Princes Risborough Hike – Lyde Gardens & Bledlow Ridge - Chilterns - 17km

Join us for a beautiful 16.7 km (10.4 mile) circular hike from Princes Risborough Station into the Chiltern Hills. With 340 m of total ascent, this walk offers rolling countryside, open views, and a mix of woodland and farmland paths. Along the way we’ll pause at Lyde Gardens, a peaceful hidden spot in the town centre, before heading out into the hills.

Highlights:
- A visit to the tucked-away Lyde Gardens, a quiet ornamental garden in the heart of Princes Risborough.
- Wide views from the top of Lodge Hill and Bledlow Ridge.
- Peaceful tracks through Callow Down, Radnage Bottom, and open farmland.
- Woodland walking near Chinnor Hill and the edge of Bledlow Great Wood. A mix of charming villages and rural landscapes that show the best of the central Chilterns.

Walk Description:
- Distance: 16.7 km (10.4 miles)
- Total Ascent: 340 m
- Grade: Moderate–Challenging (Grade 2.5)
- Start Time: 9:00am Finish Time: Approx 3:00pm

Cost £12.50 PP plus meetup booking fee (or pay by CARD)

The hike:
From Princes Risborough Station, we make a short detour to visit Lyde Gardens, a tranquil public garden tucked behind the High Street. This small green space is one of the town’s hidden gems, with streams, ponds, and shady paths creating a peaceful corner before we set out into the hills. The route then heads south through fields and quiet tracks towards Saunderton. From here, the first main climb takes us up to Lodge Hill (209 m), where wide views stretch across the Vale of Aylesbury. Continuing through Callow Down and around Radnage Bottom, we weave between farms and meadows before tackling the second main climb onto Bledlow Ridge, rewarded with panoramic views across the Chilterns.

The route descends steadily towards Bledlow, passing near the edge of Bledlow Great Wood and Chinnor Hill, before looping back across open countryside via Saunderton Lee. A final stretch across farmland paths brings us back into Princes Risborough and the station, completing the circuit. The route includes two main climbs — a steady rise early on, and a sharper ascent before Bledlow Ridge — balanced by easier paths and long downhill sections.

What to Wear and Bring:
- Our walks go ahead in all weather, so dress appropriately. Always carry a waterproof jacket.
- Check the forecast and bring sun cream, a hat, or sunglasses for warm days, and waterproofs, a warm hat, and gloves for cold or wet days.
- Wear trousers or leggings to reduce the risk of tick bites and nettle stings. Avoid denim or cotton.
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. Open-toe shoes are unsuitable.
- Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, lunch, and snacks, as there may be no opportunities to buy food or drinks along the route.
- Public toilets may not be available on the route.

Sign-Up Form:
If you haven’t completed a form this year or your circumstances have changed, please fill out the sign up form before attending. Participation is not allowed without a completed form, as this ensures we understand your needs and can maintain group safety. (link can be found in Ts&Cs section of the website - or cut and paste below into your browser) Form link: [https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058 ](https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058)

Preparation and Fitness:
You are responsible for your own health and safety. Ensure you can hike continuously for the duration specified. Dress appropriately, please bring the required gear and carry any personal medications. Participants without proper equipment may be unable to join the walk.

Our Guides:
Our experienced, qualified leaders are skilled in navigation, first aid, and outdoor leadership. Each route is carefully planned to match the advertised grade, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience.

Additional Information: Dogs are not permitted on our walks. Adventure Women UK is an all-female activity group, and participants must be over 18.
Our events are advertised on other platforms, the number of "guest" booked on include attendees from other platforms. If the walk is full, you can join the website waiting list here

Walk Grades: For details on walk difficulty levels, visit the Walk Grades Section at[ https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1](https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1)

Important Note: By RSVPing “Yes” to any event, you agree to the group’s terms and conditions. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies, which can result in serious injury or death. By participating, you voluntarily assume all such risks. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs.