The Chilterns - 10 Leisure Walks

by: Robert Wood
The Chiltern Hills remain a beautiful, unspoilt corner of England. Beech woodland and chalk downs provide a haven for wildlife while on the downs in summer are to be found abundant orchids. In the southern Chilterns the red kite is everywhere. Four nature reserves feature in these 10 walks.

As walking country goes the Chilterns are hard to beat. To the west there is a walk beside the Thames before it joins a section of the Shakespeare Way (Stratford left, the Globe right), while another walk drops in on a fine Elizabethan mansion before arriving in Henley's own Happy Valley where there is not a boat to be seen. More centrally, around the Wycombes, is Disraeli country and there is a visit to his house. The Hellfire Club was hereabouts too: just what did go on there?

Further east a monument to a canal-builder suddenly rears up and there is a roller-coaster ramble to the north-west of Chesham, the first town in the Chilterns to be designated a 'Walkers are Welcome' town. Add in three villages that film-makers have taken a shine to (Vicar of Dibley, Nanny McPhee, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang).

The ten circular walks, ranging from 3 to 8 miles, suit the needs of families, groups of friends or individuals looking for a gentle stroll or a longer walk. Clear route directions are provided together with sketch maps and the guide is well illustrated throughout with colour photographs. The handy size also means it will slip easily into your pocket.

The walk locations are:
Britwell Salome and Swyncombe Downs - 6.5 miles
Nettlebed and Russell's Water - 6 miles
Greys Court and Friar Park - 6 miles
Turville and Ibstone - 3.5 miles
Hambleden and the River Thames - 8 miles
Whiteleaf Hill and Chequers - 5.5 miles
Bradenham and West Wycombe - 6 miles
Hedgerley and Bulstrode Park - 4 miles
Chartridge and Redding Wick - 7 miles
The Bridgewater Monument and Aldbury Nowers - 6 miles

ISBN 9780857100467 Pages 64 (2011) 110mm x 155mm hardback