Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve and Deacon Hill loop from Hexton Road Car Park — Chiltern Hills

Hiking trails & Routes

Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve and Deacon Hill loop from Hexton Road Car Park — Chiltern Hills

Easy

4.7

(31)

137

hikers

Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve and Deacon Hill loop from Hexton Road Car Park — Chiltern Hills

01:37

5.82km

110m

Hiking

Embark on an easy hike through the Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve and Deacon Hill loop, a scenic journey spanning 3.6 miles (5.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 348 feet (106 metres). This route typically takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete. You will traverse expansive, species-rich chalk grasslands and pockets of woodland, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, especially from Deacon Hill. The paths are generally accessible, guiding you through undulating fields and a flat-bottomed valley with steep sides. In spring and summer, the landscape comes alive with vibrant wildflowers and numerous butterflies like the common blue and chalkhill blue. You might also spot bluebells in the small woodland patches during spring. This trail offers a varied and engaging experience for all. If you are looking for a manageable outdoor activity, this easy hike is suitable for all fitness and skill levels. The accessible paths make it a great choice for a shorter outing, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without a strenuous climb. Consider visiting during spring or summer to witness the full bloom of wildflowers and the active butterfly populations. The trail starts from the Hexton Road Car Park, providing convenient access to this beautiful area. This loop is nestled within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), highlighting its ecological importance. Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve is celebrated for its chalk grasslands and supports rare plants such as moon carrot and burnt tip orchid. Deacon Hill, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is home to diverse plant species, butterflies, and birds like buzzards, with its summit revealing ancient earthworks. The area also holds significant archaeological value, featuring medieval strip lynchet field systems and evidence of pre-Bronze Age history, including hill forts and barrows. This rich biodiversity and historical context make the trail a unique exploration of both nature and heritage.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

776 m

View of the Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural Monument

Coming out of the woods on the Chiltern Way here will provide you with an absolutely stunning view of the countryside down below and, right next to you, of the Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve.

This is chalk grassland, supporting rare plants such as moon carrot and field fleawort. There is a viewing platform nearby with some information about the reserve too.

Tip by

4.06 km

View from Noon Hill, Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve

Highlight • Viewpoint

This steep chalk hill within Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve offers one of the best views in the county. There is free parking south of Barton Road (B655).

Tip by

5.01 km

Deacon Hill summit

Highlight • Natural Monument

Deacon Hill (172m), from which there are stunning views in essentially any direction (as long as you don't stare at your boots) is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (the summit area is rich in plant species, and there are birds here such as buzzards and numerous species of butterflies, too).

There is a bench to sit on as well. The hill is a gorgeous place to be and marvel at the beauty of the world.

Tip by

5.14 km

Pegsdon Hills Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

This area of the Bedfordshire Hertfordshire border is excellent walking country.
You will find areas of SSI and history from pre bronze age. There are Hill Forts, Round and Long Barrows, Terracing and Earthworks.
Nummerous lime pits on the chalk up lands which were used for lime both for building and farming.

Evidence of roman occupation and local resistance.
The area is crossed by the Icknield Way probably the oldest route in the UK
Check my website for many other walks and details of walking in this area of the Chilterns
imcintosh.com/walking-north-herts-and-south-beds

Tip by

5.82 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.12 km

930 m

816 m

491 m

461 m

Surfaces

3.48 km

959 m

545 m

475 m

355 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (170 m)

Lowest point (80 m)

Weather

Wednesday 14 October

21°C

12°C

30 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

February 5, 2022,Pegsdon to Knocking Hoe, Deacon Hill then back to Pegsdon via Noon Hill

A short walk to Knocking Hoe, then past Tingley Barrow taking in Deacon Hill along the top of Pegsdon Hills towards Noon Hill then back down to Pegsdon

This walk passes two Barrows Knocking Knoll and Tingley
There are also numerous Stipe Lynchets a short detour near Noon Hill will also take in a massive Earthworks