From bridgewater monument, head along the footpath to the right of the visitor center. When it forks, take the right path down a steep hill which will bring you out into Aldbury. The Valient Trooper is an excellent pub located in the village.
When you reach the village pond, take the road north and then cut across the playing field following the public footpath signs. When you reach a road, follow it east for 250m before turning left up a small road sign posted Stocks Hotel Gold & Country Club. The public foot path is clearly sign posted throughout the gold course, just be wary of stray golf balls.
When you enter Aldbury Nowers, a small wood you will join up with The Ridgeway National Trail. Follow the trail for the next 4.5km north over Pitstone hill, north east through Combe Hole, north over Steps Hill and finally up to Ivinghoe Beacon Hill. Ivinghoe Beacon has much exposed chalk which can be very slippery when wet. Caution should be exercised when climbing the hill in wet conditions.
Once on the summit of Ivinghoe Beacon, take the north easterly footpath towards Gallows Hill along the top of the ridge. Then drop off the ridge on the south eastern path to join up with a foot path running south west nest to a fence. the footpath joins with The Icknield Way National Trail, which you want to follow south east until you arrive at Ward's Hurst Farm. Continue through the farm following the footpath just north of Dockey Wood and skirting Ringshall Coppice. Make sure you take the right fork just past the reservoir to lead you back to the Ashridge Estate. There are numerous footpaths over Ashridge. Make sure you continually head in a south westerly direction for 1km, and you will end up back at Bridgewater monument or the approach road, Princes Riding. The national trust visitors centre is open most of the year and the cafe next door sells some wonderful homemande cake.
|
|
