My heart sank the first time I visited Ashridge Estate in the northern Chilterns on the Bucks/Herts border. With so many cars parked, I envisaged hordes of people. But as soon as we set off on a three mile circular walk we lost everyone and had the panoramic views from Ivinghoe Beacon - and a glimpse of several deer sprinting off through the woods - to ourselves. There are 5000 acres so plenty of room for everyone to crunch over fallen golden beech leaves right now. At times we were walking part of the Ridgeway National Trail which looked enticing and could have extended our walk, but my favourite bit is spotting the lion chalk figure which advertises Whipsnade Zoo.

The tea rooms near the Bridgewater Monument are justifiably popular and the visitor centre staff are friendly and eager to share their knowledge of wildlife to look out for. Many dog owners were bonding while their pets bounded, and it was good to see a fair number of wheelchairs and pushchairs on the easy access paths.

Bookings are being taken for fallow deer rutting, and fungal foray events this month.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-ashridge

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