Bridgewater Monument Walk

0.9 miles (1.5 km)

This short circular walk visits the Bridgewater Monument on the Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire. There is a car park and visitor centre next to the monument where you can start your walk.... Various trails run from here around the monument on Pitstone Common and Aldbury Common.
The surrounding area forms part of the Chilterns, with a mixture of ancient woodland, open common and rolling chalk downland. The Ashridge Estate is particularly well known for its extensive beech woods, which provide attractive scenery throughout the year and are especially colourful in autumn.
The Bridgewater Monument is one of the area's most recognisable landmarks. The 33 metre high column was built in the 1830s in memory of Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, who is regarded as the father of the modern British canal system. From around the monument there are fine views across the surrounding countryside.
The common land around Pitstone and Aldbury also provides a good opportunity to see the wildlife associated with the Chilterns, with areas of chalk grassland supporting wildflowers, butterflies and other insects. The nearby village of Aldbury, with its attractive historic buildings and village green, is also worth exploring.
You can extend the walk on the Ashridge Boundary Trail, the Ashridge to Ivinghoe Beacon Circular Walk.