Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-berkshire">BERKSHIRE </h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/cliveden">Cliveden National Trust</a>, Taplow&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Cliveden-aerial.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84638" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Cliveden-aerial.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Cliveden-aerial-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Cliveden-aerial-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There’s a mahoosive&nbsp;376 acres of National Trust&nbsp;grounds to explore, but you can do as little or as much as you like.&nbsp;Stroll through the formal gardens, stomp through the woodland and&nbsp;hang out with&nbsp;Duke of Sutherland and, if you’re super-keen, hike down to the river. Just brace yourself for the uphill climb. Advance booking is essential. Nearby, you&#8217;re in for a treat at the super-cool foodie hangout,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.clivedenhouse.co.uk/dine-with-us/the-astor-grill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astor Grill&nbsp;</a>which serves crowd-pleasing burgers, grilled lobster, and steak in Lord Astor’s old stable block. Alternatively, the National Trust&#8217;s <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/cliveden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservatory Café</a> is a great stop off for coffee, cake, soup or one of the NT&#8217;s iconic cream teas. </p>



<p><strong>Nearest train station</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/cliveden/bourne-end-station-to-cliveden-walk">Bourne End</a>&nbsp;(2 miles away, Great Western Railway) &nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Travel from London Paddington:</strong> 1hr 5mins </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kent">KENT</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading is-style-large"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/emmetts-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emmetts Garden</a>, Sevenoaks </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Emmetts-Garden-circular-walk-Sevenoaks.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84635" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Emmetts-Garden-circular-walk-Sevenoaks.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Emmetts-Garden-circular-walk-Sevenoaks-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Emmetts-Garden-circular-walk-Sevenoaks-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image Credit: National Trust</figcaption></figure>



<p>Emmetts Garden sits at one of the highest points in the Weald of Kent so it has some impressive views. Stop along the route at one of the many viewpoints along the estate walk to take in the towering church spire in Ide Hill. Pass Kentish woodland, pass impressive beech hangers and majestic trees lying still where they fell during the 1987 Great Storm. Dogs are welcome on short leads and the section of the walk within the garden is buggy and wheelchair accessible. Additional woodland sections include rough, unpaved ground.&nbsp;Grab a slice of cake and hot drink (or soup) at the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/emmetts-garden/eating-and-shopping-at-emmetts-garden">The Old Stables Tea Room</a>.</p>



<p><strong>Nearest train station</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/emmetts-garden">Sevenoaks</a> (4½ miles away, South Eastern Railway)</p>



<p><strong>Travel from London Bridge</strong>: 1hr 10mins</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buckinghamshire">BUCKINGHAMSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ivinghoe-beacon-chiltern-hills"><a href="https://www.chilternsaonb.org/map_marker/ridgeway-national-trail/">Ivinghoe Beacon</a>, Chiltern Hills </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ivinghoe-Beacon.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84640" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ivinghoe-Beacon.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ivinghoe-Beacon-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ivinghoe-Beacon-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Get your fill of epic panoramas by marching your brood up to the top of Ivinghoe Beacon on the Bucks/Beds/Herts border, which is part of the National Trust’s Ashridge estate. The walk starts in Aldbury near Tring (worth noting it has two pubs and the very decent Musette cafe) and follows the Ridgeway National Trail across Pitstone Hill up to Ivinghoe Beacon, the site of a hillfort thought to date to the Iron Age. Defrost in the <a href="https://www.roseandcrownivinghoe.co.uk">Rose &amp; Crown</a> &#8211; a super cosy traditional pub that&#8217;s dog and kid friendly. </p>



<p><strong>Nearest train station</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/ashridge-estate">Cheddington</a> (3 ½ miles away, West Midlands Railway)</p>



<p><strong>Travel from London St Pancras</strong>: 1hr 38mins</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hertfordshire">HERTFORDSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ashridge-estate-near-berkhamsted"><strong><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate/lists/self-led-walks-at-ashridge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashridge Estate</a>, near Berkhamsted</strong> </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ashridge-estate-walk.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84630" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ashridge-estate-walk.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ashridge-estate-walk-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ashridge-estate-walk-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image Credit: UK Garden Photos</figcaption></figure>



<p>With 5,000 acres of the Chiltern Hills and woodland to romp around, there are plenty of walks to choose from, parking is free and the paths are buggy-friendly. Plus there&#8217;s a café on site for hot food and drinks to warm up with. Or park at <a href="https://www.ashridgehouse.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashridge House</a> and it&#8217;s free to wander around the grounds (there&#8217;s a fee to go into the gardens), then you can grab a tasty cake and coffee or brunch at <a href="https://www.ashridgehouse.org.uk/food-wellbeing/the-bakehouse-cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bakehouse</a>. </p>



<p><strong>Nearest train station</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/ashridge-estate">Tring</a> (1¾ miles away, West Midlands Railway)</p>



<p><strong>Travel from London Euston</strong>: 1hr 15mins</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bedfordshire">BEDFORDSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barton-le-clay-walk-barton-le-clay"><strong><a href="http://chilternsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Barton_le_Clay.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barton-le-Clay walk</a>, </strong>Barton-le-Clay </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Barton-hills-canva-1000x667.jpg" alt="Barton Hills Barton Le Clay" class="wp-image-81994"/></figure>



<p>This circular 6.25 mile walk takes in a nature reserve too, so there&#8217;s plenty to see for wildlife lovers. Plus, the area also has some interesting history &#8211; The Barton Hills are believed to have inspired the Celestial Mountains in John Bunyan&#8217;s <em>Pilgrim&#8217;s Progress</em>. Stop off on route for some refreshment at the <a href="https://www.royaloakbarton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Oak Barton </a>which is dog friendly too, if you&#8217;re walking with pooch.</p>



<p><strong>Nearest train station</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/luton/">Luton</a> (6.8 miles away, East Midlands Railway)</p>



<p><strong>Travel from London St Pancras</strong>: 1hr 16mins</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surrey">SURREY</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winkworth-to-oakhurst-near-godalming"><a aria-label="Winkworth to Oakhurst (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum/trails/winkworth-to-oakhurst-wonder-walk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winkworth to Oakhurst</a>, near Godalming </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Winkworth-walk.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84633" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Winkworth-walk.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Winkworth-walk-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Winkworth-walk-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Winkworth Arboretum, Image Credit: National Trust</figcaption></figure>



<p>A beautiful wooded walk connecting three National Trust properties. Start at Winkworth Aboretum, head over Hydon&#8217;s Ball and finish at Oakhust Cottage. Pre-book tickets for Winkworth &#8211; there&#8217;s a lot to take in and the arboretum is beautiful so it&#8217;s worth the extra effort. Reward yourself with lunch on the river at <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.stagontherivereashing.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Stag on the River, near Godalming</a>. Further towards Sussex but still a short drive from Winkworth you&#8217;ll find <a href="https://www.theswaninnchiddingfold.com/">The Swan Inn</a> at Chiddingford thats right in the heart of the pretty village. <a aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum/trails/winkworth-to-oakhurst-wonder-walk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">View the route here.</a> </p>



<p><strong>Nearest train station</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southwesternrailway.com/travelling-with-us/at-the-station/godalming">Godalming</a> (2 miles away, South Western Railway)</p>



<p><strong>Travel from London Waterloo</strong>: 1hr 5mins</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essex">ESSEX</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southend-on-sea-to-old-leigh">Southend-on-Sea to Old Leigh,</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/07/Leigh-on-Sea-Claudiu-S.png" alt="" class="wp-image-701"/></figure>



<p>Starting at <a href="https://adventureisland.co.uk">Adventure Island</a>, make your way west along the prom and head to a series of artisan beach cafés that sit under the arches. From here, this three-mile seaside potter threads through characterful boat yards that clink and clatter in high winds. You&#8217;ll also see gorgeous deserted coves the colour of pale ale. Once you&#8217;ve hit Old Leigh, head beachfront to quench your thirst at <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-peterboat-leigh-on-sea/">The Peterboat</a>.</p>



<p><strong>Nearest train station</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/stations/southend-central-station/">Southend Central</a><strong> </strong>(0.5 miles away, C2C Railway)</p>



<p><strong>Travel from London Fenchurch Stree</strong>t: 1hr 7mins </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sussex">SUSSEX</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-harting-near-petersfield"><a href="https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Walks-in-Rogate-and-Harting-LR-final.pdf">South Harting</a>, near Petersfield </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Harting-Down-c-Sam-Moore.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84632" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Harting-Down-c-Sam-Moore.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Harting-Down-c-Sam-Moore-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Harting-Down-c-Sam-Moore-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image Credit: Sam Moore</figcaption></figure>



<p>Start and finish in South Harting for this circular walk that takes in the Harting parish and joins the Serpent Trail &#8211; part of a 64-mile route that covers some of the most spectacular heathland of the South Downs. In autumn it&#8217;s a riot of colour, but in winter you can focus on the bare beauty and stare up at the imposing Harting Down, one of Muddy&#8217;s favourite hills (or down if you&#8217;ve got the puff). If it&#8217;s open, refresh yourselves at the <a aria-label="White Hart (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.the-whitehart.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">White Hart</a> a great foodie pub or drive a few miles down the road and check out the National Trust treasure <a aria-label="Uppark. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark-house-and-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uppark.</a></p>



<p><strong>Nearest train station</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Walks-in-Rogate-and-Harting-LR-final.pdf">Petersfield</a> (4.5 miles away, South Western Railway)</p>



<p><strong>Travel from London Waterloo</strong>: 1hr 39mins </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cambridgeshire">CAMBRIDGESHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="http://www.therfieldheath.org.uk">Therfield Heath</a></strong>, Royston</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2021/12/Screenshot-2021-12-13-at-10.36.24.png" alt="winter walk in north Hertfordshire " class="wp-image-24534"/></figure>



<p>Most of Cambs is pretty flat so the chance of working up a sweat is slim. Head south though to the border with Herts, and Therfield Heath in Royston is an ideal place to get the heart rate up, with its steep chalk escarpment. There are loads of routes to take. I tend to park in the main car park near the café and head up the hill alongside the golf course towards the woods, which is a lovely sheltered place if it&#8217;s a cold or rainy winter day. Dogs can be off the lead and children can run free for miles. <a href="https://www.roystonheath.co.uk">The Heath Cafe Bar</a> is a quick stroll away and a winner for a casual post-sweat lunch.</p>



<p><strong>Nearest train station</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/royston/">Royston</a><strong> </strong>(0.9 miles away, Thameslink)</p>



<p><strong>Travel from London St Pancras</strong>: 1hr 16mins</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bedfordshire-0">BEDFORDSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rushmere-country-park-heath-and-reach"><strong><a href="https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/migrated_images/rushmere_tcm3-6874.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rushmere Country Park</a>, Heath and Reach</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Rushmere-Country-Park.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84775" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Rushmere-Country-Park.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Rushmere-Country-Park-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Rushmere-Country-Park-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This one&#8217;s ideal for families and little explorers as you can do as much or as little of the route as you like within the 400 acres of woodlands, and there&#8217;s a fab&nbsp;natural sculpture trail with carved creatures, giant chairs and secret fairy doors, to keep little legs moving along! This 4-mile route takes around 1.5 hours, or try the 1-mile shortcut which is a shorter 30-minute stomp. Head back to the <a href="https://www.greensandtrust.org/tree-tops-cafe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Treetops Restaurant</a> or Heron&#8217;s Hatch for a hot drink and bite to eat. </p>



<p><strong>Nearest train station</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/stations/leighton-buzzard">Leighton Buzzard </a>(3 miles away, London Northwestern Railway)</p>



<p><strong>Travel from London Euston</strong>: 1hr 41mins</p>


Blow out the cobwebs! 10 country walks less than 2 hours from London

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