Ivinghoe Beacon and the Ashridge Estate

Dennis Jeanes

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This is a great walk with open chalk hills, woodland, stunning views and giving a step back into ancient history. Most of the area is owned by the National Trust and the farmers are adopting conservation techniques. It also means that the whole area including the footpaths is well maintained.

Being mainly chalk, there is little surface water, although in wet weather it can be muddy and slippery. Beacon Hill has an Iron Age hill-fort, apparently occupied around 600BC. This is a splendid example of the genre. On the (un-named) hill immediately to the south of Beacon Hill is a much older (probably Bronze Age) burial mound and there are two more on Beacon Hill itself.

There are the flora and fauna of chalkland. There are sometimes roe deer to be seen in the woodland. The edible dormouse, given this name because the Romans were partial to eating it, still survives in this area. In the summer the small light blue butterflies can often be seen.

This walk is not long but it is hilly and can be quite tiring. It also has some steep sections, especially the descent between Waymarks 16 and 17. However, the rewards of the varied countryside and the magnificent views make it excellent.

For further research the following web sites are useful… www.nationaltrust.org.uk has an interesting archeological section. The Chilterns AONB website has fascinating reading about Ivinghoe Common which you cross between Waymarks 14 and 15.

England - Central England - Buckinghamshire - Chilterns

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Wildlife, Woodland

4/5/2022 - David Oakley

This really is a stunning walk - right up there with the very best. We were very fortunate as we did it on a perfect,sunny Spring day so we had maximum visibility for the magnificent views. Also, it was almost dry everywhere underfoot, so we were really lucky. Just the right length for a morning and then time to go to Ivinghoe Aston for refreshments! We will definitely walk it again.

7/17/2021 - charles bilson

Did this walk last Saturday, most enjoyable walk and easy to follow, had a bite to eat at cafe near monument, very friendly team.

5/15/2018 - Kieran McMahon

Completed this lovely walk on Monday 14th May in lovely sunshine with a group of friends. This is a must walk at the end of April beginning of May to see the exceptional bluebell wood - Duckey Wood - and also the carpet of white wild garlic in the Wood known as The Coombe toggle 17. Duckey Wood is slightly of the walk but worth a visit. At toggle 15 turn right and walk along the verge of the road for about 400 yards - care some weekends/ bank holidays you have to pay to gain entry. Easy to follow walk with a few hills with excellent views. Kieran McMahon 14/5/2018

10/22/2012 - Lynda Murray

Absolutely blinding walk. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Easy to follow for those with no sense of direction!! Thanks.

5/1/2010 - J's Walks

A beautiful walk, thank you very much. Here's a video of it: http://www.youtube.com/user/JsWalks2010

12/9/2006 - David Firman

As novices in this field (no pun intended), we thoroughly enjoyed our morning. As well as the stunning views and gorgeous weather (slightly frosty and cool) we were enthralled to see a herd of deer in the woods. Excellent directions and the description of the walk was spot on. Thanks very much.

8/24/2006 - John Mason

Lovely walk on a lovely day. Nice views and not too challenging. Paricularly enyoyed the walk around Incombe. John Mason

4/23/2006 - william trowell

Always do this walk in blue bell time, and go quietly through the woods to see the deer.