SOUTH EAST
02 Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
Distance: 3.1 miles/5km | Time: 2 hours | Grade: Easy | Total ascent: 46m
Ashridge Estate is a vast area of ancient trees, meadow and downland in Hertfordshire with miles of tranquil walks and glorious countryside to explore.
Once a royal residence to King Henry VIII and the young Princess Elizabeth I, Ashridge House is today a stunning conference venue open to the public. Also worth a visit is Bridgewater Monument (open at weekends in the summer) – climb 172 steps to the top for amazing views. Both can be visited on this short circular walk through the estate, although Ashridge House requires a detour from the route.
1) START
From the Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre (NT), turn right out of the main entrance and follow the path alongside the fence to the start of the Foresters’ Walk, which is waymarked. There is a bridleway sign as well as a sign marking the Foresters’ Walk.
With a grassy meadow on your right, continue along the path, looking out for the ancient oak tree on your left.
Veer right after the oak then, at the meeting of paths, turn left and walk through a series of glades to a five-way path junction – one of these routes used to be a grand gravel drive leading to Ashridge House.
2) 0.5 MILES
From the meeting of paths, turn right, continuing past the Deer Hay Meadow on the left. At the far side of the meadow is Deer Hay Cottage.
After 500m you’ll reach another meeting of paths and the Chiltern Way. Turn left on to the Chiltern Way (signposted with a purple arrow).
3) 0.8 MILES
Walk east past veteran trees until you reach the road (B4506); cross to Lady’s Walk, lined with beech trees.
4) 1 MILE
Keep walking until you reach a Foresters’ Walk waymarker, signposting left, just before the Old Park. Follow the sign uphill, with Old Park on your right and Thunderdell Wood on your left.
At the end of Old Park, take the second turn left through woodland. When you exit on to open grassland, turn left again (a short detour to the right will bring you to Ashridge House).
5) 2 MILES
Stick to the left of the grassy walkway as you head west back towards the visitor centre. Cross the road and continue following the Foresters’ Walk signs.
6) 2.7 MILES
You will reach a right turn, leading to a parking area. This used to be a parade ground for an army camp. Pick up the path on the left and follow the trail back to the start of the Foresters’ Walk, finally retracing your steps to the visitor centre, where the Monument Café serves refreshments.
USEFUL INFO
Starting point
Ashridge Estate visitor centre, HP4 1LT. £2 honesty box in the car park. National Trust entrance is beside a bus stop called ‘Ashridge Monument Drive’. Buses no. 29, 30 and 31 from Hemel Hempstead to Berkhamstead stop there.
Terrain
Waymarked trail of mixed terrain. No stiles or gates, but some uphill walking, narrow woodland tracks and grassy areas. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Map
OS Explorer 181
