Explore the Chess Valley
The Chess Valley has some of the most attractive countryside in the Chilterns National Landscape.
This is a landscape rich in wildlife, with a long and fascinating history. You’ll discover the site of a Roman farm-villa at Latimer, pass the 13th century Chenies Manor visited by Elizabeth I and see the watercress beds at Sarratt, the only commercial watercress farm left in the Chilterns. And when you’re near the River Chess, keep an eye out for kingfishers, water voles, brown trout, orchids and dragonflies.
Nearby Chesham is a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town on the Metropolitan Line. Explore its history and independent shops, walk in glorious countryside and relax in town and country pubs. The friendly market town of Chesham and its hilltop villages have plenty for all to enjoy.
Chess Valley Visitor Guide
Explore the Chess Valley with our new visitor guide. From pubs and cafes, to walks and market towns – the Chess Valley has something for everyone!
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Chess Valley Walk
The Chess Valley Walk has recently undergone a revamp, with new information boards, footpath improvements, new signage and a new Chess Valley Walk logo! The improvements to the walk were funded by the Chalk Streams and Wetlands Meadow project, a partnership project between the Chilterns National Landscape and the Chiltern Society, funded by the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund.
Other walks in the Chess Valley
Chesham Circular Walk
The Chesham Circular Walk explores the network of paths in beautiful rolling countryside lying between Chesham and the cluster of villages of Tylers Hill, Ley Hill and Botley. It passes the Cowcroft Wood nature reserve where bluebells and wild orchids can be found during the early summer.
Chorleywood Circular Walk
Chorleywood Circular Walk is a stile-free walk that explores the picturesque Chess Valley, the pretty village of Chenies with its Tudor manor house, 15th century church and village green, and finally the delightful Chorleywood Common.
Little Chalfont Circular Walk
Little Chalfont Circular Walk takes you from the tube station down to the River Chess and round via Chenies and back.
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Rickmansworth Circular Walk
Rickmansworth Circular Walk passes the point where the River Chess joins the River Colne. The varied route includes rivers, woodland, fields, a village green and a canal.
Our partners in the Chess Valley
Chilterns Chalk Streams Project
The Chilterns Chalk Streams Project works with local people across the Chilterns to improve river habitats, improve access and enjoyment and promote the sustainable use of water.
River Chess Smarter Water Catchment
The River Chess Smarter Water Catchment project is tackling the issues that face the river and its catchment through partnership working.
Explore the Chess Valley area
Related news
Trout release? Wye-ever not!
Not Bourne Yesterday and Dadima’s walking group released thirty brown trout into the River Wye in High Wycombe.
Exploring Luton Henge through photography
We recently helped fund photography workshops for local schools at Leagrave Park.
Farming in Protected Landscapes programme extended to 2029
We welcome Defra's announcement to extend the highly successful Farming in Protected Landscapes programme for another three years.
Featured walks
A selection of some of the best walks in the Chilterns, from short easy strolls to all day walks, and all through beautiful scenery. The best way to shake off the cobwebs, enjoy tranquil surroundings and burn a few calories!
