Cliveden views walking trail
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire
This walk focuses on the impressive views from Cliveden's clifftop position overlooking the River Thames and the surrounding countryside, including some lesser-known vantage points. It also takes in many of the estate's intriguing architectural features, such as the amphitheatre, chapel and fountains.
Near to
ClivedenStart point
Cliveden main car park, OS Grid Ref: SU910856Trail information
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 stages: 12
Total stages: 12
Start point
Cliveden main car park, OS Grid Ref: SU910856
Stage 1
Turn right out of the car park and walk to the Fountain of Love.
Stage 2
Continue down the grass avenue known as Queen Anne’s Walk to the large urn at the other end. Look back from the urn to see a framed view of the fountain. Go past the urn and bear right towards the Blenheim Pavilion and amphitheatre.
Stage 3
Continue along the same path and bear left.
Stage 4
Continue along the same path and bear left when the route splits. Follow this fork uphill and turn right at the next junction. Go through the gate and follow the path in front of you, signposted ‘Chapel’.
Stage 5
At the next junction, bear left and follow signs to the ‘Tortoise Fountain’. Go through the wooden gate on your right and take the steps down to the fountain.
The view from the Tortoise Fountain at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/John Miller Stage 6
Continue down the steps and follow the path straight ahead. At the next junction choose the third exit, taking care down the steep steps and over the uneven ground through the woods, which may be slippery when wet. The path leads to a road with the river in front of you.
Stage 7
Cross the road and walk straight ahead towards the river, following the gravel path. Pass the boathouse and continue on this path until you reach Spring Cottage.
Stage 8
With Spring Cottage on your right, make a u-turn up the steep, narrow steps through the woods. Continue following the steps uphill and bear right at the Sequoia section, a 5-metre-wide slice of a Californian redwood tree. This path will lead you to the Duke of Sutherland’s statue on your left and a viewpoint on your right that looks out over the Berkshire countryside.
Stage 9
Take the path along the avenue of lime trees signposted ‘Green Drive’. At the next crossroads, turn left and follow the gravel path through the woods.
Stage 10
At the next crossroads, turn right and follow the road uphill. Look out for vehicles using the road.
Stage 11
After about 50m, take the left turn signposted ‘To house’, and follow the path across the field. Walk up the steps through the woods and go through the gate at the top. Turn right and continue to follow the steps up to Cliveden House. Turn left at the large urn and head to the South Terrace.
The parterre at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust/Hugh Mothersole Stage 12
From the South Terrace, retrace your steps to the large urn and continue straight ahead through the gap in the hedge. Walk along the edge of the lawn at the front of Cliveden House. Go through the arch in the hedge and down the Grand Avenue towards the Fountain of Love. Turn right at the fountain to make your way back to the car park.
End point
Cliveden main car park, OS Grid Ref: SU910856
Trail map
The views walking route at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
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.
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 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 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.
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 as you stroll through a series of impressive spaces at Cliveden this spring, 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
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.
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.
