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A view of Cliveden looking along the River Thames
A view of Cliveden from the River Thames in Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

Cliveden gold walking trail

Take in tranquil riverside scenery, shady woodland, dramatic views of the Berkshire countryside and places of historical interest on this circular trail.

Accessing Cliveden estate

The historic country estate of Cliveden overlooks the River Thames and is open daily for most of the year. For access to these walking routes, you will need to be a National Trust member or pay the admission fee at the entrance to the estate.

Total steps: 10

Total steps: 10

Start point

Woodland car park, grid ref: SU909832

Step 1

From the woodland car park, take the path signposted ‘Viewpoint’. Go through the large kissing gate to the right. As you continue along the path, the elephant and bear wood carvings will appear on your right. Follow the route to the left past the picnic benches.

A large wooden carving of an elephant standing outside in front of some trees
One of Cliveden's carved wooden animals | © National Trust/Rachael Warren

Step 2

Continue down the slope and past the carved wooden Cliveden snails. Stop at the viewing area to see the Berkshire countryside and the River Thames spread out below. To your right, in the distance, you can also see Cliveden House Hotel. After the viewpoint, turn right and follow the path along the clifftop.

Step 3

At the gold marker (where the fingerpost indicates 'River'), take the sharp left onto a steep sloping track down towards the river (be careful, as this is slippery when wet). At the bottom, take the right fork back on yourself, following the fingerpost towards 'House and Gardens'. Continue along the path with the river on your left.

Step 4

Keep following the riverside path. With its islands and plenty of birdlife, this is one of the prettiest spots on the River Thames.

Step 5

When you reach Spring Cottage on your left, follow the red marker and bear right, climbing to the top of the steep and winding steps beside the cottage.

A view along the River Thames in Buckinghamshire with Spring Cottage in the background
A glimpse of Spring Cottage from the banks of the River Thames near Cliveden, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

Step 6

Stop to admire a 5-metre-wide slice of a Californian redwood tree (Sequoia gigantea), known as the sequoia section. Then take the steps on your right up to the statue of the Duke of Sutherland, who built the current Cliveden House. From here, there are views over the house and gardens. Looking out from the statue, with the river below you on your right, take the path to your left, signposted 'Viewpoint'.

A statue of the Duke of Sutherland
The 2nd Duke of Sutherland, who built the current Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire | © National Trust/Andrew Butler

Step 7

Continue along the clifftop path.

Step 8

When you reach the red marker turn left into an avenue of lime trees.

Step 9

Follow this path to its end. When you reach the junction, turn right. This avenue, known as Green Drive, narrows towards the end as it leads you back to the woodland car park.

Step 10

Take the kissing gate on your right. Head straight through the small central walkway with fields on your left before entering a sheltered wooded area that takes you back to the woodland car park.

End point

Woodland car park, grid ref: SU909832

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map of the Cliveden gold walking trail
Cliveden's gold walking trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8NS

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

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