Walking
All levels of walking are available from the transit of the the long-distance Ridgeway National trail, links to the Icknield routes and the Dunstable gateway to a gentle stroll up the Monument drive for a cup of tea at the Visitor Centre.
For those who want walks on the Estate that will give a bit of exercise and perhaps entertain there are a number of leaflets that describe interesting self guided walks routes of a variety of lengths and difficulty available at the National Trust Shop at the Visitor Centre.
Of course you can walk almost wherever you like with little fear of getting lost as there are signs at bigger path intersections pointing back to the Monument area!
Walks are often shared with our dogs. They are often the reason/excuse for the walk itself but there are things the National Trust and other Estate users would like you to think about while you enjoy our wonderful open spaces. Please click here for some simple advice.
Self Guided Walks Leaflets
The walks vary in length from 2km to 27km so there is something available for everyone. Two routes are also wheelchair accessible. All the walks leaflets are beautifully illustrated and each contains a map and a detailed description with points of interest to look out for on your way.
Ashridge Walks pack
This contains 9 walks through the Ashridge Estate and is available for £3.95
Pitstone Hill and Aldbury Nowers – 4km (2.5m) – A linear route that follows part of the Ridgeway National Trail and offers spectacular panoramic views of both Ashridge and the Vale of Aylesbury. |
Ivinghoe Beacon Walk – 5km (3m) – A circular route which takes you through parts of the scenic Ivinghoe Hills. The chalk grassland is an area of national importance and is home to many secies of plants, insects and rare butterflies. |
Rainbow Ride and Clipperdown – 4km (2.5m) – A circular walk through beautiful woodland rich in wildlife. Enjoy the views out to Pitstone Hill and Dunstable Downs with a good chance of seeing buzzards and red kites. |
Ward’s Hurst Farm – 6km (3.5m) – Another varied circular walk through beautiful woodland rich in wildlife. Enjoy views out over the Vale of Aylesbury and Dunstable Downs. |
Golden Valley Walk – 5.5km (3.5m) – A circular walk through nthe landscaped parklands of the Ashridge Estate where you can enjoy both woodland and open grassland. |
Boundary Trail – 27km (17m) – The longest of our walks and very hilly in parts. The path marks the perimeter of the Ashridge Estate. It may be walked clockwise or anti-clockwise and is well marked and described in the leaflet. |
Monument to Ivinghoe Beacon – 10km (6m) – A linear return walk from the Visitor Centre through beautiful woodland to the open chalk downland of the Ivinghoe Hills. |
Old Copse and Thunderdell Wood – 5k (3m) – A circular walk takes you through areas of wildlife rich woodlands and commons.Look out for muntjac and fallow deer, woodland birds, insects, plants and fungi. |
Northchurch Common – 3.5km (2m) – A circular walk around part of Northchurch Common. The area was once used by villagers with commoner’s rights which entitled them to graze animals, collect firewood etc. |
♦ There are also 4 additional individual walks available from the shop for 50p each:
Lady’s Walk and Berkhamsted Common – 5.5km (3.5m)
Duncombe Terrace Family Walk – 3km (2m) - This route is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. It takes you along a tree lined route with some beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Woodland Trail Family Walk - 2km (1.25m) – This is a circular waymarked route that takes you through areas of wildlife rich woodlands.
Meadley’s Meadow Family Walk - 1.25km (0.75m) – This is a self guided walk especially designed for families. During spring this walk takes you past beautiful bluebell woods on a flat surfaced track suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Also Available from the Visitor Centre:
Ashridge Cycle Leaflet - is currently available free of charge from the Visitor Centre (please note that this is subject to change). It provides a range of routes from shorter routes suitable for families to longer more difficult routes for more experienced cyclists. [This map is also available to download from the Activities page on this website.]
Ashridge Eye Spy - 30p each available from the Visitor Centre. This is a great activity for children to take out with you on your walks to see if you can spot the signs of the seasons. They are seasonal and there are three available: Spring, Summer and Autumn. |
Trail Crackers - £1 per trail. Can you crack the code, plot your route and guide yourself through the woods today. |