FREE HIKE 20 km | Chess Valley from Rickmansworth to Chesham

📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3/5 with gentle inclines, not strenuous
...
📍 MEETING POINT:
10:15 Rickmansworth tube station entrance
...
🚶 WALK STARTS:
10:30 Rickmansworth tube station entrance
...
🏁 WALK FINISHES:
16:00 Chesham tube station
...
This walk follows the scenic Chess Valley, taking us from Rickmansworth to Chesham through some of the Chilterns’ most characterful countryside, enjoyable in every season, including winter.

Leaving Rickmansworth, the route quickly escapes into woodland trails and open farmland, with bare trees and commons giving wide views across the valley.

Walking alongside the River Chess is a real highlight at this time of year, with clear chalk-stream waters flowing through meadows and fields, adding movement and atmosphere to the landscape even on colder days.

The route weaves between riverside paths, shaded woodland, and quiet country lanes, offering plenty of variety while remaining comfortably paced. In winter, the scenery feels especially crisp and peaceful, with fewer crowds and a strong sense of space. As we approach Chesham, the valley opens out into classic rural landscapes before leading us into the lively market town, bringing the walk to a rewarding finish.

As a Sunday walk, this is a great social hike, ideal for good conversation, steady walking, and the company of fellow hikers while exploring one of the Chilterns’ most scenic valleys.

A well-balanced and scenic hike that shows the Chess Valley at its best, whether under summer skies or in the calm, clear light of winter.
With both the start and finish served by the Metropolitan line, which runs directly from central London, this hike is especially accessible for those looking to escape the city and enjoy a full countryside day out without the need for a car.

At the end of the hike, there is an optional opportunity to visit a pub with fellow hikers to celebrate the day before heading home.
...
🍔 LUNCH:
Bring a packed lunch. After around 11 km of walking, we will stop at approximately 12:30 at a pub with picnic tables. If you wish to enter the pub, please bring shoe covers, as the bar staff may not allow entry with muddy footwear.
...
🚂 TRAINS:
Take the Metropolitan line from central London, Amersham, or Chesham to Rickmansworth for the start of the walk.
...
🚗 🅿️ BY CAR:
There are multi-storey car parks close to Rickmansworth tube station. At the end of the hike, you can take the Metropolitan line from Chesham back to Rickmansworth.
...
🚻 TOILETS:

• Lunchtime pub
• Discreet natural facilities along the route

...
⚠️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY

• Distance: Approximately 20 km (12.4 miles)
• Difficulty: MODERATE
• Ascent and descent: 311 m up, 266 m down
• Elevation: High point 177 m, low point 60 m
• Average pace: About 4.5 km/h, up to 5 km/h where possible
• Walking time: Around 4.5 hours
• Total duration: Approximately 5.5 hours including breaks and stops

This route includes a mix of woodland, gravel tracks, and sections of uneven chalky or stony ground, with a few short muddy stretches across commons. The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle inclines and nothing strenuous. This walk is suitable for hikers who are comfortable walking around 12 miles at a steady pace and is intended as a sociable and enjoyable day out rather than an extreme physical challenge.
...
🎒 WHAT TO BRING

• Packed lunch, snacks, and at least 2 litres of water
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Layers and waterproofs
• A warm layer such as a fleece or insulating jacket
• Sun protection
• Personal medication
• Basic first aid and blister plasters
• Optional walking poles (recommended for some descents)
• Fully charged phone
• Head torch
• Portable phone charger or power bank
• Dry bags or a waterproof cover for your backpack
• Whistle for emergencies
• Offline maps or GPS
• Some cash or a bank card
• Hat and gloves for the cold
• Shoe covers for muddly boots!

...
📅 RSVP and Attendance
RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration.
...
👣 Staying Together
A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group.
...
📞 CONTACT:
Please message the event host AdrianB directly via Meetup with any questions.
...
⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.
...
🍃 We look forward to welcoming you on the trail.