Itinerary
Day 1
Having settled into your comfortable old inn, have a read through your walks pack and enjoy dining at the Horseshoe’s excellent restaurant.
Day 2
After a short drive you will set off on foot on one of the great classic walks of the Chiltern Hills. The route incorporates the National Trust’s Coombe Hill at 850 ft, one of the highest points on the Chilterns. Your path undulates past Chequers, the Prime Minster’s country residence, before descending into the charming village of Wendover. Here there are several options for lunch and some fascinating shops to explore.
As you stride along the ancient Ridgeway after lunch, you’ll marvel at breathtaking views unfolding over the Vale of Aylesbury, arguably the best in the Chilterns. Here, in clear weather, the line of the Cotswolds is clearly visible ahead and you’ll be able to see the Chiltern escarpment stretching away to Ivinghoe Beacon and Beacon Hill. Finally descend to the pretty village of Ellesborough with its distinctive church tower to your awaiting transport for a short drive back to all the creature comforts of The Horseshoe Inn. (8 miles/13 km, 'Moderate' grade)
Day 3
Today, you'll cross a classic Chilterns landscape of rolling hills, beech woods and dry valleys, superb views accompanying you throughout. Set off on foot from tiny Radnage, perhaps visiting its medieval church, for centuries the centre of village life. Traverse airy Bledlow Ridge which is criss-crossed with wonderfully scenic footpaths. Lodge Hill, isolated and magnificent, is a jewel among hills with views stretching to distant horizons. Arrive in Bledlow, a quintessentially English village, in time for lunch. This is arguably one of the most attractive villages of the Chilterns. Here you’ll find an 18th-century manor house and a Norman church, both nestling at the foot of the Chiltern scarp.
After lunch join the ancient Icknield Way dating back to Roman times. Cross Chinnor Hill, dotted with Bronze Age burial mounds and enjoy a feeling of remoteness on this peaceful, hilly, but not particularly strenuous walk. From the grassy hillsides the views are superb with red kite circling above. And if you opt for these walks in October or November, you’ll enjoy crunching through deep amber beech woods, clothed in autumn colour. (8 miles/13 km, 'Moderate' grade)
