Cliveden woodland walking trail
Explore the woodland at Cliveden on this moderate walk taking in a play trail for the kids, picnic areas and spectacular views over the River Thames and the surrounding countryside.
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: 9
Total steps: 9
Start point
Cliveden information centre, grid ref: SU910856
Step 1
Exit the car park via the ornate gates near the information centre and immediately turn left. Go through a second metal gate and follow the right-hand path signed 'Woodlands', skirting the edge of the Water Garden.
Step 2
Leave the Water Garden via the wooden gate and follow the avenue straight ahead. Known as Green Drive, this route will take you past our entry kiosk (take care crossing the road) and into the woods.
Step 3
Continue along Green Drive for another 0.6 miles (1km).
Step 4
Shortly after passing the last houses in the Cliveden Village development on your left, look out for a path on your right signed 'Play Trail' in yellow letters. For the Play Trail, follow the yellow arrows to the right. To continue on this walk, bear left.
Step 5
In approximately 180ft (50m), where the path splits again, take the right-hand fork. Note: to visit the Woodland Lounge, where you'll find toilets and a picnic area, follow the left fork. To continue the walk, retrace your steps to this point (don't go further along the left fork as the paths don't re-join).
Step 6
After a further 100ft (30m), turn right at the T-junction.
Step 7
Continue on the wide path along the clifftop, following the fingerposts to 'Dukes Statue'. To your left, you'll start to catch glimpses of the surrounding countryside and River Thames below.
Step 8
The path eventually brings you to a viewpoint with sweeping countryside vistas. Follow the path to your right (away from the river), where you'll see Cliveden House and the Parterre below. Continue along this avenue of lime trees to re-join Green Drive.
Step 9
At the second crossroads, bear left onto Green Drive and follow the fingerposts to retrace your steps back to the Water Garden.
End point
Cliveden information centre, grid ref: SU910856
Trail map
More near here
Cliveden blue walking trail
A family-friendly woodland walk with a natural den and picnic area, plus a play trail featuring a rope swing, stepping stones and balancing beams.
Cliveden green walking trail
Explore the woodlands, discover a former owner of the estate and take in glorious views of the River Thames, the surrounding countryside and Cliveden House.
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.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Exploring the woodlands at Cliveden
Discover majestic trees, tranquil glades and far-reaching views as well as some unusual features in Cliveden’s woodlands, including a flint grotto and part of a giant sequoia tree.
Things to see in the garden at Cliveden
Follow in the footsteps of dukes, earls, kings and queens at Cliveden as you stroll through a series of areas in the impressive garden, each with its own special charm.
Boating at Cliveden
Discover all about the popular pastime of boating, links to Wind in the Willows, and how to hire a boat to enjoy the River Thames at Cliveden.
Eating at Cliveden
Choose from a range of refreshments at the cafes and kiosks at Cliveden fuel your visit around the estate.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Walking in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire
From gentle strolls for little legs to longer hikes through the rolling Chiltern hills, these are some of the best walks in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.