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
Latimer and Sarratt Church End Circular
Traverse through open fields, woodland, charming villages, and alongside River Chess on the kid-friendly, dog-friendly Latimer and Sarratt Church End Circular. This 11.4 km loop boasts a low elevation gain, making this route accessible by almost all fitness levels and ages. During wetter months, the paths can get muddy, so come prepared for proper footwear.
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Lane End, Skirmett and Fingest Circular
Meander through a highlight reel of the Chilterns on the Lane End, Skirmett and Fingest Circular! Walk by quaint villages, through eerie woodland and vast open fields, while enjoying the contrast of wildflowers throughout. The best part is that you can always create your own adventure with this walk, thanks to the network of footpaths sprawled across the area. However, it doesn’t hurt to stick to the map and follow this exact 10.5 km route!
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Castle Village and Berkhamsted Common Walk
The Castle Village and Berkhamsted Common Walk immerses you in an eerie woodland setting! While this walk spends most of its time taking you through the woods, you’ll also encounter views of the rolling countryside. This 10.6 km is a fun walk for anyone looking for a more rugged adventure as it can be muddy and a bit overgrown in some areas.
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Henley, the Greys and the Rotherfields Walk
Starting from the charming village of Henley, the Henley, the Greys and the Rotherfields Walk offers a variety of scenery, helping to deter your thoughts from focusing on your tired legs and, instead, revelling in the lovely views around you. Expect to pass by quaint villages, pubs and to spend most of your time immersed in woodland. You will encounter some steep climbs, so mentally prepare for some short heart-pumping excursions!
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Clipper Down
The Clipper Down walk is a short and sweet out-and-back route that takes you through a woodland setting that’s peppered with wildflowers. Near the start of your walk, you’ll pass by the Bridgewater Monument—another notable attraction that harks back to 1832. The short distance and minimal elevation gain make this a fun walk for the entire family!
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Bridgewater Monument North Trail
Experience a fusion of scenery on the Bridgewater Monument North Trail, which takes you through woodland and opens up to stunning countryside scenery stretching into the horizon. Anyone who has walked this trail before can’t help but rave about the beautiful views. Some say this is even the best walk for views in all of the Chilterns! And there’s only one way to find out if this is true: do it yourself!
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Princes Risborough Loop Trail
The Princes Risborough Loop Trail takes you on a section of the famous, historic Ridgeway, while also leading you by a set of villages, including Radnage, Bledlow, Princes Risborough. You’ll also pass through woodland, fields, and remarkable viewpoints of the countryside stretching into the horizon. Do note that the car park now charges £2 for 8 hours, so keep this in mind when you go.
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Mill End, Southend and Frieth Circular
Don’t expect an easy-going walk on the 21.1 km Mill End, Southend and Frieth Circular, which sees an elevation gain of 720 m, but a rewarding loop that unveils a highlight reel of the spectacular scenery sketched across the Chilterns. This wonderland of a montage includes woodland, open fields, villages, Frieth Hill, and a small section will take you along the Thames. The 21.1 km walk may be tiresome for children, but it’s up to your discretion if you think they can take on this challenging circuit!
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West Wycombe, Saunderton and Bradenham Circular Walk
Follow along well-marked footpaths on the 10.5 km West Wycombe, Saunderton and Bradenham Circular Walk, which takes you through fields, woodland, and buildings harking back to a time long ago! You’ll definitely appreciate the glimpses of rolling hills stretching across the countryside as you make your way around this loop. While this walk is kid-friendly, the paths can get muddy during wetter months, so be prepared for this.
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Burnt Platt Circular
The Burnt Platt Circular is a longer family-friendly walk (really little ones may struggle to complete the 9.7 km distance, so keep this in mind) that takes you through woodland, where fairytale-like bluebells contrast nicely with the moody trees. During wetter months, the path can get muddy, making it essential to wear proper footwear!
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Chess Valley from Rickmansworth Walk
Enjoy a few hours immersed in the lovely scenery cloaking the Chiltern Hills on the Chess Valley to Rickmansworth Walk, which leads you on a figure-eight loop that passes through woodland, fields, churches, and along a section of the stunning River Chess. While this is a year-round walk, it can get muddy during the winter, so come prepared with proper footwear.
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Downley Loop Path
The Downley Loop Path leads you through woodland, where you’ll encounter magical autumn colours during September and October and vibrant green hues in the spring. Take your family on this 7.7 km loop!
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Coombe Hill and Bush Hill Circular
The Coombe Hill and Bush Hill Circular is a fun, family-friendly route that winds through quintessential English countryside scenery! Wind through vast green fields to the top of hills for remarkable views of a puzzle of fields stretching into the horizon. Enjoy scenic woodland areas as well.
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Little Gaddesden Circular Walk
The Little Gaddesden Circular takes you away from the hustle and bustle of city noises to the lovely countryside, where woodlands and open fields induce a state of relaxation. You may encounter some crowds around Ashridge House and the golf course, but most of the walk keeps you immersed in quiet, relaxing scenery. Plus, the historic Ashridge House makes for a fantastic photo opportunity!
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Ivinghoe Beacon Extended Walk
Revel in views stretching across the horizon as well as woodland and open field scenery on the Ivinghoe Beacon Extended circular route. The 5.6 km and minimal elevation gain of 166 m creates an enjoyable walking atmosphere for the whole family.
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Aldbury, Ivinghoe Beacon, and Ashridge Circular
The Aldbury, Ivinghoe Beacon, and Ashridge Circular passes through open fields, woodland and takes you to lovely viewpoints, where you can revel in the Chiltern countryside stretching into the horizon. To top it off, the wildflowers on this walk add beautiful colour to the scenery!
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Warden Hills Backside Circular Walk
Looking for a lovely, leisurely stroll in the Chilterns? The Warden Hills Backside Circular is a fantastic option, as it avoids steep hills and is a great walk for families with children and pushchairs. This is also a multi-use trail, so you may encounter some horseback riders and mountain bikers.
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West Wycombe Woods Circular Walk
The West Wycombe Woods Circular may be on the shorter side, but it will still get your heart rate up, especially after climbing the hill to the Dashwood Mausoleum. However, the village and countryside views sprawled below will definitely make up for the momentary leg and lung burn. While this hike is family-friendly, younger children may struggle with the hill climb. Another highlight is passing through the woods maintained by the National Trust!
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Great Wood of Hambleden Walk
Explore secluded, eerie beech woods on the 9.4 km Great Wood of Hambleden Walk in the Chilterns. There are some steeper sections, but hey, what’s wrong with a little bit of blood pumping through your veins? Along with woodland views, you’ll get the chance to revel in stark green scenery painting the countryside.
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Big Ewelme Circular Walk
Spend a half-day meandering through the Chiltern Hills Area of Natural Beauty on the 20.3 km Big Ewelme Circular walk! Enjoy stretches along the famous Ridgeway and Chiltern Way. You will spend some time walking on the road, but most of your walk will have you immersed in lovely countryside scenery.