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Autumn colour, Duncombe Terrace walk, Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
The Duncombe Terrace walk is ideal for all seasons | © National Trust/Katie Piggford
Essex, Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire

Duncombe Terrace walk

Enjoy a gentle walk along the popular Duncombe Terrace, taking in the historic Bridgewater Monument, as well as Ashridge Woods with its ancient trees and varied wildlife.

A walk for all seasons

The Ashridge Estate has plenty to see all year round. The bluebell displays in spring are superb, and you can find lots of grassland flowers, such as orchids, in summer. Autumn is a great time to come and watch the deer rut, while winter brings a sense of magic and wonder to this corner of Hertfordshire.

Total steps: 7

Total steps: 7

Start point

Ashridge Estate visitor centre. Grid ref: SP970130

Step 1

Starting at the Ashridge Estate visitor centre, cross the green, taking the path that leads from the main track to the right (it has stud posts at the entrance).

Step 2

You'll soon enter Ashridge Woods, a large area of woodland inhabited by many ancient trees.

Step 3

As you walk over the wooden bridge, glance down to see the ancient drover's path, which was worn into a ditch by villagers taking their animals to graze on Pitstone Common. Continue to Moneybury Hill, so-called because of buried coins found here (please note that the use of metal detectors is prohibited on land managed by the National Trust).

Step 4

Pass the mound on the left-hand side. Known as Bell Barrow due to its shape, it's thought to be a Bronze Age burial site. Further along the path, on the left, is a wooden lodge. This is a replica of a Victorian shooting lodge that burned down in 1989.

Step 5

On the right here you'll see a large log bench, where you can sit and enjoy views of Pitstone Hill and Aldbury Nowers. When you're ready, continue along the track.

Step 6

Emerge from the pine trees onto Clipper Down.

Step 7

This is the end of the trail, so either turn around and return by the same route (recommended for those with wheelchairs or mobility scooters), or continue for another mile to Ivinghoe Beacon, where you can enjoy more wonderful views.

End point

Ashridge Estate visitor centre. Grid ref: SP970130

Trail map

Map of the Duncombe Terrace walk, Hertfordshire
Map of the Duncombe Terrace walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Near Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LT

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