What we’re about
The Chiltern Hills offer beautiful vistas, valleys, woodlands, villages and other delights. As a result, these walks are always scenic and often idyllic. The walks replenish, inspire and nurture wellbeing. Currently, the walks are mostly in the North of the Chilterns. I'm James, and I've been leading walks since I was a child, so you're in good hands.
I'm also the author of Kissing Consciousness, a personal wellbeing book, so if you'd like to ask me about that you're more than welcome, and I may throw in a related event from time to time.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Evening Bluebell Walk: Ashridge House to Dockey WoodAshridge House, Berkhamsted
This scenic evening walk features a visit to and through the enchanting Dockey Wood bluebells wood, which is free to enter on this evening because it's midweek. The walk is about 5 miles around the woodlands and rural paths of Ashridge. Walking time approx. 2 hours.
The price for the walk is £2 to cover costs.
After the walk there's the option to stay for a drink in the Ashridge bar lounge.
We'll congregate in the main car park in front of Ashridge House.
DOCKEY WOOD BLUEBELLS
This walk is during the peak bluebell period when the National Trust charge £3 for entry to Dockey Wood at weekends, but not during the week, so the wood is free to enter for this walk.VIDEO
If you haven't yet experienced the Dockey Wood bluebells, this video will give you a sense of the place.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztB-c6e2l7U
(opens in a new tab)Please note that this walk is not led by a qualified leader and, as such, isn't covered by insurance. Be sure to wear suitable boots and clothing. The organiser cannot be held responsible for any injuries, however caused. Members are expected to take responsibility for their own preparation and safety including adequate fluids, weather protection and a snack. Please be sure to make me aware if you have any medical conditions.
Dogs are welcome as always but please be mindful to keep them on leads for roads and around other animals. These events are not for children.
If you are unable to attend please be sure to change your RSVP otherwise our departure will be delayed. If you have any urgent (arrival related) messages within an hour of the start time please post them to the event's Meetup page comments.
- Saturday Walk from The Marchmont Arms, Piccotts End, HemelMarchmont Arms Piccotts End, Hemel Hempstead
We first used the Marchmont Arms as a walking location back in February and it worked well. We start the 6. mile route with a nice walk through the village and out into the countryside towards Wood Farm and some spectacular elevated views of the Water End valley. The second half of the walk also provides some stunning scenery over the hills and there are also some paths rich in flora and fauna in between. Walking time approx. 2.5 hours.
The price for the walk is £2 to cover costs.
After the walk there's the option of staying for a chat, drink and/or food. The Marchmont Arms is a more stylish pub, with a restaurant also, so if you're staying for a drink you'll probably want to bring a change of footwear.
Website: The Marchmont Arms
Free Parking
There's free parking places along Piccotts End Road to the South (towards the Old Town of Hemel), and there should also be roadside parking just outside the pub.Travelling from London / by Train
There is now a new, on-demand bus service called HertsLynx which runs from all three nearby train stations; Berkhamsted, Tring and Hemel Hempstead. Depending on availability, you can book in advance to get from these stations to many of the walk start points for £2 each way.The HertsLynx app is free and the service stops right outside The Marchmont Arms (Stop Name: "Piccotts End - The Marchmont Arms"). Nearest train station is Hemel Hempstead.
HertsLynx App: https://bookings.hertslynx.co.uk
More info: https://www.intalink.org.uk/hertslynx
Google Map of HertsLynx Pickup Points
The app will invite you to choose one of two districts; Dacorum or North East Herts. Choose the Dacorum district.
Phone HertsLynx: 01992 555 513
Please note that this walk is not led by a qualified leader and, as such, isn't covered by insurance. Be sure to wear suitable boots and clothing. The organiser cannot be held responsible for any injuries, however caused. Members are expected to take responsibility for their own preparation and safety including adequate fluids, weather protection and a snack. Please be sure to make me aware if you have any medical conditions.
Dogs are welcome as always but please be mindful to keep them on leads for roads and around other animals. These events are not for children.
If you are unable to attend please be sure to change your RSVP otherwise our departure will be delayed. If you have any urgent (arrival related) messages within an hour of the start time please post them to the event's Meetup page comments.
- Sunday Bluebell Walk: Aldbury to Ashridge EstateThe Greyhound Inn, Tring
This walk takes us from the Greyhound Inn pub in the picturesque village of Aldbury, via scenic forest footpaths to the bluebell-infused woods of Ashridge Estate, part of the National Trust. The walk is about 6.5 miles and will take about 2.5 hours.
The price for the walk is £2 to cover costs.
After the walk there's the option of staying for a chat, drink and/or food at the Greyhound Inn, Aldbury, or get coffee and cake at the Poppies Cafe across the road.
Free Parking
There's plenty of parking in the village, but do arrive five minutes early to find a spot.Travelling from London / by Train
There is now a new, on-demand bus service called HertsLynx which runs from all three nearby train stations; Berkhamsted, Tring and Hemel Hempstead. Depending on availability, you can book in advance to get from these stations to many of the walk start points for £2 each way.The HertsLynx app is free and the service stops right outside the Greyhound Inn / opposite the pond. Nearest train station is Tring.
HertsLynx App: https://bookings.hertslynx.co.uk
More info: https://www.intalink.org.uk/hertslynx
Google Map of HertsLynx Pickup Points
The app will invite you to choose one of two districts; Dacorum or North East Herts. Choose the Dacorum district.
Phone HertsLynx: 01992 555 513
Please note that this walk is not led by a qualified leader and, as such, isn't covered by insurance. Be sure to wear suitable boots and clothing. The organiser cannot be held responsible for any injuries, however caused. Members are expected to take responsibility for their own preparation and safety including adequate fluids, weather protection and a snack. Please be sure to make me aware if you have any medical conditions.
Dogs are welcome as always but please be mindful to keep them on leads for roads and around other animals. These events are not for children.
If you are unable to attend please be sure to change your RSVP otherwise our departure will be delayed. If you have any urgent (arrival related) messages within an hour of the start time please post them to the event's Meetup page comments.
- Bank Holiday Walk from The Half Moon at WilstoneHalf Moon, Tring
This is a cracking new 6.2 mile walk for the Bank Holiday Monday along gorgeous canals and winding through picture postcard rural village scenes, reservoirs and meadows. It's also virtually an all flat route. Walking time approx. 2.5 hours. The gallery shows some of the scenery where we'll be walking.
The price for the walk is £2 to cover costs.
After the walk there's the option of staying for a chat, drink and food at the Half Moon pub in Wilstone.
Free Parking
There's plenty of parking in the village.Travelling from London / by Train
There is now a new, on-demand bus service called HertsLynx which runs from all three nearby train stations; Berkhamsted, Tring and Hemel Hempstead. Depending on availability, you can book in advance to get from these stations to many of the walk start points for £2 each way.The HertsLynx app is free and the service stops right outside the Half Moon pub (Stop Name: 'Wilstone - Tring Rd, opp The Half Moon PH'). Nearest train station is Tring.
HertsLynx App: https://bookings.hertslynx.co.uk
More info: https://www.intalink.org.uk/hertslynx
Google Map of HertsLynx Pickup Points
The app will invite you to choose one of two districts; Dacorum or North East Herts. Choose the Dacorum district.
Phone HertsLynx: 01992 555 513
Please note that this walk is not led by a qualified leader and, as such, isn't covered by insurance. Be sure to wear suitable boots and clothing. The organiser cannot be held responsible for any injuries, however caused. Members are expected to take responsibility for their own preparation and safety including adequate fluids, weather protection and a snack. Please be sure to make me aware if you have any medical conditions.
Dogs are welcome as always but please be mindful to keep them on leads for roads and around other animals. These events are not for children.
If you are unable to attend please be sure to change your RSVP otherwise our departure will be delayed. If you have any urgent (arrival related) messages within an hour of the start time please post them to the event's Meetup page comments.