Southend - Skirmett - Fingest - Turville - Southend

Andrew Long

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Starting in the hamlet of Southend, the walk heads in the direction of Turville. Look out for the hills outside Turville and the 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' windmill. Before reaching the village, the route cuts across country and climbs quite steeply through Poynatts Wood (Waymark 05). The route descends with further great views before reaching the village of Skirmett. Here you have the option of turning right to visit The Frog pub.

Leaving Skirmett, the walk heads across open fields before reaching another picturesque village – Fingest. Here you can stop at The Chequers pub or consume your refreshments on the bench near to the church.

Heading out of Fingest, the route skirts round the side of Turville Hill before reaching the picture-postcard village of Turville. Famous for being the setting of the popular 'Village of Dibley' television programme, it is still very popular today. As with Fingest, you have the option of visiting a pub (Bull and Butcher) or resting on one of the many benches. Take some time to explore this pretty village.

After saying goodbye to 'Dibley', the walk exits through a shady coppice before revisiting Waymark 04 to reach the country lane. Leaving the lane, the route follows the bridleway as it gradually rises through the Great Wood for some distance.

The walk turns right onto the Shakespeare Way and exits the wood via a short but steep climb (Waymark 17). After heading across a large field, the walk descends and climbs within a final wood. Once a last field has been crossed, you turn left and return to the start of the walk.

England - Central England - Buckinghamshire - Chilterns

Features

Birds, Church, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Restaurant, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

6/30/2024 - Jon Tomblin

Great walk with clear directions. At WP18 if the field is overgrown just continue to follow the LHS perimeter to a new kissing gate - clearly visible from WP18. Then follow an obvious track through a few houses to the road and turn right to get back to the start.

12/13/2020 - Andrew Long

Walk revisited and tidied up. New photos added where needed. References changed from stiles to kissing gates. Muddy sections noted. Postcode of starting location updated and what3words location added.

3/21/2020 - Alex Cobb

Please note: postcode takes you to Frieth rather than the start of the walk. However, once you reach the walk it is beautiful walk with clear directions. One small field was quite boggy, but the walk was mainly firm underfoot. Would recommend.

10/29/2018 - Neil Packham

A beautiful route which offers views and variety from the beginning. The descent into Skirmett at WM7 was a bit slippery and required some care but otherwise it was easy walking. Unsigned paths at WM4 and WM17 are easily missed and, as ever, a few stiles have been replaced by kissing gates.

4/10/2011 - Andrew Long

Reviewed and updated by Andrew Long.