Aldbury - Bridgewater Monument - Ivinghoe Beacon

Sue Owen

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A jaunt from the friendly pubs of Aldbury up the edge of the Chilterns Hills to the Ashridge estate and the majestic Bridgewater Monument. The latter can be visited for a small fee to the National Trust; it has great views from the top. The estate has a rich variety of wildlife, including the renowned red kites which are making a comeback in the Chilterns and mature woodlands, with carpets of spring bluebells and fine autumnal displays.

The walk follows the ancient Ridgeway along the edge of the ridge, with views across the Chiltern lowlands on to the final beacon, Ivinghoe Beacon. From the beacon there are views across the home counties.

The return continues to follow the Ridgeway along the south-facing chalk slopes of Aldbury Nowers, which boasts the finest butterfly habitats in Hertfordshire. On returning to the village there are two pubs to choose from, both with good restaurants. There is also an opportunity to see the beautiful thatched cottages and other buildings in this charming village which was used in the film Bridget Jones and in numerous Avengers series.

England - Central England - Bedfordshire - Chilterns

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, National Trust, Nature Trail, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

17/10/2022 - Kevin Hilton

This is a magnificent walk with so much to see and enjoy. We were lucky enough to pick a beautiful October day when the autumn colours were at their best. The only slight proviso is The Ashridge Estate, which encompasses much of the outward leg, gets seriously busy at weekends. Therefore I would recommend choosing a weekday if, like us, you prefer a bit more solitude. A really great day out.

12/01/2022 - Ellen Pirie

We did this walk today and enjoyed it even though it was very muddy. Since it is mid-January we were expecting mud! Particularly gloopy from waypoint 6 up to Ivanhoe Beacon. There is now a gate at waypoint 6 instead of a stile. We got a bit confused at waypoint 10 and went left when we should have gone right and gone downhill but we realised fairly quickly and went back. Tare care at waypoint 11 - when you are at the waymarker that is shown in the photo go left there and then fork right shortly afterwards The views were amazing today and there was mist hanging in the valleys below us. Quite remarkable.

08/09/2014 - MANDY VENNER

What a fabulous walk. We were a little unsure of the route on a couple of occasions but a quick look at the map soon sorted that. Just remember to follow the Ridgeway signs on the way back and you can't go wrong.

10/05/2011 - Walkingworld Administrator

Our thanks to Natalie Jones for her updates for this walk. May 2011. Adrian (Admin)

09/05/2011 - Natalie Jones

I agree that this was a wonderful walk with glorious bluebells and a very friendly pub at the finish.

29/08/2009 - David Pereira and Jeni Chester

Went on very windy day,rain at first which cleared for sunshine. First time walked in the Chilterns, fantastic views, nice moderate walk, easy directions, will do this walk again.

25/03/2007 - Stephen Harris

What a splendid walk!. It's worth paying the £1.40 (adult price) to go up the monument's 170 steps to see the views from the top. Great underfoot conditions on clear and easy paths with great directions makes this a cracker! with outstanding views from and after the Beacon. 10 out of 10.

15/02/2007 - andrew mcpherson

My wife and I have done this several times now, it is a beautiful walk. Variety is the key, lovely woodland with a chance to see deer (which we have a couple of times) and lovely chalk downland with fantastic views all round. Probably my favourite local walk

01/02/2007 - Walkingworld Administrator

This walk is fast becoming a favorite of ours. It covers just about everything with woodland , hills and really nice views. A highly recommended walk.

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