Best Walks in Chiltern Hills
The rolling green Chilterns Hills are a quintessential part of the English landscape, dotted with ancient woodland, picture-perfect villages, and emerald valleys. This beautiful region is just a stone’s throw from London, but it feels worlds away from the bustling urban metropolis. This is a place where you can revel in the glory of nature, watch the birds and butterflies flit about in the sunshine, and breathe a little fresh air. Walking in the Chiltern Hills is a pure delight, and the perfect way to escape the noise and clamor of the city.
The Chilterns Hills form an ancient landscape, populated by humans since the Neolithic period. Most walks in the Chilterns will take you past at least one Bronze Age site, including looming hill forts and eerie barrows. One of the main walking routes, known as the Ridgeway, is often described as England’s oldest road – a walking trip here will allow you to step back in time thousands of years and follow in the footsteps of some of our most distant ancestors.
Walking in the Chiltern Hills is a delightful opportunity to discover England’s wildlife, from the red kites soaring high above the hills to the herds of skittish deer that roam the lower valleys. The ancient woodlands (some of which include trees over 800 years old) are home to countless species of small birds, butterflies, badgers, and deer. Try to visit in May when the woods are covered in a carpet of beautiful bluebells.
If you want to experience the quaint English countryside at its best, it’s time to start planning a trip to the Chilterns! We’ve put together a list of all our favorite walks, together with some top tips on how to enjoy your trip. Happy rambling!
The 10 Chilterns Walks To Add to Your Bucket List
The Chilterns is a fantastic place for a family walking holiday, with a huge variety of short, easy trails in beautiful countryside. Kids will love discovering this ancient landscape, and there are plenty of sites of interest that will keep them distracted on longer walks. Head to the canals and rivers and watch as the colorful boats navigate the complicated lock systems, go wildlife watching and bird spotting in one of many nature reserves, and stop off for a coffee or a pint at a local pub or café.
On the other hand, there are also many longer, more challenging routes in the Chilterns that will keep more advanced hikers happy. The hills here are relatively small (the highest is only 257m) but the undulating landscape creates some steep climbs and it’s possible to travel a long distance in a day hike or backpacking trip. For a challenge, follow the Ridgeway for 87 miles on a multi-day backpacking trip, or spend the day on the Ashridge Boundary Trail, admiring the stunning scenery along the way.
- Firecrest Loop – Wendover Walk: The Chiltern Hills are home to some wonderful woodland areas, populated by many beautiful species of birds. This family-friendly loop through Wendover Woods is one of our favorite easy walks in the Chilterns, following an easy, well-maintained path through a beautiful wooded area. Keep your eyes out for the darting Firecrest, the UK’s smallest bird!
- Hambledon Lock Walk: Looking for an easy, family-friendly walk in the Chiltern Hills? This paved route alongside Hambledon Lock is ideal for all the family, even small children, who will enjoy watching the boats navigate the series of locks along the River Thames. Don’t miss the Flower Pot Pub, where you can stop for a drink and a rest if needed.
- Wendover Loop Walk: The Ridgeway is an ancient Bronze Age highway and today forms the site of some of the best day walks in the Chiltern Hills. This route follows the Ridgeway into lush, ancient woodland before finishing with an easy stroll alongside the peaceful canal. There’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of the English countryside!
- Ashridge Boundary Trail Walk: This beautiful route along the Ashridge Boundary Trail is one of our favorite challenging walks in the Chilterns. The trail is long but undulating, meaning that you’ll have plenty of time to catch your breath and admire the stunning scenery of the Chilterns. Expect to see plenty of wildlife along the way, including the famous red kites of the region, countless deer, and many species of birds and butterflies.
- Burnham Beeches Loop Trail Walk: This lovely, short walk offers all the advantages of walking in the Chilterns, passing by ancient woodlands, prehistoric settlements, and the green rolling hills that are so characteristic of the English countryside. As the name suggests, you’ll also enjoy the sight of countless beech trees, which form an important habitat for local wildlife. Harry Potter fans may recognize parts of the trails from the movies, which were filmed on location in this area!
- Brush Hill and White Leaf Nature Reserve Walk: This stunning route is one of the best walks in the Chilterns, passing through dense woodland and green, open hills with gorgeous views. Like many walks in the Chilterns, the trail is steeped in history as well as beautiful nature, from Bronze Age barrows to a 16th century estate that is now the residence of the British Prime Minister! This lovely route offers a fantastic afternoon out in some of England’s loveliest countryside.
- Grand Union Canal – Tring To Berkhamsted Walk: This picturesque walk passes along the Grand Union Canal, once an important water highway connecting Birmingham to London. Today the waterways are much quieter, although it’s lots of fun to see the colorful canal boats pass by and navigate the locks at different stages of the journey. This walk will take you directly from Tring train station to Berkhamsted train station, making it an excellent option for a car-free day out in the Chilterns.
- Aston Rowant Walk: The Chiltern Hills may not be towering mountains, but they still offer fabulous views. This lovely walk takes you into the Aston Rowant Nature Reserve, where you’ll enjoy a fantastic view over the hills and valleys, and have plenty of opportunities to spot red kites and wild deer. Bring a picnic, sit back, and enjoy the scenery!
- Hurley Loop Walk: This relatively short walk offers tremendous variety, packing in some classic Chilterns scenery in less than 10km. You’ll begin on the banks of the River Thames, before ascending through dense, atmospheric woodland and sweeping, open fields. The views are lovely, and you can enjoy a refreshing snack or a pint in the historic village of Hurley as a reward for your efforts!
- Pegsdon and Deacon Hill Walk: This lovely walk passes through undulating terrain with some truly spectacular views over the Chiltern Hills. You’ll skirt the boundary of the Knocking Hoe Nature Reserve, traverse woodlands filled with bluebells in springtime, and enjoy the bucolic English countryside. Without doubt, this is one of the best walks in the Chiltern Hills.
When Is The Best Time To Go Walking In The Chiltern Hills?
England is a year-round walking destination, and routes in the Chilterns are accessible whenever you choose to visit. That said, the UK is known for its wet and unpredictable weather, so even if you visit in the height of summer, be prepared for boggy ground and the chance of rain. You’ll need sturdy, waterproof footwear, and lightweight, waterproof clothing, especially in winter.
The best time to go walking in the Chilterns is springtime, especially in May when the woodlands are covered in a carpet of bluebells, and baby lambs frolic in the fields. You’ll have a better chance of good weather in the summer, although some trails can become crowded, especially during school holidays. Autumn brings other advantages, including wonderful colors as the trees turn from green to red, yellow and gold. If you’re planning to visit in winter, the Chilterns is the place for some gorgeous, picturesque walks in frosty landscapes – don’t forget to bring your camera!
Other Outdoor Activities In The Chiltern Hills
A popular destination for nature lovers, there are plenty of exciting outdoor activities on offer in the Chiltern Hills! In addition to walking and camping, this is a great place to come for road biking and mountain biking, with lots of paved and accessible trails suitable for cyclists of all ages. Don’t miss the 183-mile Chilterns Cycleway, which starts and ends in the beautiful market town of Henley-on-Thames. The Chilterns is also a popular place for horseback riding and rock climbing, and the River Thames is the perfect spot for canoeing, rowing, and boating.
How To Plan A Trip To The Chiltern Hills
Located just outside London, the Chiltern Hills are incredibly easy to access, either in your own car or via public transport. To help you plan your trip down to the last detail, we’ve put together a list of all the information you’ll need in our guide to planning a trip to the Chilterns. You’ll find advice on when to visit, how to get there and travel around the region, and where to stay, in addition, of course, to our recommendations for the top 10 walks in the Chilterns. This beautiful corner of England is just waiting to be discovered, so get out there and hit the trail!
Frequently-Asked-Questions About The Chiltern Hills
What is the highest point in the Chilterns?
Haddington Hill (also known as Wendover Hill) is the highest point in the Chilterns, standing at an elevation of 267m. It is surrounded by the beautiful Wendover Woods, the ideal place for a family walk on a sunny spring day!
How do I get from London to the Chiltern Hills?
Many towns in the Chilterns can be accessed by train or bus from London. The region is served by four main rail lines and the Metropolitan Underground line (to the lovely town of Amersham), and you’ll find connections to towns such as Berkhamsted, Tring, Wendover, Princes Risbourgh, and Great Missenden in less than an hour from London.
How were the Chiltern Hills formed?
The Chiltern Hills were formed by an outcrop of chalk formed 145 million years ago, which were gradually compressed and shaped by the elements to form the characteristic rolling hills of the region. The flint produced by the chalk ridges was an important building material for the early human settlements in the Chilterns.
- Find other amazing walking regions in the UK:
- Peak District Walks
- Walks in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs
- Lake District Walks
- Walks in the North York Moors
Or check out the article about the best walks in the UK.
Best Hikes in Chiltern Hills
Coombe Hill and Chequers Court Circular Walk
Coombe Hill and Chequers Court Circular Walk in Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty takes you through pleasant countryside views while immersing you in hushed wooded areas. The walk unveils stunning vistas of Aylesbury Vale and gives you a glimpse of the prime minister’s country getaway at Chequers. This is a long walk that will not disappoint!
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Short Coombe Hill Loop
The Short Coombe Hill Loop in the Chilterns is a great alternative to the longer Coombe Hill and Chequers Court Circular Walk! Walkers will get a chance to revel in countryside views in a much shorter time frame. This is an excellent walk for families with kids and dogs.
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Chess Valley Walk
The Chess Valley Walk in the Chilterns travels along River Chess, taking you from Rickmansworth to Chesham. This journey is a one-way journey, meaning you need to organize transportation when you get to the end. (It may be easiest to take the train to Rickmansworth and from Chesham.) The Chess Valley boasts of some of the best countryside scenery in the Chilterns, so get ready for a compilation of lovely views.
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Tring Park and Hastoe Walk
The Tring Park and Hastoe Walk in the Chilterns is a fantastic, easy-going walk that takes you on a loop from the Akeman, a pub in Tring, through Tring Park's grasslands and into Stubbings Wood, where a blanket of wildflowers stretch across the scenery. At some points, you’ll walk along country lanes, so look out for the rare vehicle!
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College Lake Wildlife Circular Walk
The College Lake Wildlife Circular Walk in the Chilterns immerses you in lush countryside scenery, where lakeside views and the singing of birds will keep you entertained as you walk this easy-to-follow loop. Only guide dogs are allowed on this walk to help keep the wildlife at peace!
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Alford Arms and Chiltern Hills Walk
The Alford Arms and Chiltern Hills Walk starts from the friendly Alford Arms pub, which welcomes all, including kids and dogs! Enjoy a local ale after you loop through the countryside, which will immerse you in the charming rolling Chiltern scenery, lanes lined with crumbling walls adorned with overgrown nature, and soothing woodland and pastures.
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Red Lion Water End Walk
The Red Lion Water End Walk in Water End, Hertfordshire, immerses you in the charming Chilterns on a non-technical, easy-going route. Admire River Gade as it bubbles beside you, providing a nice contrast for the vibrant greenery cloaking the land. Enjoy a pint at the Red Lion after your walk!
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Marsworth, Wilstone, and Tring Reservoir Walk
The Marsworth, Wilstone, and Tring Reservoir Walk is a lovely walk that immerses you in a relaxing setting by winding to four different reservoirs. Think of it as a natural version of bar hopping: reservoir hopping. The low elevation makes this walk suitable for all ages—it’s fun, and the different reservoirs and birds will keep you entertained!
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Christmas Common, Aston Rowant, Getty Estate Walk
The Christmas Common, Aston Rowant, Getty Estate Walk takes you on a 12.4-km loop through the verdant hills rolling across the Chilterns. Some people enjoy flocking here to go trail running! There are some heart-pumping sections, but the views will feast your eyes while your lungs work up an appetite.
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Chiltern Hills, Valleys and Woodlands Walk
The Chilterns Hills, Valleys and Woodlands Walk begins from National Trust’s Bradenham Village and takes you through beech woodlands, farmland, lush chalk meadows while unveiling lovely vistas of the Chiltern countryside stretching across the land. This is a fun 12.8 km walk that immerses you in the charming, rolling countryside.
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Watlington Hill Walk
The Watlington Hill Walk takes you through chalk grasslands and lovely woodlands, peppered with yew trees! During the summer, expect an eruption of flowers to sweep the land, adding a layer of beauty to this already-scenic area. When you’re higher up, views of Oxfordshire’s countryside will keep your eyes entertained. This 4.5-km loop is great for families!
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Old Mill and Grand Union Canal Walk
The Old Mill and Grand Union Canal Walk takes you on a lovely stroll alongside canals lacing through the countryside and quaint, storied areas. After you finish the loop, stop for a drink at The Old Mill in Berkhamsted.
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Chess Valley and the Cricketers Walk
The Chess Valley and the Cricketers Walk winds through typical Chiltern Hills scenery. Expect rolling hills cloaked in greenery and charming farmland. And the relaxing scenery continues with River Chess rolling through sections of the walk! This is a fun, family-friendly walk.
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Almshill Wood and Stonor Park Walk
The Almshill Wood and Stonor Park Walk kicks off with a steep climb through Almshill Wood before winding through a lovely, calm country lane. When you loop back, you’ll get to enjoy the lush, soothing scenery cloaking Stonor Park. You’ll embark on a descent on the way back.
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Ellesborough and Chequers Court Walk
The Ellesborough and Chequers Court Walk in the Chilterns takes you on a loop around the Prime Minister’s mansion in the countryside. Expect undulations that will get your heart pumping at points, as well as relaxing moments that will give you a chance to enjoy the sweeping green scenery around you.
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Ashridge Forest Circular Walk
The Ashridge Forest Circular Walk in the Chilterns is an easy-going route that takes you through a shaded, misty forest towards the Woodland Walk, which has faded footprints harking back to prehistoric times. Expect openings that unveil magical views of the countryside sprawling across the horizon!
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Cherry Tree Stoke Row Walk
The Cherry Tree Stoke Row Walk circles from Cherry Tree Inn, a 200-year-old pub that provides excellent hospitality, making it a great place to stop after you walk. Expect to traverse secluded beech woodland, catch a glimpse of Wyfold Court, and pay a visit to Maharaja's Well in the village. The rain can make this walk difficult, so come prepared with proper footwear if so!
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Phoenix Trail, Henton and Bledlow Walk
The Phoenix Trail, Henton and Bedlow Walk is a wonderful, family-friendly meander that takes you along the Phoenix Trail, which has been converted from a railway to a walking path! Later on, you may encounter a steam train along a different railway line. To top this off, you’ll meander along the edge of Chilterns Hill while passing by a collection of quaint villages.
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Someries Castle Walk
The Someries Castle Walk near Luton is an out-and-back trail that takes you to the manor that harks back to the 15th century. Rumour has it that its builder, Sir John Wenlock, still haunts it to this day! This is an easy, kid-friendly walk, but the length may propel some tiredness from little ones.
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Royal Oak, Marlow Common and Homefield Wood Walk
The Royal Oak, Marlow Common and Homefield Wood Walk traverses woodland and farmland while taking you along a section of the Chiltern Way. The countryside scenery rolling by and canopies of trees sweeping above will keep you entertained while you take on the undulations throughout this walk!