Ivinghoe Beacon Walk

5 miles (8 km)

Climb to the top of this iconic hill�in the�Chilterns on this walk in Buckinghamshire. Ivinghoe Beacon stands at 233�m (757�ft) and commands fine views over the Chiltern Hills and the Vale of Aylesbury.
The walk starts from the car park next to Pitstone Windmill and makes use of the Icknield Way Path to take you to the summit. The Pitstone Windmill has been restored by the National trust and is well worth a visit before you begin your climb to Beacon Hill. On the way you'll pass through chalk grassland�and woodland with a wide variety of wildlife to look out for.
For a longer circular walk to the summit you can use the Icknield Way Path and the Ashridge Boundary Trail from the Ashridge Estate. Our Chilterns Pub Walk from Aldbury starts in the pretty village and also visit Gallows Hill to create a loop around the hill.
If you'd like to further continue your walking in the area then you could enjoy waterside walking along the nearby Grand Union Canal or continue exploring the Icknield Way Path. You could follow the trail south onto the nearby Ashridge Estate and pick up the Ashridge Boundary Trail. In the park there's miles of woodland trails, a variety of wildlife and the Bridgewater Monument, erected in 1832 to the Duke of Bridgewater. Following the Icknield Way east will take you to the popular Dunstable Downs Country Park. The park includes the wonderful Whipsnade Tree Cathedral and The Five Knolls Bronze Age cemetery constructed over 4000 years ago.

Ivinghoe Beacon Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Ivinghoe Beacon Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Ivinghoe Beacon OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Ivinghoe Beacon Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Head north from the car park into Ivinghoe village for some refreshments after your walk. The Rose and Crown is a good choice with a good menu and a nice courtyard garden area. You can find them on Vicarage Lane at postcode LU7 9EQ. They are also dog friendly.
The King’s Head is also worth consideration being set in a 16th century, grade two listed building. They are renowned for their delicous duck dish and can be found on Station Road at postcode LU7 9EB.
In nearby Aldbury the The Greyhound Inn is worth consideration. It's a charming pub with extensive dining areas & plenty of nooks and crannies, as well as a lovely outside terrace for those warm spring and summer days.�They have an excellent menu and can be found in Aldbury village on Stocks Road at a postcode of HP23 5RT. The pub is also dog friendly if you have your canine friend with you.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

You could extend your outing by following the grassy path west to visit Pitstone Windmill. The National Trust owned mill dates back to the 17th century and as is Grade II listed. For a small fee you can explore both the inner and outer workings of the mill and learn about the grinding of the flour in the milling process.
On the eastern side of the Ashridge Estate you can visit the worthy villages of Little Gaddesden and Great Gaddesden. Around here you can explore the splendid Ashridge House Estate and enjoy some pleasant trails along the River Gade.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Chilterns Walks and Buckinghamshire Walks pages.