Woodcock Wood walk at Hughenden
This leisurely walk takes you on a short loop around typical Chiltern farmland and woodland on the Hughenden estate. You'll walk through the peaceful Woodcock Wood to a viewpoint that takes in the Chilterns countryside and Hughenden Valley village. The route back goes along ‘Coffin Path’, named after the ancient road that was used for taking the parishioners of Naphill on their final journey to the church in Hughenden.
Look out for blue waymarker arrows
This walk is waymarked with blue marker arrows at all main changes of direction.
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
Start at the visitor welcome kiosk. Grid Ref SU860955
Step 1
From the visitor welcome kiosk, retrace your steps towards the main car park. At the junction of paths by the Dew Pond take a sharp right in front of the pond until you reach the road. Turn left towards the car park for 50 metres before turning right onto a path, with a small plantation of young fruit trees on your left. Follow the blue and red arrows downhill into Woodcock Wood.
Step 2
On entering the woods, continue ahead downhill for 50metres. Take care as the path is deeply rutted in places. At a junction of paths turn sharp left. Follow the blue arrows along the gentle woodland path, until it descends to a crossing path in a distinct dip. Continue up the other side and straight ahead, along the meandering woodland path, until you reach a metal gate that leads out of the wood. This path can be muddy, particularly in the winter.
Step 3
Go through the gate at the edge of the wood and walk diagonally (half-left) across the corner of the field to another gate about 100 metres away. From this vantage point you are quite likely to see red kites soaring overhead and you will see distant views over the Chilterns countryside. The village in the valley to your right is Hughenden Valley.
Step 4
Go left through the gate and follow the fence line on your right hand side.
Step 5
On reaching a crossing track, turn left. You are now on the Coffin Path. Continue along the path, between tall hedges and farmland, until you reach the entrance to the main car park. These fields are farmed by our tenant farmers, so please take care when large scale farm machinery is being used.
Step 6
On reaching the car park, turn right and taking great care, cross the car park towards the ‘All Visitors’ sign to return to the visitor welcome kiosk.
Step 7
Turn left and head downhill through the woodland to return to the visitor welcome kiosk. Here, there is a new adventure playground for younger children as well as a large picnic area in the orchard. A café, shop and toilets are also available at the Stable Yard.
End point
Visitor welcome kiosk
Trail map
More near here
Boundary walk at Hughenden
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.
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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