Steam along the Ridgeway, then explore Old Kiln Lakes and Oakley Hill Nature Reserve (0901)

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    Start date26th October 2023
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    Time10:00 am
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    LocationOX39 4BZ
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    PriceFree (train trip £10-14 for adults, £1 for children 7-15)

We meet at 10:00 for a short introduction to the history of the Old Kiln Lakes area and its link to the Chinnor heritage railway. We then board the 10.45 steam train for an hour’s return journey to Princes Risborough, where Nigel will guide you as we see lovely views of the Chilterns, through historic Bledlow towards the mysterious Whiteleaf Cross.

Arriving back at Chinnor, we explore Old Kiln Lakes, where historic quarries have been regenerated to attract a wide range of wildlife, including swans, geese and the iconic red kites. We visit a beehive kiln, a rare survivor from the site’s industrial past, before heading out onto the Ridgeway, where we visit Oakley Hill nature reserve, home to rare chalk grassland flora and fauna, with superb views over the countryside from the edge of the Chiltern escarpment. We return via the historic sunken way of Donkey Lane, stopping at St Andrew’s church, then return to the station (where train tickets are also valid for the 1430 & 1545 departures)

Additional information

The walk is free, but you must book a ride on the steam train (you cannot do the walk without first riding on the train). As soon as you have booked the walk, go to: www.chinnorrailway.co.uk and book tickets for an ‘all day rover’ on Thursday 26 October. Tickets cost £10-14 for adults, £1 for children. Tickets can also be bought on the day at Chinnor station for an extra £1.

Refreshments can be bought on the train or at the railway’s cafe at Chinnor station. We will also stop for c.10 minutes on the walk for a snack and drink at Oakley Hill, or you can have a picnic at c.1400 when we arrive back at the station. Toilets at the station.

The walk is over undulating countryside which can become muddy in places. Not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.

Nigel Peters.
Chinnor Railway Station, Kiln Avenue, Chinnor. Free parking, meet by the bus stop shelter.
5 miles
Medium walks (4-6 miles)
2h
Fairly easy (some gentle inclines, steps/stiles)
Gentle
12
Yes
Yes (Ideal for half-term family adventures with children over 7, who will enjoy the thrill of a steam train ride, then see plenty of wildlife and nature.)
Yes (Bus route 40 between High Wycombe and Thame. Alight at The Crown, then walk up Station Road for c.200 metres.)