View down a lush green grassy valley, lined with trees starting to take on autumn colour — Autumn in the Golden Valley at Ashridge Estate | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Essex, Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire

Ashridge Estate Boundary Trail - South

This circular walk includes some of the outstanding features of the southern half of the estate, including the Golden Valley and ancient woodlands. For this route, follow the Boundary Trail circular white signs, with green arrows pointing you in the right direction. You can complete the entire Boundary Trail by combining with the Ashridge Boundary Trail - North for a full day's walk. Please allow plenty of time to pause and enjoy the scenery.

Safety around livestock and wildlife

You may encounter livestock and wildlife on your walk. Please follow signage and keep your dog on a lead at all times.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

Total steps: 7

Start point

Ashridge Estate visitor centre by Bridgewater Monument, grid ref: SP970130

Step 1

From the Visitor Centre, head back towards the main entrance of Monument Drive, hugging the edge of the wood. After about 200 metres, near the bottom of the roundabout, turn left into the woods to start your walk. Follow the wide path for about a mile to arrive at a small car park.

Step 2

Turn right, crossing the B4506 and continue through the woods on the left-hand edge of a golf course. Cross over private road into the Golden Valley. Proceed through the Golden Valley until you arrive into open grassland. Continue along the valley and then follow signs uphill, then left. Pass through a copse onto Frithview Farm, then downhill between fences and to the road at the bottom.

Step 3

Turn right along the road and then turn left up an incline. Emerge from the wood and pass down paths between fences, crossing a road and continuing to a golf course. Turn right onto the bridleway.

Step 4

Proceed through woodland until you arrive at Coldharbour Farm.

Step 5

Turn left and walk between the outbuildings. Follow the signs alongside agricultural fields and cross the grass field to Northchurch Farm.

Step 6

Once you reach woodland take the second to the right. Turn right and cross over the B4506 towards Northchurch Common. Walk along the edge of the common and then head back into the woodland on the left corner.

Step 7

Turn Left onto the Icknield Way trail and follow it across the road and then all the way back to the visitor centre.

End point

Ashridge Estate visitor centre by Bridgewater Monument, grid ref: SP970130

Trail map

A line of walkers climb up the dry glassy slopes of a deep glacial combe, which has small trees and bushes on its floor, at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire

Trail

Ashridge Estate Boundary Trail - North

Follow the green arrows to discover the outstanding features of Ashridge Estate, including Ivinghoe Beacon, Incombe Hole, ancient woodlands and dramatic scenery.

Autumn colour, Duncombe Terrace walk, Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire

Trail

Duncombe Terrace walk

Enjoy a gentle walk along the popular Duncombe Terrace, taking in the historic Bridgewater Monument, as well as Ashridge Woods with its ancient trees and varied wildlife.