Routes to the Past
(c) Dave Olinski
Threading throughout the Chilterns is a network of ancient routeways.
Some are now tarmacked roads, others footpaths and bridleways, and some are already lost or forgotten. They have linked communities with each other and with the natural world around them since prehistoric times.
Encompassing nearly 900 square kilometres (350 square miles) of outstanding natural beauty, the Chilterns have often been seen as physical barrier between the Aylesbury Vale to the west and the London plain to the east.
However, in truth, the chalk scarp and its dipslope have actually been a conduit for people and wildlife moving through the landscape via a plethora of routes.
Storymap
As part of the Chalk, Cherries and Chairs Landscape Partnership scheme (2019-24), volunteers analysed LiDAR information, resulting in a story map showing 81 holloways and drovers roads that are braided through the woodlands and countryside of the Central Chilterns, used for hundreds if not thousands of years, etching them deeply into the land.
Heritage Trails
In addition through the project, four new ‘Routes to the Past’ circular walks were developed, each with four waymarkers with unique stories to tell – find them on our interactive map or via the links below.
Hastoe Heritage Trail
Hodgemoor Heritage Trail
Chinnor Heritage Trail
Carpenter's Wood Heritage Trail
Routes to the past
We also arranged a day for groups of students from local schools to combine art with nature along natural routeways. The students undertook kick sampling surveys on the River Wye, cleared hedgerows of litter, planted wildflowers and created artwork with Chiltern Rangers’ artist in residence, Dan Wilson.
Chalk, Cherries and Chairs
Our Chalk, Cherries and Chairs Landscape Partnership Scheme was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the HS2 Community & Engagement Fund, and managed by the Chilterns Conservation Board.
Discover the timeline of the Chilterns
There has been a rich and varied geology and history in the Chilterns – from the Cretaceous Period, when shallow seas laid down the distinctive chalk of the area, right up to today’s working landscape.
Outstanding Chilterns Magazine
Jam-packed with news and updates from the Chilterns National Landscape, now available to read online or find out where to get a printed copy.
Discover the timeline of the Chilterns
There has been a rich and varied geology and history in the Chilterns – from the Cretaceous Period, when shallow seas laid down the distinctive chalk of the area, right up to today’s working landscape.