L Missenden to Chesham

This route alternates between road and tacks and is generally OK in winter and wet conditions. It will require a full 2 hours saddle time.

It start with a steady climb off road, followed by a stoney/flinty downhill which is fun but can be bypassed on the road. The track just before Gt Missenden is generally OK but prone to one really boggy corner in winter, which it is best to walk around.

There is a short steep climb on a tarmac track out of Gt Missenden followed by a road section which takes you to Herbert’s Hole bridle path. (I usually cycle the first half of that road section on the footpath to avoid cars). Herbert’s Hole can be quite slippy in winter conditions at the beginning, but it gets better and further on worse again! However at that point you climb up a tarmac track to a better parallel track. (Take the first narrow track to the left, not the wide farm track). If that all sounds too much for you can easily bypass Herbert’s Hole on the road.

After Chesham there is a steady 2 mile climb on road before you descend to cross the busy A413. The route from here back the L. Missenden is along the S Buck Way, which is strictly speaking a footpath despite being a very good track. This may require you to lift your bike over a couple of gates. But if you don’t fancy lifting your bike and have extra time and energy left, continue
straight up Mop Lane and come back down Toby’s lane – both off road but good tracks.