Wimpole Estate: Parkland and Farmland Multi-use Circuit

Explore the wider Wimpole estate on its complete waymarked multi-use trail, with open parkland, working farmland and views towards the historic house and Gothic Folly. The circuit is about 9.5km including the walking approach from the main visitor car park. Allow around 3 hours at a comfortable pace with short stops.

Start at the northern pedestrian exit from the main National Trust car park, reached from the signed entrance on Old Wimpole Road. Follow the surfaced path through Visitor Welcome, then continue to the carriage drive near the Stables. Turn left towards Arrington. Before the Arrington gates, join the multi-use trail north along the western edge of the estate. Follow its sweeping loop through the parkland, using the trail bridges west of the lakes, then climb the surfaced path to the northern farmland. Stay on the multi-use trail rather than the closed paths inside the woodland belts.

The trail turns east along the northern edge of the park, crosses Old Wimpole Road and continues through the arable landscape towards the Gloucesters. Turn south with the waymarks, then follow the surfaced trail southwest past Cobb’s Wood Farm and across the dedicated bridge. Continue past the Home Farm area on the eastern trail, cross Old Wimpole Road again at Victoria Drive, and follow the carriage drive back towards the Stables. Return through Visitor Welcome to the car park. This outer circuit gives views towards the Folly; it does not include a visit to the Folly or a crossing of the Chinese Bridge.

The route mainly uses bonded gravel and estate drives, with several gates, gentle hills and steeper slopes in the northern section. The trail is shared with cyclists and runners. Use the side gates at cattle grids, take care on wet bridge surfaces and cross Old Wimpole Road carefully. This is a working estate, so watch for farm vehicles and give grazing animals space. Dogs must be on leads near livestock and in the parkland.

Parking is free in the main visitor car park, but estate admission applies to the parkland; National Trust members enter free. Check the current Gardens and Parkland ticket and opening hours before travelling. In early October the parkland closes at 6pm and Visitor Welcome at 4.30pm; hours change seasonally, so arrive in good time and return before the gates close. Toilets are available at Visitor Welcome and the Stables, with cafes near the main visitor area. There are no facilities along the outer trail.

Route and access information checked against the National Trust’s current Wimpole parkland guidance and trail map, and the Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership’s whole multi-use trail guide. The woodland-belts closure remains in place; this route follows the promoted multi-use alternative. Check current estate notices and follow any signed changes on arrival.