The Chiltern Hills: For the ale and the hearty - Bledlow Circular Walk

This 10 mile circular walk through the rolling Chiltern Hills (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chilterns-countryside/) encompasses some of the best views of Buckinghamshire over The Vale of Aylesbury (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aylesbury_Vale) and Oxfordshire.

Starting at the ‘Lions of Bledlow (http://www.lionsofbledlow.co.uk/default.asp?textpage=home)’ pub our walk will be mainly on bridleways, byways and quiet country lanes.

We will follow the ancient trackway of The Ridgeway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ridgeway) and the Chiltern Way (http://www.chilternsociety.org.uk/about-ChltnWay.php) passing en-route places of historic interest such as Lodge Hill which is of both archaeological and conservation interest. There are two tumuli (prehistoric burial mounds) as well as evidence of an iron-age settlement. The scrub growing on the hill contains a colony of juniper, which dominated the area at the beginning of the 20th century.

Radnage Church dates from around 1200. It has some 13th century wall paintings and a magnificent 15th century nave roof.

Bledlow Cross was first recorded in 1827. It may be of considerable antiquity but could simply have been cut in the late 18th century to imitate the nearby Whiteleaf Cross. Over the years the area that it covers has grown and now measures 80 feet by 75 feet

The plan is to picnic at either Ranage Church (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radnage) or the viewpoint on Chinnor Hill (http://www.chilternsaonb.org/uploads/files/Walks_and_Rides/Chinnor.pdf) which crowns the Chiltern escarpment and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

There is also liquid refreshment available en-route at The Boot (http://www.villageboot.co.uk/) pub or the Lions of Bledlow pub when we have finished. Dogs are welcome as they are both ‘dog friendly’.

You will need:

1. Food and drink for the walk and a picnic.

2. Suitable walking boots and clothing for the weather.

3. WiSy Fee - £3.00 per person

The meeting/start point (Grid Ref: SP776020 (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=477611&y=202072&z=115&sv=477611,202072&st=4&ar=y&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf&dn=802&ax=477611&ay=202072&lm=0)) will be in on the green (illustrated in the picture) directly opposite the Lions of Bledlow Pub.

The nearest postcode is HP27 9PF

Directions from Surrey are; M25, M40 (North). At junction 6, take the B4009 exit to Thame/​Watlington/​Princes Risborough. Turn right onto B4009 and follow this road through Chinnor (ignoring the sign post for the Bledlow Ridge) until you reach Bledlow. Turn right onto West Lane (sign posted Lions of Bledlow) and continue straight ahead (under the railway bridge) and the pub is in front of you.

This walk is only really accessible by car. There is free unrestricted parking in the car park to the rear of the Lions of Bledlow pub or a short way up the road (towards the village church) is a 'layby' on the left, next to the telephone box.

If you have any queries or questions don’t turn right hesitate to contact me.

Weather: BBC Weather (http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/) worth checking a couple of days prior to the walk commencing

Walking Safety: Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You must wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. A small torch may also be useful.