Old Copse and Thunderdell Wood walk
A circular walk that takes you through areas of wildlife-rich woodlands and cross commons.
Map
Start:
Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, grid ref: SP970130
1
Stand with your back to the visitor centre. Follow the road to your left around the outside of the visitor centre, café and cottage and into the tree line. When the path forks take the right hand option which descends slightly downhill following markers for the Ashridge Estate Boundary Trail.
2
When the track forks again take the left option to continue ahead on a level, well-made path, still following the Boundary Trail. Continue like this for about ½ mile (800m) until you come to a junction in front of a telegraph pole.
Views of Aldbury
Keep an eye out to your right as you follow this path as you will be treated to some splendid views across the valley and the village of Aldbury.
3
At the junction turn left passed Old Copse Lodge. Cross a hard-surfaced road onto a well-surfaced bridleway ahead of you. Continue straight ahead along this track for about ½ mile (800m), ignoring any cross paths. You will eventually arrive at the main road.
4
Cross over the road taking great care as it can be very busy. Once you have crossed you will fine yourself in a small pull-in car park. Behind the car park there are a number of paths. Take the bridleway which is the central and best-maintained option. It is identifiable as it runs between two notable banks. Continue along this path until you come to the corner of a field.
Lady's Walk
This distinctive path is particularly beautiful in summer and autumn as the ancient beech trees on the banks create a tunnel of dappled light and colour.
5
When you reach the corner of the field turn left following the footpath with the field to your right. The route deviates a little from the main paths so continue to follow the fence line around the field until you come to a hard-surfaced track.
6
Turn left onto the track and continue until you come to a junction with another surfaced road. Turn right onto this new road.
7
Follow this road until it crosses a broad, grassy avenue. This is Princes Riding. Turn left onto the avenue and walk towards the Bridgewater Monument which you will be able to see in the distance. Before reaching the Monument you will come to the old deer leap (some large sections of walk, fence and a ditch which were historically used to manage the deer in the park). Pass to the right of the leap and cross the road, taking care as it can be busy. Beyond the road follow Monument Drive to return to the visitor centre and car park.
View of Ashridge House
When you turn onto Princes Riding don't forget to have a look behind you where you will see the majestic Ashridge House. This 19th-century Neo-Gothic building was the home of the Bridgewater and Brownlow families who owned Ashridge from 1604 until the 1920s.
End:
Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, grid ref: SP970130
