Woodland and Cott Brake circular walk at Arlington Court
This walk takes you through ancient woodland and up onto the steep grassland and spectacular views of Cott Brake. Along the way, look out for the ornamental Wilderness Pond, the obelisk monument, some historic architecture and the estate's red deer.
Total steps: 11
Total steps: 11
Start point
Old Kitchen Tea-room, grid ref: SS611405
Step 1
From the tea-room, follow signs to the Carriage Museum. Before you reach the church, the path goes right and past the Wilderness Pond. From here, head down into the Wilderness. Follow the track down the hill for about 440yd (400m) and take the left-hand fork down a steep slope to a gate.
Step 2
Once through the gate, follow the track to Smallacombe Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn left, following signs for Loxhore and Deerpark Wood.
Step 3
At Tucker's Bridge, don't cross the bridge but take the right-hand fork, signed Shirwell via Cott Wood, and follow the track alongside the river. Go through a gate into a wooded meadow.
Step 4
Follow the track for 220yd (200m) and go through two gates. After the second gate, immediately turn left and walk up a steep hill with woodland on your left. At the top of hill go over the stile to your left. You are now on Cott Brake with views back to Arlington Court and the village of Loxhore.
Step 5
Turn right and follow the collapsed hedge bank on your right for about 330yd (300m), keeping to the brow of the hill. Climb over the stile at the end of the field into Cott Wood, where you can follow the narrow woodland track for about 440yd (400m).
Step 6
Go over the stile at the end of the track and turn left. After 11yd (10m), turn left down a main track, which is steep and rocky in places. At the bottom you'll join a tarmac road. Cross Cott Bridge then follow the road uphill, bearing left. At the top of the short hill, you'll see Loxhore Lodge, accessed through large gates topped by herons.
Step 7
Go through the gates and onto the wide track. Follow the track for about 0.6 miles (1km) until you reach a junction at Tucker's Bridge. Don't cross the bridge but take the track signed Arlington Court and Loxhore uphill via Deerpark Wood.
Step 8
Stay on this track as it winds through the woodland alongside a stream. At a crossroad of paths, keep left and you'll soon cross an overgrown bridge above the stream. Follow the rocky path uphill and through a gate. The path bears round to the right and between a wire fence on the right and hedge on the left. Continue on the path through any gates (these may be open).
Step 9
In a wooded copse, you'll pass a clearing on the left with a picnic bench. From here you can see the stone Obelisk. Continue on the path through the woodland.
Step 10
At the end of the path, go through the farm gate and turn right, keeping left along the field edge until you come to a gate on your left. Go through this gate and follow a small track into woodland.
Step 11
You'll emerge from the woodland opposite the Sawmill. Turn left down a concrete slope, then left again along a rough track. You're now behind the stables. From here, you can walk down the slope and back to your starting point at the main gardens and tea-room.
End point
Old Kitchen Tea-room, grid ref: SS611405
Trail map
More near here
Centenary walk at Arlington Court
Take a steep climb through woodlands and alongside the lake to enjoy stunning views of the house and parkland on our walk created to mark our centenary year.
Arlington Court deer park circular walk
Keep your eyes peeled for red deer on this picturesque walk through ancient woodland, parts of the estate's wildlife reserve and alongside the lake.
Lake walk at Arlington Court
Enjoy the most popular and established walk around the designed landscape of Arlington Court, where you can get closer to nature at the bird hide and heronry.
Winford Valley walk at Arlington Court
Explore the woodland and fields of Arlington estate on this short walk. Along the way, look out for historic buildings and, in spring, a carpet of bluebells.
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