Cliveden gold walking trail
Take in tranquil riverside scenery, shady woodland, dramatic views of the Berkshire countryside and places of historical interest on this circular trail.
Accessing Cliveden estate
The historic country estate of Cliveden overlooks the River Thames and is open daily for most of the year. For access to these walking routes, you will need to be a National Trust member or pay the admission fee at the entrance to the estate.
Total steps: 10
Total steps: 10
Start point
Woodland car park, grid ref: SU909832
Step 1
From the woodland car park, take the path signposted ‘Viewpoint’. Go through the large kissing gate to the right. As you continue along the path, the elephant and bear wood carvings will appear on your right. Follow the route to the left past the picnic benches.
Step 2
Continue down the slope and past the carved wooden Cliveden snails. Stop at the viewing area to see the Berkshire countryside and the River Thames spread out below. To your right, in the distance, you can also see Cliveden House Hotel. After the viewpoint, turn right and follow the path along the clifftop.
Step 3
At the gold marker (where the fingerpost indicates 'River'), take the sharp left onto a steep sloping track down towards the river (be careful, as this is slippery when wet). At the bottom, take the right fork back on yourself, following the fingerpost towards 'House and Gardens'. Continue along the path with the river on your left.
Step 4
Keep following the riverside path. With its islands and plenty of birdlife, this is one of the prettiest spots on the River Thames.
Step 5
When you reach Spring Cottage on your left, follow the red marker and bear right, climbing to the top of the steep and winding steps beside the cottage.
Step 6
Stop to admire a 5-metre-wide slice of a Californian redwood tree (Sequoia gigantea), known as the sequoia section. Then take the steps on your right up to the statue of the Duke of Sutherland, who built the current Cliveden House. From here, there are views over the house and gardens. Looking out from the statue, with the river below you on your right, take the path to your left, signposted 'Viewpoint'.
Step 7
Continue along the clifftop path.
Step 8
When you reach the red marker turn left into an avenue of lime trees.
Step 9
Follow this path to its end. When you reach the junction, turn right. This avenue, known as Green Drive, narrows towards the end as it leads you back to the woodland car park.
Step 10
Take the kissing gate on your right. Head straight through the small central walkway with fields on your left before entering a sheltered wooded area that takes you back to the woodland car park.
End point
Woodland car park, grid ref: SU909832
Trail map
More near here
Cliveden green walking trail
Explore the woodlands, discover a former owner of the estate and take in glorious views of the River Thames, the surrounding countryside and Cliveden House.
Cliveden blue walking trail
A family-friendly woodland walk with a natural den and picnic area, plus a play trail featuring a rope swing, stepping stones and balancing beams.
Cliveden woodland walking trail
Explore the woodland at Cliveden on this moderate walk taking in a play trail for the kids, picnic areas and spectacular views over the River Thames and the surrounding countryside.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Exploring the woodlands at Cliveden
Discover majestic trees, tranquil glades and far-reaching views as well as some unusual features in Cliveden’s woodlands, including a flint grotto and part of a giant sequoia tree.
Things to see in the garden at Cliveden
Follow in the footsteps of dukes, earls, kings and queens at Cliveden as you stroll through a series of areas in the impressive garden, each with its own special charm.
Boating at Cliveden
Discover all about the popular pastime of boating, links to Wind in the Willows, and how to hire a boat to enjoy the River Thames at Cliveden.
Eating at Cliveden
Choose from a range of refreshments at the cafes and kiosks at Cliveden fuel your visit around the estate.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Walking in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire
From gentle strolls for little legs to longer hikes through the rolling Chiltern hills, these are some of the best walks in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.