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Walking in Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire,
a county of delightfully varied landscape, sits astride the beech covered
Chiltern Hills which effectively divide it's northern and southern areas.
The Chilterns are designated an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
The grandeur of a dramatic scarp along the north-west edge contrasts
with landscape of a more intimate nature in the south; woods, hedge-rows,
deep valleys and charming villages. To the north of the Chilterns lies
the Vale of Aylesbury, a rich well irrigated agricultural region with
clay soils and many dairy farms. Here the county town of Aylesbury has
retained some of the character of a market town within it's historic
centre. The narrow alleyways and courtyards around the market square,
church street and the churchyard of St. Mary's provide a pleasant stroll.
To the north of the Vale of Aylesbury lies the valley of the Great
Ouse River and the original county town of Buckingham. It was Alfred
the Great who made Buckingham a county town in 888AD, a distinction
it retained until 1725 when, during a period of decline after a terrible
fire, it lost out to Aylesbury. Nevertheless the old town has charm
and is worth a visit; it also provides a good base for walking in The
Claydons, a particularly quiet and lovely area just south of Buckingham.
To the
south of the Chilterns are the Thames and Colne valleys where the Buckinghamshire
border is crowded by the urban sprawl of Slough and Maidenhead. Villages
and towns in the south of the county are London commuting communities
but many have retained an authentic Chiltern character. With the exception
of the Thames valley most of southern Buckinghamshire comprises the
low chalk ridge of the Chiltern Hills, famous for glorious beechwoods.
Cool and shady in summer with a canopy of dense green foliage, and providing
a stunning blaze of flaming russets and golds in autumn, it's no surprise
that the Chiltern's many footpaths are a walker's paradise. In springtime
too, when the woodland floor is carpeted in bluebells, and shafts of
sunlight create a blue mist, the Chilterns are a joy to walk.
Hambleden - Hambleden is a pretty Chilterns
village which gives the impression of being stuck in a time warp. It's
not surprising therefore that TV and film producers have been drawn
to it with Disney's '101 Dalmations' and TV's 'As Time Goes By' and
'Midsomer Murders' amongst its credits. The village green is enclosed
by Georgian houses, including the rectory, and old cottages have been
transformed into village shops. There is still a village pump under
tall chestnut trees in the centre of the square.The fourteenth century
church of St Mary the Virgin dominates its surroundings.
OS Maps: Explorer 171
A Walk from Hambleden [SU 785865]
This walk takes you through the village and up into magnificent beech
woods. A few climbs are rewarded with extraordinary views, including
the valley below and the Thames. Look up and you may catch a glimpse
of a red kite, recently reintroduced to the area. From Hambleden the
route heads roughly north through Great Wood towards Upper Woodend Farm
and then through Gussetts Wood to Luxters Farm. This is a Vineyard and
Brewery which you can visit to learn about the wine maiking process
and also taste the wines. (must book ahead tel: 01491 638330). The route
retuns to Hambleden in part following the Chiltern Way.
Best Pub for this walk
Stag and Huntsman, Hambleden Tel: 01491 571227 (Good Pub Guide)
Handsome brick and flint pub 400 years old and near to the river. Offers
an extensive menu of wholesome pub grub. There is an extensive garden
and a modern restaurant.
This walk is fully described in the guidebook 'Pub Walks for Motorists
- Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire' by Nick Corble
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Buckinghamshire Dog Walkers Guide
ISBN 9781846742279

100 Walks in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire
ISBN 1861261020

Adventurous Pub Walks in the Chilterns
ISBN 9781846741883

Best Walks in the Chilterns
ISBN 0094765200

The Chilterns - 25 Walks
ISBN 0114957274

Waterside Walks in the Chilterns
ISBN 9781846740770

Pub Walks in the Chilterns
ISBN 9781846741326

Pocket Pub Walks in the Chilterns
ISBN 9781853069628

Village Walks in the Chilterns
ISBN 1853064971

The Chilterns - Short Walks
ISBN 0711720878

Walking Close to Milton Keynes
ISBN 9781907669224

Chilterns and Thames Valley Walks
ISBN 0711706743

Drive and Stroll in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire
ISBN 9781853069741

Walks into History Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire
ISBN 1853068500

Pub Walks for Motorists Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire
ISBN 9781853068980

50 Walks in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire
ISBN 074953334X
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