German Forest walk at Hughenden
This 1.5-mile walk explores the dark evergreen woods inspired by Benjamin and Mary Anne Disraeli's visits to the Northern Bohemian forests on the German/Czech border. The walk includes a mix of woodlands and gently rolling valleys with views across a mixture of grazed and ploughed fields divided by hedgerows.
Waymarkers
To help you to follow this walk, please look out for the purple waymarker arrows.
Total steps: 9
Total steps: 9
Start point
Hughenden visitor welcome kiosk. Grid ref: SU860955.
Step 1
From the visitor welcome kiosk, retrace your steps towards the main car park. At the T-junction of paths by the Dew Pond, turn left. There is a purple waymarker on a post. After about 25m turn right along a more or less level path at another purple waymarker .
Step 2
The National Trust Rangers at Hughenden have recently been clearing diseased ash trees on this path. The gaps this has created allow views across Echo Valley towards Manor Farm and the D'Israeli Monument. Continue on relatively the level path through the German Forest for another 500 metres until you reach a crossing of five paths.
Step 3
At the junction of paths, take the first path on the left that heads downhill. (This path can be very rutted in places as it is used by vehicles for forestry work.) Ignoring any crossing paths and bearing left at a fork after 50m, follow this path until it reaches the base of the slope and meets a bridleway running along the bottom of the valley.
Step 4
Turn left on to the bridleway and follow it along the bottom of the valley towards a field gate 100m away.
Step 5
Turn left off the bridleway just before the field gate, following the footpath uphill between the trees. At the T-junction, turn right along an open path which skirts the lower edge of Hanging Wood. On your right you can get a good view of the D'Israeli Monument and of Echo Valley towards High Wycombe. In spring and summer look out for the colourful wildflower banks on both sides of the path.
Step 6
Continue straight ahead along the path into an area of woodland, keeping to the main path.
Step 7
On reaching a wooden signpost, follow the route ahead and uphill towards Hughenden Manor and tea-room.
Step 8
On reaching the top of a short, steep slope, follow the narrow sunken road ahead of you between flint walls. Please take care as vehicles use this road. You will soon reach a junction of roads and paths with the gates to Hughenden Manor and its gardens on your right, and the stableyard and walled garden on your left.
Step 9
When you are ready to continue, take the road that curves uphill to the left of the stableyard, with the apple orchard picnic area on your left, to reach the visitor welcome kiosk.
End point
Hughenden visitor welcome kiosk. Grid ref: SU860955.
Trail map
More near here
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Hughenden's Monument walk
Discover a short 2-mile return walk with moderate hill climbs that takes in the monument at Hughenden. Take in far-reaching views from the monument which is known to be is one of the best look-out points the area.
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Explore beautiful woodland, open parkland, farmland and a rare chalk stream on this energetic 4-mile circular walk that runs close to the estate boundary.
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Hughenden is a two pawprint rated place. Discover where your dog can join you while you enjoy your visit, including the garden, parkland walks, woods and Stableyard Café.
Eating and shopping at Hughenden
Enjoy light snacks, hot meals and drinks in the café, then have a browse in the shop or pick up a bargain in the second-hand bookshop.
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.
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Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.