This wonderful walk in the Chilterns follows an undulating path through rolling fields until you reach the stunning views at the peak at Deacon Hill. Be sure to bring your camera!

Route Description for Pegsdon and Deacon Hill

Start the trail at the end of Pegsdon Way, just after the Live and Let Live Pub on your right. Turn left down the private lane with a footpath sign for the ‘Chiltern Way Extension’. Continue on this trail for 0.6 km until you see a public footpath sign pointing to the field on your right. Follow the trail through a hedgerow and up some steps until you reach the top of the hill. Turn left and follow the trail along the field’s edge, keeping the hedgerow on your right.

Turn right at the T-junction and walk uphill, admiring the Knocking Hoe Nature Reserve on your left. The bench at the top of the hill, just after the Nature Reserve, is the perfect place to rest and enjoy the magnificent views. Turn left here and follow the trail for half a mile, turning right when you see the next bench.

Walk through this field, with the hedgerow on your left, then keep right at the next field. Continue to follow the path all the way around until you reach a wooden kissing gate on your right. Pass through the gate and walk directly downhill through the field ahead until you reach the road.

Cross the road with care and enter the field directly opposite. When you arrive at the junction of 5 trails, take the first trail immediately on your right towards the small patch of woodland. This is a great place to see bluebells in spring! Pass through the woods and into the field on the other side. Continue to follow this path until you reach the lane. Turn right along the lane, then left alongside the main road for 200 m until you reach a small car park.

Continue over the metal barrier on your left and follow The Icknield Way until you reach a gate on your right. Go through the gate, read the information board and then take the trail directly up to the top of Deacon Hill. At the top you will find a trig point marking the elevation, as well as a great place to enjoy a picnic with a view!

Leave the trig point with the valley directly behind you, and take the trail all the way along the ridge of the hillside. The trail starts to go downhill here and you will pass through a wooden gate into another field with worn animal tracks. Follow this path downhill and directly up the other side. Pass through the wooden gate at the top, turn right, and continue through the second wooden gate on your right.

Keep walking downhill, turn right at the bottom, and continue until you reach the main road. Follow the field edge, parallel with the road on your left, until you reach the gate opposite the Live and Let Live Pub.

Insider Hints for Pegsdon and Deacon Hill

Sheep regularly graze in these fields, so if you bring a dog plan to keep it on a leash.
The Live and Let Live Pub is an ideal place to stop for food, drink, and even an overnight! The garden outside has great views of Deacon Hill, although the road can get a little noisy during peak commuter hours. The best day to visit is Sunday.

Getting to the Pegsdon and Deacon Hill Trailhead

Use postcode SG5 3JU if you are driving, and park anywhere along Pegsdon Way. Alternatively, take the train to Hitchin and then a 10-minute taxi ride.

Route Information

When to do:
Year Round
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
Live and Let Live Pub
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
None
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Circuit