Cliveden Green Walking Trail, Cliveden

The Cliveden Green Walking Trail is a compact circular route through the grounds of one of Buckinghamshire's grandest country estates, high above the River Thames. Beginning near the main gardens, the path leads you past the Duke of Sutherland Statue, a striking equestrian monument set among mature parkland, before climbing gently towards the Cliveden Southern Viewpoint where the woods open out over the Thames valley.

Along the way there is plenty to draw the eye. A weeping cedar planted by Sir Winston Churchill stands within the formal grounds, and the estate's small Chapel, ornate Round Garden and geometric Parterre are all close to the route. Look out too for The Rape of Proserpina, one of the sculptures that dot the terraces and lawns.

At 3.8 km with around 158 m of ascent, the loop packs a surprising amount of variety into an hour's walking, mixing open lawns, woodland tracks and one or two firmer climbs. It is best treated as a moderate outing rather than a stroll, with the viewpoint providing a natural halfway pause before you drop back down to the gardens.