9 STUNNING Walks In The Chiltern Hills

The Chiltern Hills (AONB) is a beautiful chalk escarpment and one of 38 designated areas of natural beauty in England and Wales.

Spanning over 200,000 acres, it covers four counties in the southeast of England: Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire.

In the Chiltern Hills, you’ll find a mix of flora and fauna, charming villages, and lush green valleys.

Springtime brings a stunning display of bluebells throughout the area.

Located not too far from London, it’s the perfect spot to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy some peace and quiet in nature.

Plus, most of the walks here are easy, making it a great place for the whole family.

I discovered the Chiltern Hills during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown, and they were a lifesaver.

Living in Hertfordshire, I’m lucky to have access to lots of green spaces and beautiful local walks, but I often crave a good hike with pretty panoramic views and the Chiltern Hills have exactly that.

If you’re looking for a solo hike to stretch your legs and an active day out with the family, there is a hike in the Chilterns for you!

So, what are the best hikes in the Chiltern Hills?

Read on below to find out!

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Prepare for your trip to the Chiltern Hills

How to get to The Chiltern Hills

There are two main ways to access the routes in the Chiltern Hills: by car and by train.

While many routes within the Chiltern Hills are only accessible by car, there are also plenty of routes that start and end at railway stations.

With around 20 railway stations scattered throughout the area, you’ll have no shortage of options.

The best walks in The Chiltern Hills

Ashridge Estate Boundary Trail

?Starting Point: Bridgewater Monument
?️Distance: 17.6 miles
⏰Time: 6-8 hours
?Difficulty: Difficuly

With over 5,000 acres to explore, the Ashridge Estate offers endless adventures.

There are multiple walking, cycling, and horse riding routes, providing endless choices and spectacular views, no matter what activity you choose.

One of the most challenging walks in the Chiltern Hills is the Ashridge Estate Boundary Trail.

Starting from the Bridgewater Monument at the Ashridge Estate car park you will trek through beautiful green fields, across to the Ivinghoe Beacon Ridgeway and loop back to end your hike back at the Bridgewater Monument.

If you’re up for a challenge this is the best hike in the Chiltern Hills for you.

Christmas Common Walk

?Starting Point: Fox & Hounds (Christmas Common Road)
?️Distance: 7.7 miles
⏰Time: 3.5-4.5 hours
?Difficulty: Moderate

Christmas Common is nestled in Oxfordshire, just a short drive from the well-known town of High Wycombe.

This route is perfect for both a challenging trail run and a scenic walk.

Starting in Christmas Common Village, the route takes you through stunning beech woodlands and you’ll be treated to a series of breathtaking views along the way.

A fun fact about Christmas Common Village is that it has served as a film set for a few episodes of Midsomer Murders.

Pegsdon Hills

?Starting Point: Treasures Grove Car Park
?️Distance: 4.4 miles
⏰Time: 2-2.5 hours
?Difficulty: Moderate

If you want to forget you’re in Hertfordshire and feel like you’ve been transported to Wales, this walk is perfect for you.

You could easily spend a few hours exploring the fields and getting wonderfully lost.

However, the standout route is a 4.4-mile loop trail that takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete.

At Pegsdon, you’ll find that there are plenty of other pathways to choose from.

This means that you can choose between a vigorous hike or a relaxed stroll (whatever you need for your needs).

True to its name, this trail offers a mix of uphill, downhill, and flat terrain, but overall it’s a fairly easy and relaxing walk.

Offley Three Springs Walk

?Starting Point: Red Lion Pub, Offley
?️Distance: 5.4 miles
⏰Time: 1 hour 45 min
?Difficulty: Easy

If you’re looking for a gentler walk, the Offley Three Springs Walk might be just what you need.

Starting at the Red Lion Pub, you can choose between a long or short circular route, both of which meander through the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside.

If you get tired or thirsty, the Red Lion pub is a perfect spot to stop and refresh.

Dunstable Downs

?Starting Point: Dunstable Downs Car Park
?️Distance: 6.4 miles
⏰Time: 2.5-3-5 hours
?Difficulty: Moderate

Dunstable Downs, located in Bedfordshire near the Hertfordshire border, offers breathtaking panoramic views and expansive rolling green hills.

There are three main walking routes to cater to different interests, making it a versatile destination for all types of walkers.

As part of the National Trust, Dunstable Downs provides onsite parking (free for NT members), a café, and toilets.

It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll, especially if you’re short on time.

For those seeking a longer adventure, try the walk from Whipsnade Zoo to the Downs.

The area is also perfect for watching the sunset behind the hills, creating a truly picturesque experience.

Chess Valley Walk

?Starting Point: Rickmansworth Railway Station (Stop B)
?️Distance: 11.3 miles
⏰Time: 4.5-6.5 hours
?Difficulty: Hard

The Chess Valley walk spans 16km through the Chilterns, following the scenic path alongside the River Chess from Rickmansworth to Chesham.

As you traverse the Chess Valley, you’ll be treated to breathtaking landscapes that showcase historic villages and the sparkling waters of the River Chess.

Accessible by train, this is one of the Chiltern Hills’ picturesque routes.

This is not a circular route so it is recommended to start your journey from Rickmansworth Station and end your walk at Chesham station.

For a slightly shorter walk, disembark at Chorleywood or Chalfont and Latimer stations, each providing convenient access to this scenic trail.

Brush Hill and White Leaf Nature Reserve Hike

?Starting Point: Brush Hill & White Leaf Nature Reserve Car Park
?️Distance: 6.7 miles
⏰Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
?Difficulty: Moderate

Located in the Buckinghamshire section of the Chiltern Hills, this walk spans just under 11km and offers stunning views, including a glimpse of the Prime Minister’s country residence, The Chequers Estate.

If hunger strikes during your adventure, you can enjoy lunch at the Plough at Cadsden Pub and indulge in some ice cream from the Buckmoorend Farm farm shop.

Access to this area is primarily by car as there are limited nearby train stations.

However, there are several convenient car parks available nearby for your use.

Coombe Hill

?Starting Point: Coombe Hill Car Park
?️Distance: 30 minutes – 1 hour
⏰Time: 1.6 miles
?Difficulty: Easy

Coombe Hill, located near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, boasts the highest viewpoint in the Chiltern Hills, offering multiple scenic walking routes to explore its beauty and surrounding landscapes.

Managed by the National Trust, Coombe Hill provides on-site parking, although the space is quite limited.

Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot, or consider parking near the local playground on Ellesborough Road.

For those seeking a longer adventure, park in Wendover town (or take the train to Wendover Station) and embark on the 11km circular Views of the Vales hike, which begins from there.

Hambledon Lock Hike

?Starting Point: Mill End Hambledon Car Park
?️Distance: 2.5 miles
⏰Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
?Difficulty: Easy

This easy 4km hike is ideal for families with young children.

It’s a delightful stroll along the river where you can enjoy watching the boats.

To access the trail, park at the Mill End car park.

From there, head past a T-junction and cross the road to enter the Marina.

How Accessible are the Chiltern Hills?

The Chiltern Hills offer approximately 19 walks that are wheelchair and pushchair-friendly.

Visit the Chiltern Hills website for detailed information on the accessibility levels of these walks.

Happy Walking

I hope this post has helped you choose one of the best walks in the Chiltern Hills.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.