Image shared for Burnham Beeches Ancient Trees and Woodland Circuit
Park / Green space Circular

Burnham Beeches Ancient Trees and Woodland Circuit

Buckinghamshire

Distance
3.8 mi
Est. time
2h 30m
Difficulty
Medium
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at the western end of the main Lord Mayors Drive car park, near the Beeches Cafe and information point. This woodland circuit combines the reserve's old pollarded trees, ponds and named woodland drives. Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes, including pauses by the ponds and ancient trees.

Walk west along Lord Mayors Drive past Upper Pond towards Druid's Oak, then take the path beside the Iron Age fort to Victoria Drive. Follow Victoria Drive uphill to Halse Drive, then turn through Woods Drive and Dimsdale Drive. Morton Drive and McAuliffe Drive lead past the wooded banks of Hartley Court Moat. Turn onto Burnham Walk, return via Halse Drive and Victory Cross, and follow the established paths by Upper and Middle Ponds before rejoining Lord Mayors Drive to the start. Keep to the paths around the moat and old trees.

Expect woodland tracks, surfaced drives, rolling slopes, exposed roots and mud after rain. Walking boots are sensible. Use the gates rather than cattle grids, close gates behind you and give grazing cattle and ponies plenty of room. Keep dogs under effective control and follow the signed lead and exclusion zones. Cyclists and horses use the tarmac drives, and authorised vehicles can occasionally be present.

The main car park opens from 8am and closes at dusk; check the entrance sign and return before it locks. Parking is paid and cashless. The cafe, toilets and information point normally open from 10am until around 5pm, with seasonal variations. Choose daylight and avoid high winds: the reserve can close in adverse weather.

Route and access checked against the City of London Corporation's Burnham Beeches map, Historical Trail and current visitor information on 3 October 2026. Check its visitor page and signs for changes before travelling: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/burnham-beeches-and-stoke-common/visit-burnham-beeches

Walk details

Walk type
Circular
Category
Park / Green space
Distance
3.8 mi (6.2 km)
Est. time
2h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

Walk this route on your own

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.