How Pippa Middleton and husband James make money from their private estate after footpath victory

Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews will be no doubt celebrating the fact that their long-standing battle to keep a footpath on their private estate closed to members of the public is finally over. The couple won their mission to keep the area out of bounds, despite ramblers claiming it was a safer route than other alternatives. There is a way you can get to go onto the Middleton's estate at Barton Court in Kintbury though - and that's pay for fishing access. 

The estate is positioned beautifully along the River Kennet and the family allows members of the public to come and fish in it for a fee. There is the option of day rental with rods for £225 each, but also team days aimed at corporate businesses looking for a fun activity. There's a Head Riverkeeper on site to help with any requests. 

© Alamy Stock Photo

The website promotes the pastime: "The Kennet is a hidden gem and is catching the attention of the many anglers who have never fished this charming, understated river. The banks and meadows abound with wildlife and the water is rich in insect and plant life. For many, the perfect day of fishing may be crowned by the sight of a barn owl hunting on soundless wings, the azure streak of a kingfisher or the complex beauty of the birdsong."

Car park conundrum 

Last month it was reported that the couple were in trouble for constructing a car park on their £15 million Berkshire estate without adequate planning permission. This could well have been a car facility for the fly fishers using the site. Planning authorities from West Berkshire Council rejected their retrospective application and subsequent appeal, labelling the parking area an "unsightly," "visually intrusive," and "urbanised" addition to the protected Wessex Downs landscape. Planners further cautioned that the development could negatively impact the nearby River Kennet chalk stream, leading officials to require the couple to dismantle the structure.

Footpath win 

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The pair previously sparked outrage by placing "private" and "no trespassing" signs around the estate, disputing local access to a historic footpath along Mill Lane that previous owner Sir Terence Conron had permitted the public to use. Backed by the Ramblers Association, 35 local residents submitted a formal petition to declare the path an official public right of way, triggering an ongoing inquiry into land use across the estate. Ultimately, Pippa and James won the battle, and the land remains private.