Chiltern Young Walkers

Leisurely 3.5 miles / 5.6 km

Led by Beth (07956242703)

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I have shut this event for sign ups right now due to car parks likely being busy. If you would like to join, please contact Beth on the number above first.

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Meeting Point: Ivinghoe Beacon National Trust car park (see map pin!)

The 12th August sees the UK see the best solar eclipse opportunity so far this century, and as it is conveniently after work we thought why not combine a viewing party with one of our favourite evening walks!

Starting at the National Trust car park (see map pin as there's a few car parks along that road) we will first head straight to Ivinghoe Beacon as the eclipse starts, settling down at the peak in time to see the peak of the eclipse where around 90% of the sun will be covered by the moon just after 7pm. See my note below re: how to safely watch an eclipse. Do also bring warm layers as it could get cold during the eclipse, even if its a warm day, and we won't be moving during this time. Please also bring a torch and, if you like, a hot or cold drink of your choice to enjoy as we watch the spectacle.

Once the eclipse is over, we'll continue along the ridge before cutting back down through the fields, through one of Beth's favourite woodland paths and then back uphill in a circle back to the carpark.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must remain on a lead at all times.

We'll be waiting in the carpark on the map, and will be setting off at 18:30 sharp. If you come later in time for the eclipse, you're welcome to come and find us on the Beacon.
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IMPORTANT NOTE RE: SAFE VIEWING

Start time: 10:30 am
Estimated finish time: 4:00 pm
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13.9km / 8.6mi
Ascent: 283m / 928ft
Walk leader: Oliver

Immerse yourself in beautiful Chiltern countryside, peaceful woodlands, and great company on this rewarding circular walk through some of South Oxfordshire’s most picturesque landscapes. Our route begins and ends in Middle Asseden, a small hamlet nestled amongst rolling hills and ancient woodland near Henley.

This will be a joint walk with our friends from the Hike Oxfordshire group, offering a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people and forge new friendships along the way.

Setting off from Middle Assenden, we immediately loop onto local paths, heading anticlockwise through the rolling countryside past Rockylane Farm, Shepherd’s Green, and Sam’s Wood as we pick up a stretch of the Chiltern Way.

Our halfway stop is in the picturesque village of Rotherfield Greys, where we’ll pause for our packed lunch and a well-earned drink, likely at The Maltsters Arms.

Refreshed, we’ll head back through the quiet canopy of Pindars Wood and the estate grounds surrounding National Trust’s Greys Court, before passing through Lime Tree Farm and the charming woodlands near Fairies Hole. For the final stretch, the route takes us up and around Great Hill and through Henley Park, sweeping past the quiet hamlet of Pond Cott before a gentle descent back to our starting point in Middle Assenden..

To round off the day, there's the option to gather at The Golden Ball pub in Lower Assenden, just a mile down the road from our starting location — the perfect place to relax, swap stories from the walk, and enjoy a well-earned drink together before heading home.

We look forward to sharing this beautiful journey with you!

Non-Ramblers members are welcome and are able to attend 3 walks before joining the Ramblers

Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.

Walking boots or suitable footwear for hiking is required.

Walk Leader: Paul R - 07974 696 802
Distance: 4.3 miles / 6.8 km
Grade: Leisurely (130m gentle ascent)
Toilets / Food available at start / end

Join CYW for a relaxed midweek evening stroll through Penn woods, followed by food to soak up the evening atmosphere and unwind after the week. This short, sociable walk is all about de-stressing, chatting, and enjoying the long summer evening. We aim to be back in time for food.

🍴 If you'd optionally like food after the walk (main course £17-£22), please aim to arrive at the Hit or Miss for 18:30 to pre-order and pay for your meal. Please answer the question when RSVP on meetup or contact the leader if you'd like to join for food to give the pub an idea of numbers.

We start walking at 18:45, exploring Penn Woods, winding our way through ancient woodland paths beneath towering beech trees and majestic avenues passing Holy Trinity Church and back out to the village as golden hour lights our return. We finish the evening back at the pub - the Hit or Miss, for food and drinks.

Can't make it in time for the walk and would like to join us for food or drink? Then pop along from 20:15 to order your food and anytime for a drink. Let us know in the comments.

🌳Useless fun fact: The US state Pennsylvania was named after William Penn, who lived in Penn and the Latin "sylvania" meaning forest-land or woods!
🐾 Dogs on leads welcome, and allowed in the pub’s bar (hard floor areas) and garden (please let us know if you are bringing a dog to dinner so we can reserve space) 🐾

Start time: 11:00 (Estimated finish time: 17:00)

Moderate: 11 miles / 18km
Led by Beth: 07956242703
GPS Coordinates: 51.82593445742505, -1.371502180923936
Nearest postcode: OX29 8LA

Join the Chiltern Young Walkers and Hike Oxfordshire for a varied and interesting historical walk through the villages of Long Hanborough and Combe, via the remains of a Roman Villa and through the public footpaths on the edge of the Blenheim Palace estate.

We'll start at Hanborough train station where we encounter our first piece of historical interest: Winston Churchill's funeral train came to a rest here, before the coffin was transported to nearby Bladon Church.

We'll set out through the footpaths just north of the charming village of Long Hanborough, where you can admire the traditional Cotswolds stone and make our way through the woods and along the river to East End. Picking up a new route along the Evenlode river, we emerge by the remains of North Leigh Roman Villa, which you can freely wander around and dates back to the 4th Century. As an added bonus, the building housing the mosaic is having an open day, so we can head in and see it up close over our lunch break!

From here we'll strike East towards the village of Combe and then north towards the top end of the Blenheim Palace estate. Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace and ancestral home of Winston Churchill, who needs no introduction. The Palace is also the site of numerous films and tv-shows, and is famous for the Cedar of Lebanon aka Harry Potter tree, featured in the 5th film, which we'll walk past. We'll pick up the public footpaths that run through the grounds and skirt our way around the grand Lake that borders the palace, enjoying views of the palace as we go.

Once we return back to the station there is the option to walk a further 10 mins up the road to visit the George and Dragon pub.

Transport Options and Other Info:

We'll start at Long Hanborough station, just behind the platform, where trains arrive hourly on the Oxford-Malvern line. You can also come from London or High Wycombe and change trains at Oxford, or catch the S7 bus towards Witney.

There is a train arriving at 10:56 from Oxford and 10:17 from Worcester direction.

Car parking is £2.90 all day on a Sunday at the station.

Please bring a packed lunch, plenty of water and dress appropriately for the weather: anorak, sunhat, sunscreen etc. No jeans please.

Well behaved dogs welcome, but you must take full responsibility for them throughout the walk and they must remain on a lead at all times.