A Walk Out to Waddesdon
10 people attending
15 places left
This linear route starts out in the Vale of Aylesbury and briefly follows the old Roman road of Akeman Street towards Waddesdon Hill, one of many gentle hills we will climb throughout the day. Following Millennium Avenue, a footpath bordered by 2000 trees that approaches Waddesdon Manor, we take a detour towards the Windmill Hill Archive. This strikingly modern building houses the Waddesdon Manor Archive, and also displays some contemporary art set in the landscape with far reaching views.
Soon after this we will pass through the grounds of the Manor. The house was formerly the home of Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild and dates from the late 19th Century. The exquisitely designed building was confected to resemble a French château, and has been used a television and filming location including the French themed 'Carry-On Don’t Lose Your Head’. Please note that we will not be entering the formal gardens or the house itself on this route.
After lunch our we will head south through Eythrope Park and past the estate’s ornamental lodges situated on the banks of the River Thame. Eythrope was once the site of a medieval village, of which only some earthworks remain. We will pass Hartwell House, another country estate en route to Aylesbury town centre and the end of the walk.
On arrival in Aylesbury you have a choice of making your way to the train station or, time permitting, an optional extension to The King’s Head – a historic coaching inn that is now a pub owned by the National Trust.
Image credits: Gate into Eythrope Park, Downhill Path at Upper Winchendon, and North Bucks Way at Lower Hartwell by Des Blenkinsopp; Eythrope Park by David Hawgood; Upper Winchendon from the South West by David Hillas; Bridge Lodge at Eythrope, from the Midshires Way (cropped) by Gerald Massey licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0; Perceval From The Archive, and Bridge over the river Thame by R~P~M; Waddesdon Manor by Amateur with a Camera licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0; Eythrope Estate and Waddesdon by Xenboy licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0. Other images by event leader.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
You will need a packed lunch, and plenty of water and snacks to see you through the day. We will stop for a picnic lunch at a suitably scenic spot; for your own comfort you may wish to bring something to sit on.