Nature Reserves, Charming Woodlands and a Picturesque Lunch Stop

Length: 9 miles / 14.5km
Difficulty: Moderate (1140ft/350m ascent)
Walk leader: Beth (07956242703)

Ever driven through that bit of the M40 where it cuts through the side of a hill and offers glorious views of Oxfordshire and wondered what its like to sit and enjoy the scene with a sandwich instead? Well, look no further!

It's been years since we tackled Beacon Hill (the hill on your right leaving Bucks) and we thought why not combine a walk through the many and varied woodlands surrounding the quiet village of Stokenchurch with an amble around Aston Rowant Nature Reserve where we can enjoy some stunning views.

Leaving the village we head west, making our way towards Grove Wood. Here we'll head down the hill where we meet up with our old friend, The Ridgeway National Trail, before veering off (and up!!) from the bottom of Beacon Hill. Arriving tired and probably a bit sweaty at the top, we can then flop down, enjoy a lovely lunch stop and the view - keep an eye out for hungry red kites! Once rested, we'll continue on our way, crossing over the M40 itself and down a quiet and gentle descent to the edge of Wormsley Park, known for being the home of the Getty family (see: Getty photos) and, randomly, the setting for the location based tasks in Series 16 of Taskmaster. We'll try to imagine a giant duck being dragged into the pond before setting off for our final ascent back towards Stokenchurch where there will be the option to indulge in a well-earned drink at one of the pubs in the village.

*please note, unless we have had a LOT of rain, the green grass in the photo will not be available on the day ;)

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This is overall a relatively gentle walk but does have two steeper climbs in, so a moderate level of fitness is required.

Please bring a packed lunch as there is nowhere to stop enroute, and wear sensible shoes (hiking shoes preferred, no plimsolls please), bring at least 1.5l water (more if its hot) with you, a hat, suncream and sunglasses.

Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead at all times for the comfort of other walkers and are the responsibility of the owners.

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HOW TO GET HERE:

Bus: the 40 bus runs from High Wycombe to Thame and stops in the village centre (Kings Arms Hotel stop) and runs hourly on Saturdays. The 10:00 bus from Wycombe gets you to the walk for 10:18, the 10:00 bus from Thame gets you in at 10:31 (don't worry, we'll wait!).

Car: there is free parking all around the village, please park considerately around one of the greens and check for signage.

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