Hikes & Walks in Buckinghamshire

A true highlight of Buckinghamshire must be the marvellous Chiltern Hills, well known for having AONB status (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Walkers will find a huge variety of walking routes, tracks and trails there. They lead through 660 square miles (1700 km²) of superb scenery, dense woodland and gentle hills.

A good starting point for circular walks in the Chilterns is Wendover, a picturesque town south of Aylesbury. Explore the wildlife at Dancersend Nature Reserve and enjoy the beautiful views over Aylesbury Vale from the top of Haddington Hill, the highest point in the county of Buckinghamshire. Kids and adults alike can get adventurous high above the ground at the GoApe Treetop Challenge course. With walking trails suitable for buggies, the Wendover Woods are also a great destination for families with young children.

The Chilterns are also the best place for more experienced and fitter walkers to stretch their legs. The steep climb to Coombe Hill can get your heart pumping. And when you make it to the top, you are greeted by panoramic views across the Aylesbury Vale, over chalk grassland, pretty woods and down to the village of Ellesborough. You may want to pack a good-sized lunch or make a pub-lunch stop off if you head this way.

The ridges, valleys and forests along the Chiltern escarpment offer many miles of walking trails, that are also well suited for walking your dog. Great routes lead through the villages of Ellesborough, Little and Great Kimble, or past Chequers, the country house of the British Prime Minister.

Stunning views can be found on top of Ivinghoe Beacon, a prominent hill and local landmark. At 233 metres, Ivinghoe Beacon is one of the highest points in Buckinghamshire. It overlooks large parts of the county and neighbouring Oxfordshire.

Bucks (short for Buckinghamshire) is steeped in rich history. If you enjoy a stroll through neat, picturesque grounds and taking in the views of historic grandeur, the county hosts a wealth of impressive country houses featuring both staggeringly beautiful and immaculately kept gardens. Whilst taking the time to enjoy Buckinghamshire on foot, be sure to connect your walks with some history, and make a stop at such a place at least once – it will be well worth your while! Hughenden Estate is a victorian mansion that comes highly recommended.

The 87 miles (139 km) long Ridgeway passes through ancient landscapes, secluded valleys and woods. Britain's oldest road was once walked by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers. Starting in Avebury, hikers today cross the North Wessex Downs AONB and the Chiltern Hills AONB, before the route ends at Ivinghoe Beacon. One of the very best walks along the Ridgeway is from Chinnor to Bledlow. This excellent circular walk takes you through chalky woodland, where you can take in the views of the Chiltern landscape. On reaching Bledlow, you can stop and enjoy a refreshment drink or something more substantial at the local eatery.