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Woodland path in Spring at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Woodland walks at Cliveden | © National Trust Images/Alan Travers
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

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.

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 steps: 9

Total steps: 9

Start point

Cliveden information centre, grid ref: SU910856

Step 1

Exit the car park via the ornate gates near the information centre and immediately turn left. Go through a second metal gate and follow the right-hand path signed 'Woodlands', skirting the edge of the Water Garden.

Step 2

Leave the Water Garden via the wooden gate and follow the avenue straight ahead. Known as Green Drive, this route will take you past our entry kiosk (take care crossing the road) and into the woods.

Step 3

Continue along Green Drive for another 0.6 miles (1km).

Step 4

Shortly after passing the last houses in the Cliveden Village development on your left, look out for a path on your right signed 'Play Trail' in yellow letters. For the Play Trail, follow the yellow arrows to the right. To continue on this walk, bear left.

A man guiding a little girl along a log in a wood
Enjoying a woodland play trail | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Step 5

In approximately 180ft (50m), where the path splits again, take the right-hand fork. Note: to visit the Woodland Lounge, where you'll find toilets and a picnic area, follow the left fork. To continue the walk, retrace your steps to this point (don't go further along the left fork as the paths don't re-join).

Step 6

After a further 100ft (30m), turn right at the T-junction.

Step 7

Continue on the wide path along the clifftop, following the fingerposts to 'Dukes Statue'. To your left, you'll start to catch glimpses of the surrounding countryside and River Thames below.

Step 8

The path eventually brings you to a viewpoint with sweeping countryside vistas. Follow the path to your right (away from the river), where you'll see Cliveden House and the Parterre below. Continue along this avenue of lime trees to re-join Green Drive.

A statue of the Duke of Sutherland
The 2nd Duke of Sutherland, who built the current Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire | © National Trust/Andrew Butler

Step 9

At the second crossroads, bear left onto Green Drive and follow the fingerposts to retrace your steps back to the Water Garden.

End point

Cliveden information centre, grid ref: SU910856

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map of the woodland walk at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
The route of the woodland walk at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Winter mist over the Parterre at Cliveden in Buckinghamshire in late November
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Get in touch

Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8NS

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