1. On entering Bell Gate head straightacross and follow the path towardsPebble Alcove where you can sitand enjoy the view of the lakethrough the trees. The alcove isdecorated with pebbles in the formof Lord Cobham’s coat of arms andhis motto ‘Templa Quam Dilecta’translated to ‘How beautiful arethy temples’.

2. Follow the path round to theTemple of Friendship whichprovides another opportunity to take a seat and admire theview. Here you can see out to thePalladian Bridge and up to theGothic Temple. Look out for thered oak trees in Hawkwell Meadwith their spectacular autumncolours.

3. Head over the Palladian Bridge,one of only three in the country –and Stowe’s is the only one with nosteps as tourists of the past wouldhave travelled over the bridge intheir horse drawn carriages.

4. Continue left along the lakesidepath and over the Wooden Bridge.Pause for a moment along the pathbetween the Wooden Bridge andthe Cascade to take in the view uptowards the magnifi cent StoweHouse – this view would once havebeen a formal garden of geometricshaped fl ower beds. Turn aroundto enjoy the vista across theOctagon Lake, through the LakePavilions and on to the CorinthianArch in the distance.

5. As you turn the corner around the Octagon Lake you can find a big bench tucked away to pause and catch a glimpse across the lake to Lord Chatham’s Urn and the wonderful autumn reflections.

6. Continue round to the left before taking the path on the right, taking you alongside the Eleven Acre Lake. Along this path you should see some great reflections, both the Hermitage and the Temple of Venus have a perfect reflection on the lake when viewed from this side. Also look out for the Tulip Tree whose distinctive leaves turn butter-yellow in autumn.

7. Follow the lakeside path around and up to the Temple of Venus. Looking across the lake, enjoy views of the Rotunda and across Home Park. Home Park is one of the newly opened parts of the garden. Over the next few years you will see improved views across this area from the Rotunda to the Temple of Venus, we will also be working to create a wildflower rich hay meadow.

8. On leaving the Temple of Venuspause to admire the Spindle treewhose leaves turn scarlet red inthe autumn and the vivid pink andorange seed pods that really standout. Then follow the path straightacross towards the Hermitage

9. From the Hermitage you can enjoyviews across to the Cascade. Lookout for more Spindle trees nearby.

10. At the end of the path turnright and head back up the pathtowards the Lake Pavilions. Whenyou get to the main path junctionstop for a moment and turnaround to enjoy the beautifullyframed view towards the statueof Queen Caroline. Make sure youalso take in the avenue of LondonPlanes down Pegg ’s Terrace beforeheading back to Bell Gate to endthe walk.

Please note this map is intended as a guide only and is not drawn to scale

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Palladian BridgeBell G

ate D

rive

Pegg ’s Terrace

Bell Gate

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Distance: 2.2km

Take a walk around the lakes of Stowe and enjoy the beautiful autumnal colour refl ected in the water.

Autumn refl ections

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Photography © National Trust Images / Andrew Butler, John Millar, Nadja Wendt

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