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
Little and Great Hampden Circular Walk
The Little and Great Hampden Circular Walk takes you on a loop through standard English countryside scenery: shaded fairytale woodland, rolling hills stretching across the countryside, and, of course, by two pubs: Hampden Arms and The Pink & Lily. You can’t go wrong with this lovely 11.6 km loop!
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Henley-on-Thames and Aston Walk
The Henley-on-Thames and Aston Walk boasts low elevation and lovely, varied views, ranging from shimmering waterfronts to vast open fields to shaded woodland. Families and those looking for a relaxing stroll will appreciate the partially paved terrain! This walk can get muddy during wetter months, so consider proper footwear before going.
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Warren, Horton, and Bloom Woods Circular
The Warren, Horton, and Bloom Woods Circular is a fantastic walk for all skill levels, thanks to the relatively flat terrain and moody woodland scenery contrasted with bluebells. Now and then, you’ll catch glimpses of the countryside rolling outside of the serene forest paths. Be sure to stick to the right of way—you can do this by following the GPS provided!
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Oxfordshire Circular from White Mark Farm
Set out from White Mark Farm on the lovely Oxfordshire Circular walk! Skirt along scenic waterfronts, travel through secluded woodland and marvel at the undulating countryside blanketed in greenery on this fantastic loop. You’ll navigate a section of the National Ridgeway Trail as White Mark Farm sits along the trail, making it a top-notch spot for those walking the entire historic trail.
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Maidensgrove Circular Walk
Wind by varied scenery on the Maidensgrove Circular Walk in the Chiltern Hills! Enjoy bluebells and wildflowers contrasting with the moody woodland scenery, as well as charming countryside views. The undulations can be steep, so be sure to bring water along to hydrate!
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Captains Wood Walk
The Captain Woods Walk is a fantastic short stroll for families with younger children and dogs looking for an escape from the city! While there are some undulations, the elevation gain remains relatively low, making this a suitable adventure for all fitness levels. Enjoy dipping in and out of the woods and charming fields.
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Mousells Wood Circular
The Mousells Wood Circular is a walking trail in the Chilterns that immerses you in woodland scenery before opening up to rolling fields. Eventually, the path loops to Skirmett, a charming village. The varied scenery makes this walk fun for the entire family!
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Swyncombe Snowdrops Circular
Looking for an ideal year-round walk? The Swyncombe Snowdrops Circular in the Chilterns is a must-do loop. In February, you can join snowdrop teas and events thrown by the church. And no matter when you go, you’ll enjoy the history embroidered along this 4.7 km circuit! Travel along a section of the famous Ridgeway before meeting up with Ewelme Park, a hunting lodge for King Henry VIII once-upon-a-time. The woodland and pastures stretching across Swyncombe Park add a layer of charm to the Swyncombe Snowdrops Circular to top it off.
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Ewelme Circular
The Ewelme Circular takes you on a 6.8 km loop through the Chilterns countryside, where you’ll traverse gentle undulations stretching across footpath and bridleways. If you’re attempting this walk during wetter months, be sure to bring waterproof boots along! While this walk is pet and kid-friendly, you will pass some electric fences, making it essential to keep your kids and canine companions away from them.
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Ashridge Estate and Northchurch Circular
Looking to escape the bustle of the city? Do yourself a favour and take on the Ashridge Estate and Northchurch Circular, which loops through grassland, parkland, nature reserves, and woodland. This walk isn’t as busy as others in the area—dogs and humans alike will love this 12.9 km adventure.
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Packhorse and Chazey Heath Walk
Take your entire family on the Packhorse and Chazey Heath Walk, which loops from the Packhorse—a former farm turned pub—along a relatively flat path through bouts of woodland, open fields, and village roads. The woodland footpaths can get muddy in the winter, so bring proper footwear if you plan on going during wetter months.
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Henley Hills Great Wood and River Thames Circular
The Henley Hill, Great Wood and River Thames Circular is a fantastic walking trail that immerses you in the Chilterns, unveiling rolling countryside views while taking you through scenic woodland. Spend some time walking along the riverside as well! It’s hard not to feel at ease when you’re taking on this 16.6 km loop!
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Wendover to Tring Park Walk
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city on the scenic Wendover to Tring Park Walk, which immerses you in quiet woodland while revealing rolling images of the countryside. This is a point-to-point walk, meaning you’ll have to organize transportation to get back to where you began. You could turn this into an out-and-back route, but only if you’re willing to walk another 10.9 km!
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Red Kites and Ridgeway Loop
Marvel at red kites contrasting nicely with the colour of the sky and enjoy walking a section of the historical Ridgeway National Trail while also checking out views of the Vale of Aylesbury. While this walk is relatively easy, you will have to tackle two steep hills, elevating this hike to a more moderate level. You’ll switch between roads and footpaths throughout.
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North Bucks Way and Pulpit Hill Fort Circular
Enjoy wildflowers, countryside views, and woodland along the North Bucks Way and Pulpit Hill Fort Circular in the Chilterns. The first half of the walk involves more roads, but the vistas stretching across the second half of this loop make up for the mundane scenery at the start.
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Hailey and Ipsden Walk
Enjoy the varied scenery stretching across the Hailey and Ipsden Walk. You’ll follow relaxing paths through open fields and villages that lead to an old church and unveil rolling countryside views. There are some steady inclines, but none are particularly steep, making this walk accessible by most ages and fitness levels.
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Cookley Green Loop
If you’re looking for stunning wildflowers creating a fairytale feel in a woodland setting, the Cookley Green Loop will definitely satisfy. To top it off, the low 293 m elevation gain that stretches across gentle, steady hills makes this walk fun for almost all fitness levels. The 11.6 km length may be too much for younger children, but that’s up for you to decide!
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Hambleden to Skirmett Circular
The Hambleden to Skirmett Circular takes you through the villages of Frieth and Skirmett while also unveiling countryside views stretching across the Chilterns. Most of this walk is along the pavement to avoid livestock in the fields, but the village lanes are quiet and offer unreal glimpses into the rolling hills
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Thames Path: Hambleden to Henley-on-Thames
Walking along River Thames on the scenic Thames Path: Hambleden to Henley-on-Thames, which starts in Hambleden and takes you to Henley-on-Thames, where you’ll turn around and head back along the same path as this is an out-and-back route. The low elevation gain stretching across 11.6 km makes this walk fun for almost all fitness levels and ages.
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Watlington Hill and Cookley Green Circular
The Watlington Hill and Cookley Green Circular takes you through farmland, woodland while revealing lovely countryside views. Most walkers will enjoy the fact that you spend most of your journey traversing woodland and farmland rather than along pavement. This is a long walk, so younger children may struggle to complete it!