What we’re about
The Chiltern Young Walkers are a friendly and sociable walking group aimed at people in their 20s, 30s, a little beyond and run by volunteers. We love to discover new places and share the stunning views we know with others through walks every weekend. From leisurely 5 miles strolls to strenuous 15+ mile hikes in the Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire and West Hertfordshire, often within 30 minutes from Aylesbury, Hemel Hempstead or High Wycombe. Join us to exercise in the countryside, expand your social scene, explore the fantastic scenery on your doorstep or further afield and have fun, we look forward to seeing you soon!
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We are part of and funded by the Ramblers, Britain's biggest and most vibrant walking community and a charity working to open the way for everyone to enjoy the simple pleasures of walking. We step up to protect the places we all love to wander. You are free to enjoy three different events before you decide to join us as a full member.
Make new friends
We are over 150 people from their 20s, 30s and a little beyond who enjoy walking and socialising. Most of our walks end at the pub, a great way to get to know fellow members. You will see familiar faces and often meet new people each time you come. Along with our walks, we have an active socials programme with regular pub nights and other social events.
Weekends Away
We explore the UK with occasional weekends away including seaside trips, long-distance trails and mountain hikes. We organise some weekend trips within easy reach of the Chilterns, without the need to take time off work, recent examples include the Cotswolds and the South Downs. Some trips to places such as the Peak District, the Lake District, Wales, or the Scottish Highlands offer more challenging mountainous walking in spectacular scenery.
### Join Our Tribe as Part of the Ramblers
Try us for free
We will welcome you on any walk; just choose one suitable for you. RSVP to one of our walks on Meetup and just turn up. You are free to enjoy three different events before you make it official and join us as a member. We look forward to meeting you on a walk soon.
#### Affordable Membership Options
Discover Great Value Enjoyed up to three trial walks with us? Make it official and become a Ramblers member. For £3.58 per month (or £43 per year) for an individual or £4.83 per month (or £58 per year) for two adults at the same address, join ***CYW ***with no extra charge. Concessionary discounts make membership accessible.
#### How to Join
Visit Ramblers Website "Join the Ramblers" In the final step after payment, select our group to ensure a seamless connection with us.
Group Selection Check the "Your Group" section - ensure "Buckinghamshire, West Middlesex, and Milton Keynes" is in the 'Area' box. Choose "Chiltern Young Walkers" in the 'Group' box so we can become connected.
Join us Today
### Exclusive Access with Ramblers Membership
- Exclusive Events Participate in weekends away and members-only events, creating lasting memories with fellow members.
- Unlock the Ramblers App Gain exclusive access to fresh air at your fingertips with a library jam-packed with over 4000 tried-and-tested quality Ramblers Routes, and enjoy the perks of being part of a vibrant community.
- Access Walks Nationwide Enjoy unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks across the country.
- Discounts on Gear Save on walking gear and gadgets with a 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor and select outdoor stores by presenting your Ramblers membership card.
- Be inspired by stories of places, people, and campaigns in our quarterly Walk and South-East Walker magazines.
- Get Involved Have your say at the group AGM or consider joining the team.
- Insurance Cover Public Liability Insurance when you lead a walk for us
- Access and Conservation Be a driving force behind increasing access to green spaces, improving countryside, opening up more places to walk and boosting Britain’s wellbeing one step at a time and supporting campaigns like Don't Lose Your Way to save 49,000 miles of unrecorded paths.
Please note:
- We advertise our walks in a number of places and you may find other walkers on each walk in addition to those you see on meetup.
- Chiltern Young Walkers is part of The Ramblers. The Ramblers Association is a charity and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales, charity num:1093577, company num:4458492 Ramblers Privacy Policy
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Bluebells of Croxley Green and Whippendell WoodsCroxley Underground Station , Croxley Green
Distance: 12.9km / 8.0mi Moderate circular walk (Ascent: 150m / 492ft)
Led by: Paul R 07974 696 802
Start time: 10:30 am
Estimated finish time: 2:30 pmJoin CYW for a stunning spring walk through South West Hertfordshire, where we’ll wander through ancient woodlands bursting with vibrant bluebells, the scent of wild garlic and a Star Wars Film location - perfect for May the Fourth! 🥪 Bring a packed lunch. 🍻 Optional post-walk pub stop.
Starting at Croxley Green station, we’ll explore the Croxley Triangle, catching our first glimpse of bluebells as we pass through the woodland where the Metropolitan line splits towards Watford and Amersham. After crossing the Croxley village green, we’ll weave through farmland towards Harrock’s Wood and Merlin’s Wood, both carpeted with bluebells at this time of year.
Our next stop? Whippendell Woods – not only home to more breath-taking bluebells but also famous for featuring as the Planet Naboo in Star Wars: Episode I. We’ll then stroll into Cassiobury Park, where we’ll pause for a relaxed picnic lunch.
Finally, we’ll follow the Grand Union Canal back towards the station, with an optional pub stop to round off the day.Meeting point: Croxley Underground Station front entrance.
Public Transport: Metropolitan Line trains arrive 10:18 (take a Watford train - zone 7 from Baker Street at 09:42)
Parking: On street parking on Sundays on Winton Drive near station entrance. Or park in the station car park (WD3 3DD is closest to the car park entrance) £6!!!, pedestrian exit to the front of the station at the far end of the car park
ParkingDid you know we're on Instagram? Follow us at @ChilternYoungWalkers to see pictures from our walks!
Become a full member: CYW are part of the Ramblers and you may try up to three walks free. When you decide to continue walking with us, please see details at 'Become a member' to join the Ramblers.
- The Legendary Bluebells of Ashridge Morning WalkAshridge, Bridgewater Monument Monument , Ashridge, HP4 1LU
Walk Leader: Paul R - 07974 696 802
Distance: 4.8 miles / 7.7 km
Grade: Leisurely
Toilets / Food available at start / endThe first of two circular bluebell walks in one day from the same start point. Please feel free to join us at any part of the day. We return to the Cafe and the toilets/facilities at the Ashridge visitor centre for lunch.
In the morning, we take a shorter route through the beech woodlands of Aldbury and Northchurch commons, which typify the Chilterns in spring, with hopefully the last of the bluebells carpeting the woodland floor. We'll return to the Monument for lunch. If you plan to stay for the afternoon, we recommend you bring your own as the queues can get very long.
Parking / Starting Point: Ashridge Estate main car park, meet at the bottom of the tall column Bridgewater Monument at the top of the drive. Use HP4 1LU in Sat Nav and then look out for the entrance to Ashridge Estate. Please allow time to park and walk up to the monument, as it may be busy.
Did you know we're on Instagram? Follow us at @ChilternYoungWalkers to see pictures from our walks!
Become a full member: CYW are part of the Ramblers and you may try up to three walks free. When you decide to continue walking with us, please see the details at 'Become a member' to join the Ramblers.
- The Legendary Bluebells of Ashridge Afternoon WalkAshridge, Bridgewater Monument Monument , Ashridge, HP4 1LU
Walk Leader: Paul R - 07974 696 802
Distance: 6.8miles / 10.9km
Grade: Moderate
Toilets / Food available at startThe second of two circular bluebell walks in one day from the same start point. If you haven't joined us on the morning walk, why not join us from approx 13:00 for lunch?
The walk will head west, dropping into the picturesque village of Albury before picking up the Ridgeway along the edge of the Chiltern escarpment with views to Ivinghoe Beacon in the distance. A short climb out of Incombe Hole into Crawley Wood, which will hopefully still be carpeted with the last of the bluebells for this year. Continuing through woods filled with wild garlic on the way to the famous Dockey Wood for a stunning bluebell display.
Along the way, we'll pass through a gate bought by the group to celebrate our re-name as the Chiltern Young Walkers.
To finish the walk, we return towards the Bridgewater Monument through the woods of Ivinghoe Common and more bluebells.
Parking / Starting Point: Ashridge Estate main car park, meet at the Bridgewater Monument. Use HP4 1LU in Sat Nav and then look out for the entrance to Ashrige Estate. Please allow time to park and walk up to the monument as it may be busy. HP4 1LU
Did you know we're on Instagram? Follow us at @ChilternYoungWalkers to see pictures from our walks!
Become a full member: CYW are part of the Ramblers and you may try up to three walks free. When you decide to continue walking with us, please see the details at 'Become a member' to join the Ramblers. - Chiltern Way Section 4 - Maidensgrove to Sonning CommonSonning Common Village Hall, , Sonning Common
Meeting time: 10:30 am RG4 9SL
Walk start time: 11:15 am RG9 6EX
Estimated finish time: 16:00 pm
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 16.9 km / 10.5 mi (ascent: 750ft/228m)
Walk leader: Beth (07956242703)
Meeting point: Linear Walk please read the full description for meeting instructions.Are you ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Chilterns? Join us as we walk the Chiltern Way in stages, discovering picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and hidden gems along the way. This long-distance trail, covering approximately 177 miles, offers a perfect mix of rolling hills, wooded paths, and open fields. From historical landmarks to cozy pubs, each stage of the Chiltern Way promises new discoveries and delightful experiences.
Section 4 sets off at Maidensgrove common where we venture through some of the most beautiful valleys and woods of the southern Chilterns.
Since this is a linear walk, we will need to coordinate transport to ensure everyone can get back to the starting point. If you are driving, please meet at Sonning Common Village Hall (car park directly behind it) by 10.30am. We will then carpool to Maidensgrove for the start of the walk, which will be around 11:00 - 11:15am. If you are meeting at Maidensgrove please let us know in the comments so we can account for you in the car pool, though we cannot guarantee a space if we do not have enough drivers on the day. After completing the walk, the cars left at Sonning Common will ferry people back to Maidensgrove. If you joined us for earlier sections or for the Ridgeway or Shakespeare's Way, this routine will be familiar.
The 122 bus from Reading station also passes through the village if you are coming by public transport.
This 10.5 mile section is relatively gentle in terms of hills, but there are still some along the way along with some rougher tracks and woodland paths, so please wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather.
Dogs are more than welcome but must be kept on lead at all times for the comfort of the group.
Did you know we're on Instagram? Follow us at @ChilternYoungWalkers to see pictures from our walks!
Become a full member: CYW are part of the Ramblers and you may try up to three walks free. When you decide to continue walking with us, please see details at 'Become a member' to join the Ramblers.
