Walks in the Country Near London Guidebook

by: Christopher Somerville
In 25 carefully planned walks, this book reveals the myriad treasures that lie just beyond London's urban sprawl. From easy strolls over the chalk downs of Surrey and through the Kentish apple orchards to exhilarating rambles along Sharpenhoe Clappers' chalk escarpments in Bedfordshire, there is a walk here for everyone. Ranging from 6 to 15 miles, the walks are about an hour from central London by train, providing an exploration of southeast England's picturesque countryside.

The routes have been selected to provide the most interest with a minimum of road walking. Clear, easy-to-follow route maps and step-by-step instructions make these walks ideal for even the most amateur walker. Every walk starts and finishes at a railway station. Each walk also includes recommendations for the best pubs and tea rooms for refreshments en route. The book includes numerous delightful colour photographs, an introductory chapter, index a further information section on places of interest.

With a keen eye and characteristic humour Christopher Somerville guides readers along hedged grassy lanes, across open airy farmland and through some of the finest historic homes, castles and churches that England has to offer. Along the way he shares fascinating tales about the characters who trod theses same paths throughout the centuries; from persecuted Catholic priests making their way to safe houses under cover of night, to such celebrated figures as Anne Boleyn, John Bunyan, William Blake and Benjamin Disraeli. With a wealth of interesting anecdotes and intriguing historical information this is the perfect guide for history enthusiasts and casual walkers alike.

The walk locations are:
Goring and Mapledurham - 12 miles
Henley-on-Thames, Greys Court and Rotherfield Peppard - 8.5 miles
Great Missenden, Hughenden and High Wycombe - 9 miles
Berkhamsted Common and Frithsden Beeches - 6.5 miles
Little Chalfont to Latimer, Church End - 7 miles
Harlington and Sharpenhoe Clappers - 8 miles
Watton-at-Stone and Sacombe - 12 miles
Newport, Widdington and Debden - 9 miles
Kelvedon, Coggeshall and Feering - 7.5 miles
Ingatestone, Buttsbury and Mountnessing Hall - 7 miles
Rochford and Paglesham - 14 miles
Shoreham, Lullingstone and Eynsford - 8 miles
Teynham, Conyer and The Swale - 10.5 miles
Hollingbourne, North Downs Way and Thurnham - 8 miles
Newington, Lower Halstow and the Medway - 7 miles
Borough Green, Ightham Mote and Oldbury Fort - 8.5 miles
Hever and Chiddingstone - 7 miles
Dormansland, Haxted Mill and Lingfield - 9 miles
Balcombe, Ardingly Reservoir and Wakehurst Place - 9 miles
Polesden Lacey and Ranmore Common - 9 miles
Shere and St Martha-on-the-Hill - 10.5 miles
Betchworth, Brockham and Buckland - 9 miles
Liss, Selborne and the Hangers Way - 15 miles
Overton, Hannington and Watership Down - 15 miles
Stratfield, Mortimer and Silchester - 9 miles

ISBN 9781847739469 Pages 208 (2012) 150mm x 210mm