Knightshayes circular walk
This walk starts at the parkland car park and takes you through woodland and parkland, on a dog-friendly circular walk of the Knightshayes estate.
We ask dog walkers to be aware of livestock
There are often livestock grazing in these fields, so we ask that dog owners act responsibly and keep their dogs on leads where there are free roaming sheep. This walk can be extremely muddy in autumn and winter so wellies or walking boots are a must.
Map
Start:
Parkland carpark, grid ref. SS956146
1
Start at the cattle grid at the entrance to the Parkland carpark facing the drive with the cattle grid in front of you. Turn left and head diagonally across the field, keeping the four fallen oaks on your left for 340m.
2
With the four fallen oaks on your left you'll see a bench in front of you, bear to the left around it and head right down the hill towards the five-bar wooden gate.
3
Go through the gate and bear slightly off to the left towards the stream crossing over the foot bridge and bearing to the right straight up the hill to the top fence line.
Champion Holly tree
On your left as you walk up the hill is one of the champion trees of Knightshayes. This holly tree has earned its title for being the largest of its type in England. You can find out more about the champion and veteran trees at Knightshayes by downloading our champion tree walk.
4
Head through the gate and onto the footpath. Follow this to the right for 275m where it ends at the main drive.
5
At the end of the footpath turn left towards the stables, crossing over the drive to use the pedestrian footpath.
The Stables
The stables were built in 1871, it was an important and very busy area of the estate up until the 1940’s before being converted into accommodation for convalescing American airmen. It was restored in the 1980’s and now houses the café and shop.
6
Pause here for a treat in the Café or for the toilets, before continuing your walk by following the drive on the left for 160m to the entrance of Knightshayes plantation and the start of the Impey Walk, marked by an omega sign. You’ll pass the back of Visitor Reception and if you haven’t already please call in to show your membership card to one of the team.
7
At the entrance to Knightshayes plantation and the start of Impey Walk follow the path in front of you for just over 1100m, sticking to the left-hand path as it leads around the edge of the Knightshayes estate. As you reach the end of the path, just before coming to a five-bar gate and a road, turn right and go through a metal pedestrian gate signposted The Blackeries
8
Follow the fence line for 430m, you'll go through two gates before finding yourself in a large open field.
9
Head across the field bearing very slightly to the right for 210m towards the fence. About half-way across you’ll see the house on your right.
Knightshayes Court
The house and garden were created for local entrepreneurs and philanthropists, the Heathcoat Amorys. The exterior of the house was finished in 1874 to the design of one of the most extraordinary architects of the 19th century, William Burges. A grand design much of his vision for the interior was never realised as the family brought in a second designer, John Crace to tone down and finish the work. Even this version was too much for the family however and they covered or removed much of the original interior. It was only after being given to the National Trust that the fabulous ceilings were re-discovered, and a project of restoration began.
10
Head through the gate in front of you and turn left following the main drive back towards the Parkland car park for 190m. Crossing the drive, there’s a gate to the left-hand side of the cattle grid.
End:
Parkland carpark, grid ref. SS956146
