Holmbeck - Wing - Ascott House

Route Information

Flights: 30 mins
Walk: 5 miles

A gentle walk from Holmbeck Farm airfield to Ascott House via Burcott village and Long Spinney. This 'Old English' house is a National Trust property, which was previously owned by the Rothschild family. Open March-September, it's worth taking a guided tour of the house (buy a timed ticket near the car park before walking down to the house), and enjoy a stroll around the fabulous gardens. Leave time for a visit to the tea room for refreshments before following slightly the same route back to the airfield.

Airfield

Holmbeck Farm Airfield is a privately owned airstrip situated between Wing disused aerodrome and Leighton Buzzard. Bob & Rita bought the farm in 1986, when it was sold by a Rallye owner, who "rather cheekily described it as an airstrip", although it was just a field at that time. Now, the runway is 600 yards long. Tea, coffee and homemade cake are usually available. PPR essential.

RADIO FREQUENCY: 135.480Mhz
Landing Fee £5

Links

Holmbeck Farm Airfield  
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Walk Guide  
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Ascott House

Walking Route

There's no footpath on the main road between Holmbeck and Wing, so this route heads across the runway into open counrtyside and through the quaint village of Burcott. We then cross the main road and take another footpath aroud the edge of Wing village, touching the edge of Long Spinney, which might be worth a detour. Sadly, there's no avoiding the A418 to reach the visitors' entrance to Ascott House at the end of the walk. It might be worth trying the cricket entrance to see if it's open (it usually isn't). You can easliy add another mile or two just wandering around the grounds, so leave plenty of time to look around and get your tea and cake at the National Trust café. Download a walk guide using the button above.