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In the footsteps of Capability Brown
Discover the Golden Valley, a hidden gem of the Ashridge Estate, on this 4.3-mile walk. Designed by the famous 'Capability' Brown this
masterpiece ranks among his finest works. Following historic rides and paths, this route takes you through the faded grandeur of Ashridge
Park with stunning views of Ashridge House and the historic deer park. A shorter route is included if you would prefer to just visit the
valley.

Information Total steps: 10

Address: Ashridge visitor centre, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT
OS map: Explorer 181
Activity: Walking
Easy: Well-trodden footpaths, tracks and grassland
which may be muddy. For further information visit the
section marked Terrain.
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome, but must be kept
under close control at all times to avoid worrying
wildlife.
Start point: Ashridge visitor centre, grid ref: SP971131
1. With your back to the Bridgewater Monument, walk down what was originally part of
Prince's Riding but is now known as Monument Drive, towards the B4506. (For the
shorter route, start at Gaddesden Green car park, marked 11 on the map), and the path
will take you to the Golden Valley, between Steps 5 and 6.)
2. With care, cross over the busy B4506 road and head around to the left of the wooden
fence that blocks your path. This 'deer leap' was part of the perimeter fence of the deer
park, which you have just entered. Follow Prince's Riding all the way to the sign for
Ashridge House, a short way before the metal fence.

Full trail: Miles: 4.3 (km: 6.88) 3. Turn right onto the surfaced path around the golf course green. At its end, follow the
Access: Challenging rough track into the copse ahead. Here, do take a minute to admire the ancient sweet
chestnut trees. Follow this track along the boundary between the great lawn (often
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
marked out as a sports field) and the wilder grass until you come to the tree line in
front of you.
Terrain
4. Leave the path that leads into the woods and keeping left, follow the tree line down the
Well-trodden footpaths, tracks and grassland which slope.
may be muddy in winter.
5. Be careful as you cross the road and bear right into the Golden Valley, walking along the
valley floor. (This is where the shorter route begins, from the Gaddesden Green car
park.)

6. Turn sharp right here, almost turning back on yourself, and follow the path uphill. When
this meets the road, turn left and continue along the road to the front of Ashridge
House. Feel free to walk on the grass for safety.

7. Continue along the road in front of the house until you come to a right-hand fork with
a barrier across to stop vehicles. Nip around the barrier, following the purple
 'Bridgewater Monument and Visitor Centre' sign. (If you are following the short route,
turn right at the barrier and follow the treeline round the Great Lawn to reach Step 4,
then follow the route to return to the Golden Valley and the Gaddesden Green car park.)

8. For the long walk keep straight on, up the track.

9. Where this path touches the corner of a field is one of the best places to see deer on
the estate. Continue straight on.

10. You have now reached Thunderdell Lodge: the black and white chequered gatekeeper's
house, by the side of the main road. Notice the gates that would always have been
closed to keep the deer in. Cross carefully and turn right, following the path along the
edge of the road until you reach the bottom of Monument Drive. Follow the drive back
towards the Bridgewater Monument.
End point: Ashridge visitor centre, grid ref: SP971131