Essex, Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire

Duncombe Terrace walk

Enjoy a gentle walk along the popular Duncombe Terrace, taking in the historic Bridgewater Monument, as well as Ashridge Woods with its ancient trees and varied wildlife.

Near to

Ashridge Estate

Start point

Ashridge Estate visitor centre. Grid ref: SP970130

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)

Duration1 hour 40 mins

Dog friendly***

*This is a level trail that shouldn't pose any problems. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**This route is suitable for people with reduced mobility. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome, with conditions. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

A walk for all seasons

The Ashridge Estate has plenty to see all year round. The bluebell displays in spring are superb, and you can find lots of grassland flowers, such as orchids, in summer. Autumn is a great time to come and watch the deer rut, while winter brings a sense of magic and wonder to this corner of Hertfordshire.

Address
Ashridge Estate, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 1LT
Directions via Google Maps
By train
The nearest station is Tring, 3.4 miles (5.5km) away. From there, you can either take a taxi or walk to the estate on a footpath that runs parallel to the Aldbury road.
On foot
The Ashridge Estate visitor centre is a short detour from Ivinghoe Beacon on the Ridgeway footpath.
By bus
The 378 bus stops in Aldbury village, a ½-mile (0.8km) uphill walk away from the start of the trail. If you'd rather walk along a level path, alight at Tring, which is 1¾ miles (2.8km) from where the trail begins.
Cycling
The National Cycle Network will take you within 1 mile (1.6km) of the Ashridge Estate.
By road
The Ashridge Estate is just off the B4506, which runs from Northchurch to Dagnall.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Ashridge Estate visitor centre. Grid ref: SP970130
Stage 1
Starting at the Ashridge Estate visitor centre, cross the green, taking the path that leads from the main track to the right (it has stud posts at the entrance).
Stage 2
You'll soon enter Ashridge Woods, a large area of woodland inhabited by many ancient trees.
Stage 3
As you walk over the wooden bridge, glance down to see the ancient drover's path, which was worn into a ditch by villagers taking their animals to graze on Pitstone Common. Continue to Moneybury Hill, so-called because of buried coins found here (please note that the use of metal detectors is prohibited on land managed by the National Trust).
Stage 4
Pass the mound on the left-hand side. Known as Bell Barrow due to its shape, it's thought to be a Bronze Age burial site. Further along the path, on the left, is a wooden lodge. This is a replica of a Victorian shooting lodge that burned down in 1989.
Stage 5
On the right here you'll see a large log bench, where you can sit and enjoy views of Pitstone Hill and Aldbury Nowers. When you're ready, continue along the track.
Stage 6
Emerge from the pine trees onto Clipper Down.
Stage 7
This is the end of the trail, so either turn around and return by the same route (recommended for those with wheelchairs or mobility scooters), or continue for another mile to Ivinghoe Beacon, where you can enjoy more wonderful views.
End point
Ashridge Estate visitor centre. Grid ref: SP970130
Trail map
Map of the Duncombe Terrace walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Golden Valley at Ashridge Estate Hertfordshire

Trail

In the footsteps of Capability Brown

Discover the Golden Valley, a hidden gem of the Ashridge Estate, on this 4.3-mile walk. Designed by the famous 'Capability' Brown this masterpiece ranks among his finest works.