Pete's Walks - Ashridge Estate Boundary Trail (page 3 of 3)
There was a junction at the top of the slope, where I took some photos, before turning left and following a broad path of short turf along Gallows Hill and on to Ivinghoe Beacon.
From the path junction on Gallows Hill, the path to the top of the hill and Ivinghoe Beacon
From the same spot, looking past the tumulus at the end of Gallows Hill towards the Dunstable and Whipsnade Downs
From the same spot, looking back towards the Gade Valley
The path along Gallows Hill to Ivinghoe Beacon
Ivinghoe Aston and the Vale of Aylesbury from Gallows Hill
From Gallows Hill, looking back south to the woods near Ward's Hurst Farm
Looking back along the ridge of Gallows Hill (another tumulus just visible, bottom left)
Looking towards Leighton Buzzard from Ivinghoe Beacon. That Yew Tree has appeared in more of my photos than any other tree - or anything, come to that! It's silhouette is an obvious feature in views of the Beacon from many miles way, including from the Dunstable and Whipsnade Downs.
From Ivinghoe Beacon I continued along the start of the Ridgeway National Trail, over Steps Hill and down beside Incombe Hole. I then turned left, and followed a path back up to Ashridge. This met the main track from the Beacon to the Bridgewater Monument, where I turned right and had a simple walk of 20-25 minutes along the busy track to get back to my car. I reached the car park about 3.30pm.
Looking back along the Ridgeway at the top of Steps Hill
Incombe Hole
The path back to Ashridge from the Ridgeway
The main track from Ivinghoe Beacon to the Bridgewater Monument
Looking out from the track towards Aldbury
As you can see from the photos, it had been a gorgeous day for a long walk. There was an occasional breeze, and it was pleasantly warm throughout. I had really enjoyed the walk, despite the throngs around the Monument at the end. It seemed a long time since I'd done either of my two long walks around Ashridge, though I've done several walks recently that have gone through part of it.