Sir Felix's gentle trail at Grey's Court
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire
Discover a peaceful, gentle, waymarked route through the heart of the Greys Court estate, beginning and ending within the grounds of the house. Sir Felix Brunner held a particular affection for these woodlands, and in his later years Lady Brunner encouraged him to create a short circuit from which he could enjoy the changing views across the estate. The result, known as Sir Felix’s Gentle Walk — or Gentle Path, as inscribed on the first gate — offers a tranquil, self‑guided wander through parkland and woodland. Along the way, beautifully crafted gates bear dedications to members of the Brunner family and to the “good companions” who walked these paths at Sir Felix’s side: his much‑loved Labradors.
Near to
Greys CourtStart point
Felix’s Gentle Path begins at the front of the Mansion House (there is a map and guide post just to the side of the house to help you get your bearings). From here, make your way round the top of the lawn and before entering the arch into the Tower garden, turn up the grass bank and head towards the old tennis court. Follow the path round the tennis court along the top of the Ha Ha and then skirt the wall towards to the wooden foot bridge.Trail information
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Felix’s Gentle Path begins at the front of the Mansion House (there is a map and guide post just to the side of the house to help you get your bearings). From here, make your way round the top of the lawn and before entering the arch into the Tower garden, turn up the grass bank and head towards the old tennis court. Follow the path round the tennis court along the top of the Ha Ha and then skirt the wall towards to the wooden foot bridge.
Stage 1
From the grass bank at the top of the oval lawn, follow the path round the old tennis court and skirt the wall to the wooden footbridge. Cross the bridge where you come into a small wooded area - between the 2 big old trees there is a path following the fence line that takes you towards the first of the gates onto the walk. You will see this gate has been engraved with 'The first gate to Felix Gentle Path from Doub who first thought of it'.
Stage 2
Once through this gate, follow the path towards the next gate just ahead of you. This is Johnnie's Gate and is your entrance into the tranquil Bluebell Woods. Please feel free to continue, even though a “Private” sign is displayed at this point — the route is open to visitors following the walk.
Stage 3
Bearing slightly left, follow the path as it winds through the quiet of the woods. Partway along, a small clearing opens on your left — known as The Vista — offering a lovely view across the fields towards the House.
Stage 4
As you leave the woodland, pass through Dan’s Gate and step out into the open field. Bear slightly left — not sharply — and continue across the grass, following the waymarked route as it leads you onward.
Stage 5
On the far side of the field, pass through Hugo’s Gate. Turn left and follow the line of the field boundary, continuing for just under 400 metres as the path leads you on.
Stage 6
Turn left again, and go through Hovingham Gate.
Stage 7
Cross the next field, heading back towards the House. When the track begins to curve away to the right, keep to the left instead, passing the distinctive conical thatched roof of the Ice House on your left as you continue.
End point
Finally, re‑enter the grounds of the House through the Gate of the Good Companions, then cross the ha‑ha by way of the elegant Chinese, or “Moon Gate” Bridge - also known as The Gate of the Adopted Daughter. You will see the main house through the trees, follow the path and you will pick up signs that will direct you back to the car park.
Trail map
Sir Felix Gentle Walk at Greys Court | © NT
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Sir Felix's gentle trail at Grey's Court
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