Refine your search for walks in Whipsnade
Whipsnade walks
Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade and Kensworth
Association / Club / Walk leader
4.68 mi
+456 ft
-466 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Whipsnade (Central Bedfordshire)
A hilly route with very fine views from the Downs. It passes through Whipsnade Tree Cathedral and past Whipsnade church.
Studham and Dunstable Downs (Diversion), Chilterns
7.44 mi
+404 ft
-374 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Studham (Central Bedfordshire)
There’s a lot of lovely, rolling countryside in and around Studham Common, and dramatic views from Dunstable Downs. This walk visits a tree cathedral and a 16th-century church, and offers the possibility of spotting exotic animals at Whipsnade Zoo.
The route may be diverted between points 4 and 5 until September 2026 - see details in Notes section
Caddington and Blows Down, Chilterns
6.17 mi
+315 ft
-295 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Dunstable (Central Bedfordshire)
⚠️Two sections of the walk are closed for work so the walk has been suspended - check back in June.⚠️
A walk along quiet country paths to Caddington and the ancient woodland of Badgerdell wood before emerging at the top of the steep hillside above Dunstable. Enjoy the extensive views from Blow's Down.
Gade Valley Route - Jockey End to Gt. Gaddesden
5.07 mi
+200 ft
-203 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
A lovely walk in the parish of Great Gaddesden in Hertfordshire, passing three beautiful houses. It starts on the chalk plateau at Jockey End, descending through fields and parkland to the water meadows by the Gade chalk stream, through the pretty village of Great Gaddesden, before returning on the Chiltern Way via the parkland of Gaddesden Place.
Great Gaddesden from Jockey End
Visorando Member
5.13 mi
+220 ft
-233 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
This short Hertfordshire walk explores the pleasant countryside to the south east of Jockey End and follows the Hertfordshire Way to descend into the Gade Valley and the village of Great Gaddesden. The return route leaves the valley following the Chiltern Way for the return to the start.
Totternhoe to the foot of the Downs, Chilterns
5.94 mi
+246 ft
-256 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Totternhoe (Central Bedfordshire)
A mainly level walk through open farmland to the foot of the Dunstable Downs, with a gentle climb to pick up the Icknield and Chiltern Ways. Great views over the Bedfordshire plain and Ivinghoe Beacon.
Ivinghoe Beacon to Wendover, The Ridgeway the Other Way
11.33 mi
+712 ft
-1,027 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Ivinghoe (Buckinghamshire)
The Ridgeway the other way. The NationalTrail from NE to SW. This Stage 1 goes over the Chilterns, across the Grand Union Canal, past Tring, through the Three Hundreds of Aylesbury to reach the market town of Wendover.
The Chilterns above Tring
11.30 mi
+778 ft
-784 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
National Trails and Long Distance Paths crisscross the Chilterns in this area. This Circular Walk makes use of short stretches of at least five such to provide a beautiful and varied walk through Chiltern woodland, on Chiltern chalk downs with wide vistas from the scarp edge of the hills, along a stretch of the historic Grand Union Canal, and through one of the prettiest villages in Hertfordshire.
From Great Gaddesden to Little Gaddessden
7.29 mi
+554 ft
-564 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
This walk explores some of the hamlets of the Chilterns which, although close to Hemel Hempstead retain their remoteness in their quiet locations. It goes over the typical chalk uplands of the Gade valley and up to the beechwoods of the National Trust Ashridge estate. It passes charming 17th century cottages, a vineyard, a Buddhist Temple and long established churches. The country truly merits its AONB designation.
Hertfordshire Mansions and Parklands - From Great Gaddesden
6.45 mi
+341 ft
-351 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
This walk is over the undulating plateau of the Chiltern dip slope, through the parklands of some of the 18th Century mansions which dot the Chilterns. Although the land is now more given over to arable agriculture, the landscape is still greatly influenced by the great designers, including Capability Brown. A walk with great views over the Gade valley and a revelation of the life style of baronets and local squires in the 1700s and the lesser houses of their tenants.
Ashridge Bluebell Walk, Chilterns AONB
5.55 mi
+253 ft
-253 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
The National Trust Estate at Ashridge is one of the best places in the country to see bluebells in spring. This gentle walk will take you through carpets of this beautiful plant, and also looks at the history of the estate. There are wonderful views over the valley from Duncombe Terrace.
It’s a lovely walk at any time of year but can be very muddy in Winter so wear suitable footwear!
Ridgeway Loops from Ashridge
9.98 mi
+1,040 ft
-1,024 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
A circular trail near Berkhamstead covering the Ridgeway, Grim's ditch, Pitstone Hill, Steps Hill, Ivinghoe Beacon, Beacon Hilll, Icknield Way trail. Starting at Ashridge monument where there is national trust parking.
Ashridge and Little Gaddesden, Chilterns
7.33 mi
+256 ft
-256 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
Visit some of the quieter parts of the Ashridge Estate on the way to Hudnall Common and Little Gaddesden.
Gade Valley Nature Walk
3.91 mi
+466 ft
-466 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
Gordon Beningfield was an artist with an international reputation for his beautiful depictions of the natural world. He spent many happy hours walking through the countryside with his close friend, naturalist and broadcaster Dennis Furnell. This walk, one of their favourites, is described by Dennis.
Ivinghoe and Pitstone Hill
4.31 mi
+308 ft
-318 ft
2h 15
Moderate
Departure from Ivinghoe (Buckinghamshire)
A walk suitable for everyone. You start by climbing steadily until you are on top of Pitstone Hill from where you will have stunning views over the Vale of Aylesbury, the Ivinghoe Hills and the woods of Ashridge. On the way back to Ivinghoe you pass close to Pitstone Windmill.
Flamstead & Beechwood Park
8.57 mi
+299 ft
-331 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Flamstead (Hertfordshire)
A circular walk from Flamstead via Beechwood Park through peaceful rolling country.
Aldbury to the Beacon and back through Ashridge
9.93 mi
+801 ft
-807 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
From picturesque Aldbury you follow the Ridgeway to Ivinghoe beacon, returning via the Ashridge boundary trail and the Chiltern Way. You can enjoy the contrasts between the two LDPs: airy ridges on the Ridgeway and the patchwork of woods and fields on the Chiltern Way.
Tring Reservoirs Wild
Tourist office6.72 mi
+102 ft
-98 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
Stroll along the waterside and look for waterbirds on this gentle 13km walk. Starting at Tring railway station, it takes in College Lake nature reserve, a section of the Grand Union Canal and three reservoirs.
Tring Park Wild
9.94 mi
+486 ft
-482 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
Enjoy scenic views, wooded valleys and ancient parkland on this 10km circular walk through the Chilterns. Starting in Tring, the walk takes in Dancersend nature reserve and the Ridgeway National Trail.
Ivinghoe Beacon & Ashridge, Chilterns
8.71 mi
+902 ft
-902 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
This walk follows the ancient Ridgeway with stunning views from the tops of both Pitstone Hill and Ivinghoe Beacon, before returning through the beautiful woodland of the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate.
Across the Tring Gap by Ridgeway and Chiltern Way
9.34 mi
+758 ft
-755 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
Experience the Ridgeway and Chiltern Way on a walk linking the woods of Ashridge with the woods above Tring Park across the Bulbourne Valley (Tring Gap).
Berkhamsted Common
4.91 mi
+377 ft
-364 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Berkhamsted (Hertfordshire)
This walk takes in some great views of the valleys and woodland to the north and east of the historic town of Berkhamsted. You pass the remains of Berkhamsted Castle, visit a nature reserve and walk through the ancient woods of Frithsden Beeches.
Berkhamsted to Frithsden with the Devil's Own
6.27 mi
+417 ft
-420 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Berkhamsted (Hertfordshire)
A walk through lovely Chiltern scenery with lots of interest on the way - a Norman Castle, WW1 trenches, a canal and more.
Berkhamsted to Rickmansworth
14.36 mi
+30 ft
-184 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Berkhamsted (Hertfordshire)
This is the fourth stage of the multi-day route "Railways and Waterways, between Oxford and London".
Following the River Bulbourne, then the River Gade along the valley, there is plenty to see on this walk, from the narrowboats, historic locks and bridges and the oldest mechanised paper mill in the world, to nature reserves and the popular Cassiobury Park.
Escape to Lilley, Chilterns
5.36 mi
+328 ft
-328 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Borough of Luton
It is surprising how easy it is to escape from urban Luton to quiet open countryside. This walk is a short circuit from Bushmead to Lilley and back.
Particularly lovely late on a June evening, during the summer when the fields are full of ripe crops or in winter to blow away the cobwebs.
Sundon Hills and Sharpenhoe Clappers
5.89 mi
+344 ft
-344 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Sundon (Central Bedfordshire)
A walk that’s attractive at any time of year. The route is quiet and peaceful, with magnificent views looking north into Bedfordshire and beyond. Visit the Iron Age hillfort at Sharpenhoe Clappers.
A Sense of Dacorum
6.32 mi
+289 ft
-285 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Dacorum (Hertfordshire)
This walk demonstrates that modern Hemel Hempstead and its environs have much more to offer than cynics would have you believe, taking in sections of canal and river and what has been described as one of the prettiest streets in Hertfordshire.
Cholesbury Camp, Chilterns
3.87 mi
+253 ft
-230 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards (Buckinghamshire)
The highlight is a visit to Cholesbury Camp, a well-preserved Iron Age hillfort now managed by the Chiltern Society. You will also discover a fascinating history that includes historic buildings, a generous vicar and a local hero who fought at the Battle of Trafalgar.
More walks in Whipsnade
Select a point of interest below:
Discover also walks in surrounding cities:
- Great Brickhill
- Great Gaddesden
- Harlington
- Harpenden
- Harpenden Rural
- Heath and Reach
- Hexton
- Hockliffe
- Houghton Regis
- Hyde
- Ivinghoe
- Kensworth
- Kings Langley
- Leighton-Linslade
- Lilley
- Little Brickhill
- Little Gaddesden
- Markyate
- Marsworth
- Mentmore
- Milton Bryan
- Nash Mills
- Nettleden with Potten End
- Northchurch