Bluebells in the Chiltern Hills - Ridgeway National Trail, Ashridge Estate, 15km

Cost: £4 organiser fee payable on RSVP
(Meetup charges me to maintain this group!)

Transport and cost (train):
The 8:39am direct train from London Euston reaches Tring station at 9:21am. The journey takes 42min.
The 8:54am direct train from London Euston reaches Tring station at 9:32am. The journey takes 38min.
As of 11 January 2026, an Off-Peak Day Return costs £22.20.

Please do your own research.
You can reduce the train cost by one third with a Network Railcard, where applicable.
You could also coordinate with other participants and buy a group saver ticket.

Transport (car): If you're driving, there is limited free parking on Beggars Lane, just a few minutes by foot from the station. There is also limited free parking on the main road outside the station. The station has a chargeable car park (check the Terms and Conditions).

Transport (car share): I'll be driving from Ealing, West London and have space for 3 passengers. Please contact me directly if you'd like to car share.

Hike description:
We'll start the hike from Tring and make our way through Aldbury Nowers Nature Reserve and onto the Ridgeway National Trail - this is an ancient route that begins at the World Heritage Site of Avebury and passes through the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Chilterns AONB.

The trail runs across a ridge of chalk hills for 87 miles to reach Ivinghoe Beacon, a prominent viewpoint at 233m. It is popularly known as ‘Britain’s oldest road’ and was used in prehistoric times by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers. We will be hiking a small undulating stretch of the Ridgeway National Trail, from Tring to Ivinghoe Beacon.

We'll journey onwards through woods to reach the Bridgewater Monument (part of the Ashridge Estate). At a height of 33m, the Monument (tower) was built in 1832 to commemorate the achievements of Sir Francis Egerton, the third Duke of Bridgewater. Sir Francis was also known as the 'Canal Duke' and the 'father of British inland navigation' as he commissioned the construction of the first canal in Britain.

At the Ashridge Estate, we should hopefully see bluebells everywhere. They are around at this time of the year for only a few short weeks - admire the beautiful, stunning, magnificent carpet of blue stretching through the woods. It's a sight to behold!! While the bluebells growing wild through the woods is free to admire, there is one specific location on the estate that is one of the best places to view bluebells where the National Trust charges a small fee, typically £3.50 - this is optional.

There’s a café at the estate where we have the option to obtain refreshments before continuing back to Tring station.

Start time: 9:35am

Start location: Tring station - I'll be waiting at the station car park. My mobile: 07951673142.

End location: Tring station

Length: 15km

Ascent: 260m

Time: approx 6.5 hrs. It’s not possible to guarantee an exact end time as it depends on the weather, pace of the group, and our breaks along the way.

Pace & Difficulty: a reasonable and moderate pace - we will not be zooming along in a mad rush. The aim is to enjoy being outdoors in nature and have a fun, friendly day. While there are some hills and you need to be reasonably fit, the hike is not overly strenuous - it's suitable for beginners.

What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Walkways and trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery and boots with ankle support will be useful, as well as hiking poles. Gaitors are handy when its muddy and wet. Carrying waterproof socks in your backpack is a good idea in case your boots get wet from the inside. Don't wear inappropriate clothing such as jeans and sneakers. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over.