Finchampstead Ridges ramble
A waymarked trail across Finchampstead Ridges, with far-reaching views toward the Hog's Back ridge in Surrey. The route takes in two ponds and a woodland section, with opportunities to spot wildlife including birds of prey, deer and colourful dragonflies. This trail was created with funding from Finchampstead Parish Council and the Reading NT volunteers. Thanks to volunteers at Finchampstead Ridges for recording the route.
Near to
Runnymede and AnkerwyckeStart point
Direction Dial, Finchampstead Ridges, grid ref: SU 8090 6345Trail information
Waymarked walk
We recommend parking at the Simon’s Wood Car Park and walking to the start point. The route is marked by National Trust Red Oak Leaf icon waymarks with a red band.
Total stages: 12
Total stages: 12
Start point
Direction Dial, Finchampstead Ridges, grid ref: SU 8090 6345
Stage 1
Start your walk by the first waymarker near the Direction Dial. Head slightly left, where you will see the second waymarker. Before turning left here, walk a few more yards ahead to find an information panel where you can learn about the history and landscape of the area. A few steps beyond this is a bench with fantastic views over the Surrey countryside. The Direction Dial was unveiled on 12 August 1929 by James Herbert Benyon, Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire.
Stage 2
Retrace your steps to the waymarker and follow the heather-bordered path.
Heather at Finchampstead Ridges, Berkshire | © National Trust Images/David Sellman Stage 3
Turn right at the waymarker and follow the track down the Ridges.
Stage 4
At the bottom of the hill turn left by the waymarker. This will take you over boardwalks and a gently winding path down to the bottom end of the Ridges.
Stage 5
Turn right after the National Trust notice board and you'll see Spout Pond on your left. There's a bench here where you can pause to enjoy the peace and tranquillity and watch for the pond wildlife.
You may spot a common darter buzzing around the pond | © National Trust Images/Tracey Blackwell Stage 6
Follow the waymarked track to the wide, well-worn path often used by horse riders (6.5 on the map). Note, this track can get especially muddy in winter. Turn right through the second set of horse gates and make your way to the next waymarker.
Stage 7
Turn right through the horse gates and back into the woodland. Keep to the right and you'll pass Ironstone Pond on your right. The track will now start to take you back up the Ridges.
Stage 8
When you arrive at the five-point path crossing, follow the waymarked track to the left. The incline now starts to increase, and this path will gradually take you back to the top of the Ridges.
Look – and listen – for hobbies here | © National Trust Images / Jim Bebbington Stage 9
Turning right on the top path by the waymarker will take you to another vantage point overlooking the Ridges, where you can stay a while and admire the view.
Stage 10
Retrace your steps and follow the undulating track on the right through the woodland. As the path winds its way back towards the starting point.
Stage 11
Turning right at the waymarker here will take you to yet another lovely view that's especially beautiful towards sunset. Then continue a little further along the track to the last waymarker.
Stage 12
Turn left here to head back to your starting point.
End point
Direction Dial near the roadside, grid ref: SU 8090 6345
Trail map
The Finchampstead Ridges trail route, Surrey | © Ordnance Survey
More near here
Egham to Runnymede countryside circular walk
Follow this Surrey countryside trail of a circular walk between Egham and Runnymede through ancient woodlands, wetlands and wildflower meadows.
Simon's Wood trail
Explore Simon's Wood wet woodland and lowland heath habitats, providing an increasingly rare habitat for many birds and invertebrates. An easy level walk great for little legs.
The park circular walk at Ankerwycke
Take a very leisurely stroll through the park at Ankerwycke, on gentle terrain. It's a perfect walk for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Get in touch
Windsor Road, near Old Windsor, Surrey, SL4 2JL (SatNav: TW20 0AE)
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