Great walks

This 16-mile route follows the quieter paths of the National Trust’s 2,000-hectare Ashridge Estate near Berkhamsted. The walk starts at the Ashridge Visitor Centre near the Bridgwater Monument and includes some of the outstanding features of the estate, including Ivinghoe Beacon, ancient woodlands and dramatic scenery.

This is a 10-mile, linear walk through the Chilterns following the River Chess from Rickmansworth to Chesham. It passes through the beautiful scenery of the Chess Valley and several attractive villages, and gets close to the clear, sparkling waters of the River Chess, one of the Chilterns’ famed chalk streams.

This 52-mile, circular route passes through all 14 parishes in the Chiltern District, visiting beautiful scenery and exploring historic highlights along the way. It is split into eight easy-to-follow sections, accessible by public transport. A route map can be purchased from the Chiltern Society website.

This circular walking route of 134 miles has three optional extensions, taking the total route to well over 200 miles long! Wandering, varied and mostly rural, it explores some of the loveliest landscapes in all four counties of the Chilterns National Landscape. It can be broken down into sections, is well-signposted and is suitable for walkers of a variety of abilities.

The Ridgeway has been used by travellers for more than 5,000 years. Starting at the World Heritage Site of Avebury, it crosses the chalk ridges of the North Wessex Downs and Chilterns National Landscapes, and finishes with a magnificent view from Ivinghoe Beacon. Travelling through woodlands and quiet valleys, the trail passes Iron Age hillforts, chalk figures and ancient burial mounds along the way.

The Thames Path follows the longest river in England for 184 miles from its source in the Cotswolds almost to the sea. In the Chilterns National Landscape, it passes from Wallingford to Marlow, via Goring, Pangbourne and Henley-on-Thames. Desirable riverside towns are combined with wonderfully scenic stretches on mostly gentle walks that everyone can enjoy.

The River Chess near Latimer

A gentle 2.5-mile, stile-free, circular walk, passing through beech woodlands and providing lovely views over the Chess Valley. The route starts and finishes in Chesham – a pretty market town with plenty of options for food and shopping.

A 2.8-mile, stile-free, circular walk across a gently undulating landscape, passing through a variety of habitats, including ancient woodland. Catch a glimpse of Hughenden Manor in the distance.

A 3.8-mile, stile-free, circular walk to the east of Chesham that explores a network of paths in beautiful rolling countryside. There are lovely views of the Chess Valley and a visit to Cowcroft Wood Nature Reserve.

A 2.1-mile, stile-free, circular walk that starts on Peppard Common and follows Dog Lane – a wide, tree-lined track – towards Rotherfield Greys. The route follows a short stretch of the Chiltern Way and then loops back through Crowsley Park Woods.

A 3-mile walk near Great Missenden that starts at Prestwood Local Nature Reserve and climbs the hill to walk above Bryant’s Bottom, with views of the valleys on each side. It then descends Denner Hill and climbs up towards Prestwood, to return through Nanfan Wood to the start point.

A 2.5-mile, stile-free, circular walk that starts in the historic village of West Wycombe. The route passes through pretty woodland and offers stunning views across the surrounding countryside. The return is downhill, eventually reaching the Dashwood Mausoleum and infamous Hellfire Caves.

This 6.2-mile, stile-free, circular walk rambles through the undulating countryside of the northern Chilterns. The walk starts in the village of Great Offley, where it is believed that Offa, King of Mercia, established a palace in the 8th century. Heading south-west along the ridge above Hitchin, the route descends to the small hamlet of Charlton. As you walk, look out for red kites and buzzards soaring above your head, and bee orchids blooming beneath your feet.

This 5-mile, stile-free, circular walk quickly leaves Prestwood and uses some of the less frequented paths to enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside. The route passes through quiet meadows and woodlands, eventually crossing The Glade – a long, wide avenue leading to Hampden House. The Glade was reputedly cut in a single night to provide a view for Queen Elizabeth I on one of her two documented visits to the house.

This 3.5-mile, circular walk crosses the rolling chalk downland of the northern Chilterns. Starting from Pegsdon – a small hamlet dating back to Domesday times – the route climbs steadily into Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve where summer invites clouds of chalkhill blue, marbled white and grizzled skipper butterflies. Carry on to Deacon Hill with its ancient earthworks, before emerging above Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve, where rare plants like pasque flower, clustered bellflower and burnt-tip orchid thrive.

This 5.5-mile, stile-free, circular walk explores the undulating Chilterns countryside around the South Oxfordshire village of Binfield Heath. It passes through farmland, woodlands and Crowsley Park Woods. Part of the walk follows the Chiltern Way – a much longer circular route taking in some of the finest scenery in the country. Look out for historic cottages, a former deer park and evidence of past brickmaking. There are also plenty of plants and animals to catch the eye along the way.