Social Distance Friendly Walks

The Chilterns Conservation Board and Chiltern Society have developed a series of 23 walks across the Chilterns which are “social-distance friendly”.

 

These avoid crowded ‘honey-pot’ locations and narrow paths where possible (please be aware there are some short sections of narrow paths on some of the walks). Between 2 and 6 miles long, the walks start in market towns or villages, with good public transport links or parking facilities. Many of the walks are stile-free and most are under 4 miles long, making them accessible to many.

Walks in the Bedfordshire Chilterns

The walk starts in the village of Great Offley, heading south-west along the ridge above Hitchin before descending to the small hamlet of Charlton. From there, there is a steady, scenic climb back to Offley. You should see red kites and buzzards, and perhaps a sparrow hawk or a hobby, or even a rare bee orchid.

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A 4.8 mile stile-free walk starting from the historic village of Lilley. It passes through farmland and chalk downland to the summit of Warden Hill with far reaching views in all directions. Warden Hill is home to many wild flowers and butterflies.

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A 3.5 mile walk into the Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve where you can see rare chalkland plants and butterflies. From the top you can enjoy some of the best views in the North Chilterns. Visit Deacon Hill with its ancient earthworks then walk along the edge of a mature beech wood before emerging above Knocking Hoe reserve.

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Walks in the Buckinghamshire Chilterns

Near Great Missenden. A 4.5 mile route on footpaths and tracks through fields and woodland, visiting the picturesque village green at The Lee, with a shorter 2.5 mile option.

 

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A 4 mile circular walk on good paths in hilly countryside with some lovely views. The route includes woodland, meadows and open farmland. There are also several seats along the way!

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A gentle 2.5 mile stile-free walk through beech woodlands, with lovely views over the Chess Valley. Along the route there are interesting historical sites and a wide range of flora and fauna.

 

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Near West Wycombe. A 2.8 mile gently undulating stile-free walk. You will pass through a variety of habitats including ancient woodland. and catch a glimpse of Hughenden Manor in the distance.

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A 3.8 mile stile free walk to the east of Chesham explores the network of paths in beautiful rolling countryside. There are lovely views of the Chess valley and the walk passes Cowcroft Wood nature reserve.

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Near Great Missenden. This 3 mile walk starts at the Prestwood Local Nature Reserve and Picnic Site 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.

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This 5 mile stile-free walk quickly leaves Prestwood and uses some of the less frequented paths to enjoy the beautiful countryside in the surrounding area.  The route includes beautiful meadow views, woodland walking, and crosses the stunning glade to Hampden House.

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Near Stokenchurch. A 4.5 mile stile-free walk through beautiful Chiltern valleys where red kites are abundant. Enjoy panoramic views, ancient beech woods and rolling farmland. The walk is close to the place where red kites were first re-introduced.

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A 2.5 mile stile-free walk through woodland with views across adjacent countryside, returning downhill to reach the Dashwood Mausoleum and Hell Fire caves.

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Walks in the Hertfordshire Chilterns

A 5 mile stile-free walk which takes in some great views of the urban landscape, valleys and woodland to the north and west of the historic town of Berkhamsted. Wide, field-edge paths make it perfect for people that need to create space between each other and the woodland paths are also wide.

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A 6 mile stile-free walk, initially follows the ancient Ridgeway with stunning views from the top of Pitstone Hill before returning through the beautiful woodland of the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate.

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A 5.2 mile walk through the parish of Kimpton, criss-crossed by paths, some of them dating from pre-Roman times. This walk explores the farmland north of the village which is rich in wildlife and there are outstanding views.

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A 4.2 mile stile-free walk from the old market town of Tring. Its best known residents were the Rothschild family and this walk explores their influence on the town and the surrounding countryside including the beauty of Tring Park.

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Walks in the Oxfordshire Chilterns

An undulating 5 mile stile free walk which explores the Chilterns countryside around the south Oxfordshire village of Binfield Heath.  It passes through farmland, woods and the Crowsley Park.  Part of the walk follows the Chiltern Way.

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A 5 mile stile-free walk that explores the hills and woodlands that overlook the beautiful market town of Henley-on-Thames. The first section of the walk is across high parkland with excellent views, the return is through woodland.

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A 4.5 stile-free walk starting from the historic Oxfordshire village of Nettlebed. It features two commons, a nature reserve and the wonderful Chiltern landscape of beech woodlands, chalk grassland and rich wildlife. Many great views.

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A 6 mile stile-free walk from Nettlebed. It passes through Warburg Nature Reserve, best known for its dormouse population. There is a visitor centre with an exhibit and a picnic area.

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A 2.1 mile scenic stile-free walk which starts in 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 Wood. A gentle walk on wide tracks.

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A 4.2 mile stile-fee walk begins takes in some wonderful Chilterns scenery of rolling chalk downland, beech woodlands and ancient pathways. It follows a stretch of the Oxfordshire Way up towards Christmas Common, returning via the chalk pits and a stretch of the Ridgeway National Trail. You can enjoy some refreshments at the historic market town of Watlington on your return.

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This 6.2 mile walk climbs up Shirburn Hill to Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve perched high at the top of the hill, with its far-reaching views over the Oxfordshire Vale. Return via the Ridgeway National Trail.

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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!