Around Chequers

David Pearson

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A lovely walk in the Buckinghamshire Chilterns. The walk goes through old deciduous woodland, across open fields and climbs to the top of Coombe Hill, the second highest point in the Chilterns. On the high ground it commands fine views across the Vale of Aylesbury and on good days it is said, as far as the Cotswolds and the Malvern Hills. On the way it passes Chequers, a monument to the Boer War, the Prime Minister's country home, ancient Iron Age forts and a small local brewery (visits may be possible). There is plenty of birdlife, including red kites and you may see the rare Chiltern Gentian and several species of orchids.

The walk is best done in dry weather or when the ground is frozen. If it is wet, walking-poles are recommended, as several points can get very muddy and the climb up Coombe Hill on wet chalk can be quite hazardous.

England - Central England - Buckinghamshire - Chilterns

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Nature Trail, Pub, Stately Home, Wildlife, Woodland

5/20/2014 - Kevin Hilton

We recently completed this walk on a glorious spring day when the bluebells were in full bloom. It is superb in every respect. At point 10 it is well worth taking a detour sharp-right to climb up Beacon Hill. It's a stiff pull but is well worth it as the 360 degree views are, if anything, even better than those from Coombe Hill. We also had it completely to ourselves. A great spot for a picnic.

5/1/2012 - Bill Slaven

Excellent route with very clear and detailed instructions, will definitely take the advice in future and not try walking up Coombe Hill when wet & muddy again!

5/1/2012 - Walkingworld Admin

Our thanks to Chris Thornton & David Pearson for their updates for this walk. April 2012. Adrian (Admin)

4/22/2012 - Chris Thornton

Fantastic walk today, dodging the April showers. Really clear directions - thank you! -- 27: Instead of walking along the busy road, it's possible to take a bridlepath along the field boundary to the left-hand side of the road. This follows the road round and ends opposite waypoint 29. It misses the view of the Chequers though.

5/19/2010 - Tony Boulton

18/05/10 - Tony Boulton A superb walk made even better by a clear warm day. The stiles up to and including that at WP10 have been replaced with gates. The tree on the left at WP12 has been felled. The footpath at WP13 is accessed via a stile. At WP16 part of the fence has been removed making the first stile redundant.

4/3/2010 - J's Walks

What a great walk! Great views with varied scenery and a (short) but challenging climb up Coombe Hill. Take your camera on this one!

9/26/2009 - David Pereira and Jeni Chester

David Pereira, NIGHT-WALK 1AM start, mild weather mostly clear sky so got fantastic views of the stars, really great walk i'm glad i had my walking poles for some parts though. At WP16 it says "cross another stile then aim slightly left" at night just cross straight across field to edge of fence and follow it to the stiles,else to far left you may end up in the stream. WP19 you may not see the monument depending on the light, but it is obvious where it is (far right hand side on top of the hill). take a breather before climbing Coombe hill, it took me 20 minutes, mind you i was looking at the night views each time i stopped which i find captivating, really enjoyed this walk. fantastic especially if you like night walks.