My friend and intrepid travel buddy Marystephanie and I were ready to see Chatsworth on the fourth day of our tour, but we were a bit panicked. Word had leaked out from some of our fellow tourmates that we would have to climb a six-foot stile on our journey to Chatsworth. When questioned, our guide Christopher “Gentle Incline” Garibaldi admitted that it was true.

Now we had made it through some pretty interesting squeeze stiles so far on our treks, but the thought of a six-footer was definitely daunting. Nevertheless, we set off with a spring in our step and fingers crossed.

On this walk, we were leaving straight from the Cavendish Hotel, our home base, and setting off through the meadows. We climbed over a reasonably sized stile early on and I finally had the wherewithal to take some photos of these English barriers designed to keep the livestock in the meadows. I really missed the boat by not photographing the crazy squeeze stiles we had conquered previously!

Then it appeared—what seemed to be a solid six-foot stone wall actually had five stone steps going up one side and five going down the other. I watched as my fellow tourists made the climb. Then it was my turn. I threw my backpack over, figuring I didn’t need any extra encumbrances. I climbed up one side, sat on top of the wall, swung my legs over, and then made my way down without incident. Marystephanie followed me, also successful. Well done, us!

We then began our climb to the Elizabethan Hunting Tower built in 1582 for Bess of Hardwick. At the edge of Stand Wood, the Tower stands 400 feet above Chatsworth; its four floors are now rented out to vacationers. It originally provided the ladies with a perch from which to watch the hunts as well as offering impressive views of the Derbyshire countryside. Bess was queen of all she surveyed from this promontory.

We continued down the wooded path and reached what was once an aqueduct high on the hill. Looking down, we got our first glimpse of the mammoth Chatsworth Estate. Incredible.

Then it was on to the house tour, which was enjoyable in spite of the fact that we were a bit winded from our hike. I think we walked another mile just looking at all the public rooms in this immense building.

As mentioned before, I did hit all the shops at Chatsworth, thank you very much! I purchased two large jars of jam—one was Peach and Vanilla and the other Rhubarb and Raspberry. I did manage to bring them home, not without incident, and can confirm that both are delicious.

My favorite display in the shop was not for sale, sadly. It was a bust of Matthew Mcfadyen as Mr. Darcy in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice. A sign in front read, “Please do not kiss!” so I restrained myself.

Ah, the delights of Chatsworth House are boundless!