Woodland thrones walk, Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
Take a leisurely stroll across Wimpole Estate and through the woodland belts where you'll discover a few rustic thrones overlooking some glorious views. The giant chairs have all been made by our Forestry team from oak trees grown on the Estate.
Woodland Thrones
Discover new views and vistas of Wimpole, as you find our four woodland thrones. The Jubilee Throne was the first to be built in 2012, with the three others built in 2014, marking the centenary of the First World War, and commemorating soldiers who fought, and were associated with Wimpole in some way.
Map
Start:
Hardwicke Gate visitor welcome and car park, grid ref: TL340507
1
Starting at Hardwicke gate, enter the parkland and head down to the Stable Block, then turn right and walk east along the old estate driveway. After about 200m go through a black gate into the field on your left and head towards the red telephone box. Before reaching the telephone box bear left and go through the gate in the fence line and head for the kissing gate to the road.
2
Cross the road and walk a short distance to the left before going right down the track opposite Home Farm. Pass Gamekeepers cottage and the woodyard complex of buildings on your right, before turning left and crossing over a hump-backed bridge.
3
Continue along the track passing Cobbs Wood farmhouse on your left and the series of black timber-clad barns and modern grain store. Just beyond the grain store turn to the left and walk up farm track.
4
Continue up the hill until you arrive at the first of the four seats you encounter on this walk; this one we have named Captain Bambridge's Throne. Take a breather and enjoy the view before continuing.
Captain Bambridge MC
Captain Bambridge MC, was married to Rudyard Kipling's daughter Elsie and they were the last private owners of Wimpole. George Bambridge was a Captain in the Irish Guards serving from 1914-18 and was awarded the Military Cross, "when the enemy, attacking in great strength, succeeded in driving a wedge into our line, this officer immediately led a counter-attack which was entirely successful......It was entirely due to his initiative and dash that the line was maintained."
5
From here, continue up the farm track into the woods and turn left in to the woodland, when you reach the multi-use trail take it on your left for a short distance to reach the Jubilee Throne.
The Jubilee Throne
This throne was built to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and was made entirely with hand tools including handmade nails, created in Wimpole's forge. With a view down to the farm and across the West of the estate and beyond, it's a prime spot for surveying the land and seeing the working parts of the estate as well as glimpses of the parkland from a different perspective.
6
From here, head back the way you came, taking the multi-use trail for a short distance to the North of the woods, until you get to a cleared woodland ride down to the right. Head down this ride and you'll see the Captain Agar Robartes Throne with a fantastically framed view to the South. This has been built on an old ride that was originally used to drive sheep up and down the pastures, which has recently been cleared to reinstate the route.
Captain Agar Robartes
Captain The Honourable Thomas Charles Reginald Agar-Robartes, 1st Bn, the Coldstream Guards, was wounded in the Battle of Loos on 28 September and killed by a sniper on 30 September 1915 after rescuing a wounded comrade under heavy fire for which he was recommended for the Victoria Cross. Captain Robartes was the eldest son and heir of Thomas Agar-Robartes, 6th Viscount Clifden, who owned both Wimpole and Lanhydrock.
7
After a relaxing breather, continue down the ride and turn left once on the woodland path. Continue to follow the path through the woodland belts and on exit turn right on to the multi-use trail down the hill.
8
Continue down the hill towards Cobb's Wood again, on your left you'll see the John Kipling Throne and another beautiful view; this time of the Victoria Plantation and Cobb's Wood woodland.
John Kipling
John Kipling was Elsie Bambridge's brother, she was last private owner of Wimpole, their father was the author Rudyard Kipling. John was initially rejected from the British Army for severe short-sightedness, however following his fathers influence, he was eventually commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion of the Irish Guards having just turned 17. Kipling was reported injured and missing in action in September 1915 during the Battle of Loos.
9
Continue following the farm track down the hill this time passing the farm buildings on your right and retrace your steps back to the Stable Block.
End:
Hardwicke Gate visitor welcome and car park, grid ref: TL340507