THE CHILTERNS | Cicerone hiking guide

hiking guide

This guidebook describes 35 varied day walks in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in southern England, which stretches through Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. The routes range from 4 to 12 miles and cover fairly low-level terrain, and although some have several, sometimes steep, climbs and descents, they should be suitable for most walkers.

The walks take you on a journey through this classic Chiltern landscape that has been shaped by human activity for thousands of years, visiting interesting historic sites, colourful gardens and picture-postcard villages with thatched cottages, fascinating churches and cosy pubs. Step-by-step route directions include lots of information about all these sites along the way, and are illustrated with clear OS mapping and vibrant photographs. There is also information on the region's rich geology, history and plantlife, as well as advice on accommodation, transport and refreshments.

The Chiltern Hills follow a line of chalk from the River Thames at Goring up to the Barton Hills just west of Hitchin, boasting great views from the north west edge and, on the south east side, a more intimate undulating landscape of rounded hills and valleys, covered in a mix of broadleaved woodland and open farmland. Despite its relative proximity to the country's capital, the region abounds in peace and tranquility, making it an idyllic destination for a day's walk in the countryside.