Ivinghoe Beacon and Ashridge Estate (Hertfordshire)

This superb circular walk leads us from Tring Station in Hertfordshire and up onto the Chiltern escarpment. Leaving Tring at 10.30am, we join the last stage of the Ridgeway Long-distance Footpath that ends at Ivinghoe Beacon – which is one of the highest points in the Chiltern Hills at 223m.

Enroute to the beacon we will walking through beech woodlands and over chalk uplands, the walk gives fine views over the Vale of Aylesbury, a patchwork of farmland dotted around small villages and towns.

From Ivinghoe Beacon our route will lead us back down through the woods of the extensive Ashridge Estate, once the seat of the Dukes of Bridgewater. Beyond the Bridgewater monument (which dominates the hillside hereabouts) we head into Thunderdell Wood which will meander us onto the Chiltern way and into the handsome village of Aldbury. We’ll then stop at the very nice village pub (for a well earned pint) before heading back to Tring station to catch the train or drive home.