Downs Banks Edges walk
Taking you over hills and through secret valleys, this walk contrasts the wild places on your left with green farmland on the right.
Total steps: 11
Total steps: 11
Start point
Downs Banks main car park, grid ref: SJ900365
Step 1
Start at the main car park. A grassy area is just uphill of the car park. Go into the grassy area and carry on up the gentle rise as the path leads into the trees. The lane will be visible on your right. Carry on until you reach a gate on your right and a National Trust sign. Then turn left up a narrow valley.
Step 2
Follow the path along the valley and climb a short line of wooden steps. Continue through a wooden gate. Leave the woods behind as you walk onto the grassy hill top.
Step 3
Keep the fence to your right until you see a stone pillar on the hilltop to your left. Follow the broad path to this pillar.
Step 4
Turn northwards (follow the line on the viewpoint pointing towards Meir Church). At the edge of the grassland a narrow path heads steeply downhill. Taking care on the steepest sections, follow this path to a broader track at the foot of the slope.
Step 5
Turn right along the broad track and towards a fence. At the fence turn left and follow the path uphill with the fence to your right.
Step 6
The path follows the fence uphill to a group of pine trees. Here it curves to the left and continues close to the fence into woodland. When you reach a large wooden gate, pass through and look for a smaller gate on the left.
Step 7
Walk through the small gate and into a field. Follow the path across the field and over a bridge. Another gate is in front of you. Go through the gate and turn right.
Step 8
Walk along the firm, broad path and up the bank (don't worry, it's not as steep as it looks). At the top of the hill turn left and keep the fence to your right.
Step 9
The path is quite level and straight for some distance. It only dips a little and begins to descend after passing through a small gate. Follow this path until you reach the stream.
Step 10
At the brook, turn right and follow it downstream. Walk through the gate and turn left, crossing the stream for the final time over a footbridge. Walk up the lane until you reach the drive to the main car park a short while later.
Step 11
Turn in to the entrance drive and you will see the car park on your left. Congratulations, you have conquered the Downs Banks Edges.
End point
Main car park, grid ref: SJ900365
Trail map
More near here
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Take a stroll around the parkland and meadows, to discover a variety of grassland flowers, including wild orchids in June and July.
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