for 10am start.  Coming on A6 into Bakewell, the road crosses the river.  Fork right then immediately right again onto Coombs Road.  Carpark immediately on right or can usually park on road,  meet at the entrance to the carpark.

The walk goes up over the hill through the Calton Plantationto drop down into Edensor.  From there it’s a short stroll into Chatsworth Park and choice of swimming spots in the Derwent.  The water should be a pleasant temperature so leave your wetsuit at home.   We can either have lunch here or head on by the river to Rowsley and the Cauldwell Mill cafe.  The route back to Bakewell takes us uphill and through the woods making a total distance of about 10 miles excluding swimming.