MmePerdu

http://www.chatsworth.org/

This map shows Chatsworth in relation to Chesterfield and the M1:
http://www.chatsworth.org/visiting/finding-us

janisj

Chatsworth is in the Peak district. This isn't like Glacier NP - w/ massive mountains. It is a National Park/scenic area and mainly moorland.

To give you an idea of a route - use this site http://www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp

And use From: whichever Cotswold village is your starting point; To: York; Via Point: Bakewell (its near Chatsworth) and it will show you the routing. Then under 'Route Options' you can click 'avoid motorways' to see a slightly different itinerary

It is basically right on your route to York - just remember to add 30% to 40% to the drive time.

Why not google Peak District and read up a bit about the region? And if you are really interested google 'Peak District images'

janisj

I missed indy_dad's and MmePerdu's posts.

BTW - in any case there is no wholly motorway route so you might as well take the Chatsworth detour. No matter how you go you'd only be on Motorways 25-35 miles out of the total

indy_dad

Interestingly enough, following janisj's instructions it tends to route you via A38/A6 when selecting Bakewell but the M1 if you chose Baslow instead. I guess that's dependent on the starting point (I used Stow-on-the-Wold) as well.

Not much difference either way so you certainly have options.

Personally, I avoid the A6 when possible but I've already seen plenty of the little towns it takes/drags you through.

Figure out what experience you're after and we can help further.

janisj

I used Chipping Campden - specific starting point will make a difference.

soods

Thank you all, expecially for the links. Will do my studying!
Not sure of the experience we want until I see the options