7 Walks In Buckinghamshire

 

Are you looking for the best walks in Buckinghamshire to get out and explore the countryside? The Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies partly in the county, and many of the walks involve rambling up and down hills with stunning views from the top. 

If you want flatter walks or something more family-friendly, riverside walks by the Thames and the parklands attached to the county’s country houses are good choices. Here are 7 walks in Buckinghamshire to try next time you’re in the county.

Riverside Walks In Buckinghamshire

Cliveden

Thames-side walks and boating

Explore a series of formal gardens, wander down tree-lined avenues and walk through woodland by the River Thames at this National Trust-managed property. There are quite a few walks to choose from here, from the 1.5-mile blue trail made for families to the steep inclines and panoramic views over the Thames on walks along the chalk cliffs that overlook the estate.

Fancy getting out on the water? Hire a boat or take a skippered ride along the river. Take your pick from canoes, skiffs, punts or a dinghy and travel back in time to when Victorians and Edwardians came here to glide along the Thames. 

Pitch up at campsites in Buckinghamshire.

Little Marlow

A walk for all ages and abilities

Need a walk that will suit everybody? The aptly named Little Marlow Walk is a three-mile circular route that heads out from the Georgian town of Marlow, through meadows and then back along a scenic path along the Thames. 

The route is flat, there are no stiles to climb over and dogs are welcome, so the whole family can lace up their trainers and head out together. Need a break? Stop at the River Thames Spade Oak Lake for some wildlife-spotting and birdwatching along the way.

Go camping near Little Marlow.

Hambleden

Villages, woods and riverside walks

Want pretty villages, woodlands and riverside paths all in one walk? This six-mile circular walk in the Chilterns can be started anywhere, but most people choose to start in Hambleden with its attractive flint and brick houses and 14th-century church. The village has been featured in a few films and TV series, including Sleepy Hollow and Band of Brothers. 

A tramp through these woods and sheep fields takes you to Medmenham and the nearby pub Ye Olde Dog and Badger, which is a good place to stop for refreshments. Going back to Hambleden, potter alongside the River Thames, with barges tied up on the banks and more sheep grazing down by the water.

Find camping pitches near Hambleden.

Coombe Hill and Chequers

Traditional Chiltern Hills landscapes

Take a walk in a classic Chiltern Hills landscape at Coombe Hill and see chalk grassland, the village of Ellesborough and beautiful woodland. At the Boer War Memorial, you’ll have views across Aylesbury Vale, while another steep ascent will take you to Beacon Hill for more far-reaching views. Along the way, you’ll pass by Chequers, a 16th-century manor house and the Prime Minister’s country retreat.

Feeling a bit less energetic? Take the 3.5-mile Coombe Hill Woodland Walk instead through sheltered beech woodlands and up just one hill – Coombe – so you can still get your views in.

Find a campsite near Coombe Hill with availability for your dates.

Hughenden

A house, gardens and vast parkland to explore

A 19th-century house, formal gardens and 680 acres of parkland, Hughenden isn’t just a place to walk in Bucks County, it’s somewhere for history buffs and those looking for inspiration for their green fingers. 

Take a tour of the house to gain insights into its former owner, Benjamin Disraeli, Queen Victoria’s favourite Prime Minister, then wander in the Italianate-style garden and through the small cherry orchard in the walled garden. 

In the vast parkland, there are marked routes ranging from a gentle one-mile stroll to a four-mile hike. Most of the walks involve scaling a slope or two, with rewarding views to be had from the top. In the beech woods and chalk grasslands, you might see red kites and rare butterflies too.

West Wycombe Park is close by and the 18th-century landscaped parklands have temples, statues and fountains to discover. The historic village of West Wycombe has traditional shops, pubs and tea rooms.

Discover more gardens to visit in Buckinghamshire.

Wendover Woods

Walks for the whole family 

Looking for somewhere with activities for all ages as well as a choice of walking routes? Wendover Woods is a good pick. There are five walking trails with views of the Chiltern Hills, including one easy access walk starting beside the café that’s suitable for pushchairs. 

For more outdoor action, try the adult-only exercise trail or the Go Ape Treetop Adventure. With smaller children, look out for the play areas and the Gruffalo orienteering trail. 

Want more ways to entertain the kids? Check out these parks in Buckinghamshire.

Ivinghoe Beacon

The best views of the Chilterns

Which hill has the best views in the Chilterns? According to a lot of people, it’s Ivinghoe Beacon which, despite not being the highest hill in the area, has particularly grand views. There’s a three-mile walk through the Ivinghoe Hills Nature Reserve where you can see a lot of wildlife, especially rare butterflies. 

Pace up and down hills, across fields and alongside woods on this short but demanding walk.

Check out campsites near Ivinghoe Beacon. 

Want to spend more time in Bucks? Check out the best things to do in Buckinghamshire for ideas to extend your stay.