Hiking in Buckinghamshire

London’s adventure playground

The Chiltern Hills AONB is an adventure playground within touching distance of London. In fact, you can even catch the tube from Kings Cross and be in the scenic surroundings of Chesham or Amersham in around an hour. The best hiking trails in Buckinghamshire are found criss-crossing these gorgeous chalk hills, rich in woodland, wildlife and glorious views.

If it’s a stirring vista you are after, Ivinghoe Beacon or Coombe Hill both look outwards from the edge of the escarpment across the scenic Vale of Aylesbury and make for superb walks. Whilst you soak up the scenery, keep one eye on the majestic wildlife found in these parts. Colourful birdlife is a common sight, such as the hovering firecrest or a foraging flock of yellowhammers.

Elegant grounds abound

There are some simply wonderful walks around Buckinghamshire’s many grand country houses and their immaculate estates. Standing proud in the Vale of Aylesbury, the 19th century Neo-Renaissance stylings of Waddesdon Manor are a sight to behold, with grounds boasting chestnuts, limes, maples, yews, cedars and redwoods. To the south, 376 acres (152 ha) of pristine gardens and woodland await exploration at the 17th century Cliveden House. Amble alongside the banks of the River Thames or head for the charming Japanese or Italian-themed gardens.

Back in the Chilterns, after you’ve spent the morning hiking, you could always head for the follies and temples found at West Wycombe Park, which is amongst the finest garden estates in the UK. Meanwhile, in the very north of Buckinghamshire, Stowe House’s water lilies, ox-eye daisies and coneflowers are a botanist’s delight.

Lovely hiking all year round

Hikes around Buckinghamshire are splendid all year around. In winter, the hills are low enough that the difference in temperature is marginal and trails are often sheltered from the wind by trees. You are never far from an endearing, cosy inn when you need to get in from the cold. Autumn is always magical amongst the earthy reds and golds of falling leaves.

As with all of England’s chalk landscapes, summer is prime butterfly season and you’ll often be glad of woodland shade. It is arguably spring when Buckinghamshire is at its most picturesque. Buzzards and red kites circle the skies above blankets of bluebells and wonderful flowering trees.