Coombe Abbey Country Park hike (with 2-mile, 4-mile and 6-mile options)

A nice flat Friendly Faces hiking route - originally put together in early 2023, a 3-stage hike totalling 6 miles (if you wish to do it all) taking in the charming / scenic views of the Coombe Abbey country estate designed in 1771 by Capability Brown.

This tried and tested route is unique in that the grounds give us three stages to complete, each stage bringing us back to the carpark before we set out for the next one. This of course provides an excellent opportunity for those wanting to test their endurance, because you can drop out early at the carpark (after stage 1 or 2) if you want to.

The stages are as follows:

1. The initial 2-mile hike takes in the stunning grounds around the majestic house including its adorning forest, also taking in a bird-watching hut with views overlooking the conservation area.
2. The second stage gives us a 2-mile tour around the Old Deer Park, designed 250 years ago to be the scenic corridor into the grounds, to impress visitors on their way up to the house.
3. Finally, we'll take the straight mile-long "12-oclock ride" pathway south, before turning around and walking back along it in the other direction which is another 2-miles.

In full, this is a superb route with a nice variety of scenery and it will get you outdoors, breathing the fresh air and rubbing shoulders with like-minded Friendly Faces group members - both new and regular.

This route is very flat, consisting of well-trodden grass-path walkways, with fantastic views and peaceful natural beauty throughout.

We will take a few quick rests along the way, and then when we finish we'll take a short drive to a nearby pub for a well-earned sit down and drink.

Please note the 25 minimum age-range of this group.
Dogs are allowed on this walk, however they must be kept on a lead.

Get yourself parked up in the Visitors carpark for 12:45 and then make your way over to the parking ticket-machines (its pay upon exit) where we will meet to set off at 1pm.
The carpark on Google-maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/ug83zotiKGKuGfhq5

I really hope you can make this one. Notwithstanding the warm and sociable Friendly Faces group members (first-timers and regulars) that you will share this experience with - this is a fantastic walking route, and not to be missed.

Hit the Attend button now so that you dont forget.