Low Scrubs: A walk back in time
This short circular waymarked walk takes you through the atmospheric woodland of Low Scrubs, passing relics of its ancient past from as far back as the early Iron Age.
Near to
Chilterns CountrysideStart point
Coombe Hill car park, grid ref SP851062Trail information
Waymarked walk
Look out for the orange waymark arrows mounted on wooden posts – they indicate any major changes of direction along the route.
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Coombe Hill car park, grid ref SP851062
Stage 1
Enter the woodland at the public footpath sign just to the left of the wooden posts that mark the road end of the car park. You'll see the route's first orange waymark on a low post just as you enter the woodland. After 50m, ignore a path bearing to the right – but pause here to look at the coppiced beech trees around you. Continue on the main path winding through the trees until you reach a signpost on a sunken path that crosses the one you're on.
Stage 2
Turn left here and head gently uphill on this ancient trackway. Continue on the main, broad path for 350m until you reach a large beech tree with a marker pointing to a path on the right.
Stage 3
Take a sharp right onto the path on the right, going partly back the way you came. After 100m, another path joins from the left. Cross this path, continuing in the same direction, and go through a gap in a distinct line of large trees. Look out for some curious ironwork, about a metre long, partially embedded in one of the trees.
Stage 4
Turn immediately right at the section of iron fence to follow a broad path. The distinct line of large trees will be on a bank on your right. After a while, this path curves round to the left until you reach a T-junction. You can see more of the gate and fence ironwork on the opposite side.
Stage 5
Turn right and follow the path, keeping the iron fence on your left, with a paddock behind. After 200m, you'll reach a point where solid wooden fencing has been installed behind the iron railing fence. Look back to see if you can spot some Iron Age archaeology. Then continue for another 50m to a footpath sign.
Stage 6
Turn right here to walk along a narrow path that starts off flat then slopes gently downhill. This is thought to have been another ancient trackway between two compartments of trees. At the end of the downhill section, you'll meet a path crossing this one.
Stage 7
Turn right down the path. After about 100m, you'll see a clear area to the left. About 25m after you re-enter the woodland, stop to look at a small depression with raised banks just to the left of the path. This is thought to be the remains of a lye pit.
Stage 8
Turn around and retrace your steps. Continue past the point where you joined this path then bear right at a footpath, following it gently uphill until you reach a T-junction.
Stage 9
Take a sharp right here towards a thick grove of silver birch trees. Once through the grove, continue along the path until you rejoin the path you started the walk on. Turn left to return to the car park.
End point
Coombe Hill car park, grid ref SP851062
Trail map
The Low Scrubs walk in the Chilterns | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Coombe Hill Woodland Walk
Follow this gentle circular trail in the Chilterns through beech woodland to the top of Coombe Hill, with far-reaching views from its summit.
The best of Coombe Hill walk
Take a gentle circular stroll to see Coombe Hill highlights on rare chalk grassland, with panoramic views across Aylesbury Vale and Chequers, the prime minister’s retreat.
Coombe Hill and Chequers trail
Enjoy a moderately energetic circular walk from Coombe Hill, taking in views across the Aylesbury Vale. You'll wander through woodlands, past rare chalk grassland and the pretty village of Ellesborough.
Pulpit Hill fort and nature reserves circular walk
Take in panoramic views across the Chiltern Escarpment and Aylesbury Vale, explore an Iron Age hillfort and stroll through beautiful beech woods and the Grangelands and Rifle Butts Nature Reserve.
Get in touch
Chilterns Countryside, c/o Hughenden estate, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4LA
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
Things to see and do in the Chilterns Countryside
Discover the countryside sites of the Chilterns. Find the best viewpoints, walk through ancient woodland or pick a quiet spot to watch for wildlife.
Visiting Coombe Hill in the Chilterns Countryside
Explore the walking trails, play area and wildlife of Coombe Hill, the highest point in the Chiltern Hills.
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.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
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.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
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.