The Chess Valley Walk – A Chilterns Classic

Join us for a beautiful 10-mile linear walk through the Chilterns, following the River Chess from Chesham to Rickmansworth.
This is a wonderfully varied countryside walk through the heart of the Chilterns National Landscape, taking in peaceful riverside paths, rolling countryside, woodland, picturesque villages and some of the area’s most interesting historical sights.
We’ll follow the River Chess through the valley, passing through attractive villages and getting close to the clear, sparkling waters of one of the Chilterns’ famous chalk streams. Along the way, there’s plenty to look out for, including wildlife, watercress beds, historic buildings and even the remains of a Roman farm-villa.
If we’re lucky, keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers, water voles, brown trout, orchids and dragonflies. 🐦🌿

🌿 Hike details

• 📏 Distance: approx. 10 miles / 16 km
• ⏱️ Duration: approx. 4–5 hours, depending on group pace and stops
• 🥾 Difficulty: Moderate – a countryside walk with some gentle undulations
• 🚶 Pace: Relaxed, social and suitable for regular and beginner walkers
• 🍱 Lunch: Break during the walk – bring a packed lunch and snacks
• 🚆 Start: Chesham Station
• 🚆 Finish: Rickmansworth Station

🏞️ Along the way
We’ll discover some of the Chess Valley’s highlights, including:
🌿 The beautiful River Chess and its chalk-stream waters
🏡 Picturesque Chiltern villages
🏛️ Historic Chenies Manor, with its connections to Elizabeth I
🌱 The watercress beds at Sarratt
🏺 The site of a Roman farm-villa at Latimer
🦋 Plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the river

🎒 What to bring
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots – this is a countryside walk and some paths may be muddy.
• Packed lunch and snacks
• At least 1–1.5L of water
• Waterproof jacket — because this is England! ☔
• Small backpack
• Optional: walking poles if you like using them

📍 Meeting point
Chesham Station at 11:00 am
Please arrive a few minutes early so that we can meet everyone and set off promptly.

We will finish at Rickmansworth Station, making it easy to return home by train. or, if you’ve parked at Chesham, you can simply take the train two stops back to Chesham to collect your car. 🚆