Walking in the Chilterns

Little more than an hour – yet a world away – from inner-city London, the rolling chalk hills of the Chilterns promise peace and tranquility amongst lush green countryside and picture-postcard villages that are quintessentially English. This guidebook presents a varied selection of 35 walks in the Chiltern Hills AONB, showcasing its scenic beauty, attractive settlements and rich heritage.

The routes range from 4 to 12 miles and cover fairly low-level terrain, and in spite of a handful of short, steep uphill and downhill sections, they should be suitable for most walkers. Step-by-step route directions are illustrated with clear OS mapping. There is a wealth of information about sites of interest along the way, as well as background notes on the region’s rich geology, history and plantlife, and practical advice on accommodation, transport and refreshments.

The walks take you on a journey through this classic Chiltern landscape of softly flowing rivers and rounded hills and valleys, covered in a mix of broadleaved woodland and open farmland. The region has been shaped by human activity for thousands of years: the routes visit a number of fascinating historic sites, in addition to colourful gardens, interesting churches and quaint villages with thatched cottages and cosy pubs. Surrounded by these idyllic pastoral views, you’ll soon find cares melt away, to be replaced with cherished memories.

Cicerone Press, Published Sep 2018. By Steve Davison. £12.95. 224pp. Paperback Gloss Laminated. ISBN: 9781786310187