Pete's Walks - Kensworth to Ivinghoe Beacon again (page 2 of 3)
Bridleway through Ashridge
Bridleway through Ashridge
I eventually made my way to the main track from the Bridgewater Monument to Ivinghoe Beacon, close to Clipper Down. As always there were some nice views as the track followed the top of the Chiltern escarpment.
The track from the Bridgewater Monument to Ivinghoe Beacon, just before the kennels on Clipper Down
View towards Aldbury, from Clipper Down
The track to Ivinghoe Beacon, shortly after the kennels
Looking out over the Vale of Aylesbury
A close-up from the same spot, showing Ivinghoe church and Mentmore Towers
After half a mile or so, I forked left onto a path between small trees. This took me to the top of Steps Hill, where I joined the Ridgeway Path which would take me the short distance to Ivinghoe Beacon. As this was a Saturday there were plenty of other people on the path and round about, including some youngsters taking an incredibly steep path up out of Incombe Hole in front of me.
The path to Steps Hill
Incombe Hole and Pitstone Hill from Steps Hill
As usual I climbed the two subsidiary hillocks before going up to the top of the Beacon (there are good views from the first, larger, hillock, which is surmounted by the remains of a tumulus). I took the usual photos from the top of the Beacon (including one of the Yew tree that is visible from many miles away), and then set off along the route of the Icknield Way, along a path at the foot of steep slopes on my right and then through a long section of wood, heading for Wards Hurst Farm (where several paths meet).
Steps Hill and Pitstone Hill from the first of the two hillocks before Ivinghoe Beacon
Ivinghoe Beacon from the same spot, with the second and smaller hillock in the middle ground right.
Whipsnade Downs from Ivinghoe Beacon
Yes, it's that Yew tree again! The view towards Leighton Buzzard from Ivinghoe Beacon. The village at the foot of the hill is Ivinghoe Aston.
Near the start of the path from the Beacon to Wards Hurst Farm
The path through the wood on the way to Wards Hurst Farm