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 is a 10 mile linear route through the Chilterns that follows the River Chess from Rickmansworth to Chesham. It passes through the beautiful Chess Valley, a wildlife-rich area full of fascinating history, and is easily accessible from train stations at either end.
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
Royal Forestry Society honours woodland champion John Morris
John, who spent many years leading the Chiltern Woodlands Project, has received the Royal Forestry Society's Sylva Trophy.
Schools celebrate success of Mend the Gap projects
Four secondary and eight primary schools across the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs have better outdoor spaces for wildlife and learning.
A flying start: 51 new nest boxes for Christmas Common swifts
The Christmas Common farm cluster recently installed 51 nest boxes to support the recovery of swift numbers.
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!
