SP9636015958 From the car park briefly follow a woodland path south beside the road. Cross the road at a track (overflow parking) and pick up another footpath heading roughly west through the woods to open ground on the edge of Incombe Hole, a dramatic steep-sided combe. Head south on a well-used path descending around the head of the combe, then heading south-southwest across open pasture to meet the B488.

SP9549014942 Cross the car park to regain open downland. There are a number of paths, but for now stick with the high ground, first climbing over an unnamed hill (202m), then crossing a dip before ascending the broad ridge onto the summit of Pitstone Hill. This is the eastern end of The Ridgeway, a prehistoric route that's considered Britain's oldest 'road' and now forms the basis of a classic long distance trail. Beyond the high point of the hill descend briefly south along Grim's Ditch, a section of a mysterious prehistoric earthwork that crops up all across southern England.

SP9494514031 Turn west and cut straight downhill: a footpath is visible at the foot of the slope, but it's perhaps more fun to pick up a narrower mid-height traverse path running north. Though it's not far from your turfy outward route, the prickly scrub along the western flank of the hills has quite a different feel (and fewer other walkers). Descend through the thickets to re-cross Grim's Ditch in a hollow, then continue beneath the 202m hill to return to the car park on the B488. Briefly retrace your steps on the main path, then fork left onto a less-trodden trail heading north through sheep pasture before descending steeply into the wooded base of Incombe Hole.

SP9563015555 Climbing through scrubby woods and thickets, the path continues up the far slope, making a steep ascent onto Steps Hill. Turn left onto a busier trail, descending north to meet the road where it crosses a col on the ridge.

SP9603616335 The much-trodden main path goes north, but it's worth first bearing northwest to climb a minor summit before continuing up the ridge line onto the summit of Ivinghoe Beacon. Site of an ancient hillfort, and the most prominent summit for miles around, this is a fantastic viewpoint.

SP9596316854 Head east, passing through a gate. Just beyond is a the very clear circle of a prehistoric tumulus. From here follow the delightful grassy ridge crest eastwards. On Gallows Hill the path cuts left to descend along a field boundary.

SP9707716926 A track now heads south-southwest through the fields, before a final quite steep climb brings you back to the car park.