Finchampstead Ridges — Attraction in Finchampstead

Loads of room in the car park here on a sunny weekend day, which was a great relief. The sign for the main Simon's Wood is relatively easy to miss on first pass from the main road. No ticket required at this car park.  There is also a number of other smaller roadside spots dotted around, if needed. Also all free from what I could gather.

I opted for a walk around the ridges first. This trail begins on the opposite side of the road from the main car park. It is easily accessible by heading towards the road along the Woodland trail out to the right of the carpark.

There are plenty of National Trust marker posts around to keep you generally on track. Best to have an image of the map and have a general idea what direction you are heading in, along with what you would like to see. As every step of the various walks walk are not marked out.

However, this is the sort of place that you can just roam off and explore. There are plenty of alternative paths and routes to choose from. While still not ending up too far from the main attractions.

There are multiple places on the ridge side to take in views and also stop at a bench. Around the pond in Simon's Wood there were a few benches to rest on.

I visited during a dry spell and there were still significant boggy patches. Even though there are many boardwalks, you are better off having decent footwear.

Bit of a gem in terms of variety, without being that busy. I walked around the main areas at a leisurely pace in approximately 2 hours. You could easily spend double that here if you stopped and...

Went here for a walk and it's so lovely and quiet. We parked at the side of the road and then walked in. At this time.of the year , the views were stunning. With oranges, yellows and dark browns on the trees. At the top of the hill you can look out across the countryside and forget where you are. There is a small seat there to sit down if you wish.

It felt at times like I was back in Scotland, with the beautiful pine tree's and hills.( Not quite as dramatic though). There is a lovely pond. Anyone, who has dogs will absolutely love this place as it's a real gem. The dogs as well will love it. Bring wellies though at this time of year. Me and my other half forgot our wellies and it got rather precarious at times with...

Relatively small and compact (maybe 30 min walk around the perimeter). Varied flora and beautiful in autumn. There's a sizeable lay by on the road (where the Google pin is) to park. The Ridges is managed as a three-site National Trust area, along with Simon's Wood and Ambarrow Hill. Simon's Wood is close by to the Ridges and has a proper car park. It's much busier than the Ridges, slightly larger, has a small lake and is totally flat, whereas the Ridges is on a hill. None of the 3 have...