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Home , Chiltern Hills, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Hambleden Lock, Hellfire Caves, Pegsdon, Pitstone Hill

A guide to spending time in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty DISCOVER THE CHILTERNS A guide to spending time in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

he Chilterns Conservation Board is a statutory body set Tup to promote the conservation, understanding and enjoyment of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

CONSERVATION BOARD

The Lodge, 90 Station Road , Oxon OX39 4HA

Tel: 01844 355500 Fax: 01844 355501

Photographs provided by © Chilterns Conservation Board, e-mail: [email protected] /Graeme Cannon, British Waterways, Countryside Agency/Tina Stallard, Forestry Commission, Gerry Whitlow, Town Council. website: www.chilternsaonb.org an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty WHAT'S SPECIAL DISCOVER THE CHILTERNS ABOUT THE CHILTERNS

Barton-le-Clay A guide to spending time Introducing the Chilterns On the doorstep The Chilterns is a beautiful area of The Chilterns is one of the most accessible in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding unspoilt countryside right on London areas of countryside in the UK. Just 20 and Oxford's doorsteps, just waiting miles from Oxford and 35 miles from the Natural Beauty. to be discovered. This booklet gives centre of London it offers a great day out at you ideas of places to visit and things the end of a short journey. With 4 railways to do, with something for everyone. lines, one Underground line and 20 Tring stations, plus plenty of buses, the Chilterns The Chilterns stretches from the River is very easy to reach and to travel around. Thames in south through Many of its attractions are close to regular St Albans and to bus and rail services. In addition, London Hitchin in . It contains some Heathrow, Luton and Stansted airports are of the finest countryside in the UK, which all within one hour's travel. i Find out is recognised by its designation as an more about getting here on page 24. Watlington Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

West (AONB). From quiet valleys with BIRMINGHAM NORTHAMPTON Wycombe High Wallingford Wycombe medieval villages to dramatic viewpoints M1 The M40 Marlow on the hilltops, leafy green woodlands to Chilterns AYLESBURY LUTON OXFORD River Thames flower-covered meadows, the Chilterns is M25 Henley-on-Thames full of treasures that are there to be M4 READING LONDON Goring enjoyed. M3 M20

SOUTHAMPTON Reading contents

Introduction page 1 Wendover and Tring 14 Henley and the River Thames 4 and Berkhamsted 16 Watlington and 6 Dunstable and Whipsnade 18 Hughenden and 8 and Barton Hills 20 Amersham and Missenden 10 Walking, cycling & horseriding 22 Chilterns Map 12 Further information 24

Key to Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps 181

Published by the Chilterns Conservation Board 1 selection of wines and beers. Some of Wildlife and landscapes robbers, highwaymen and fugitives who Lots to do these establishments also offer The ridge of hills running south hid from the law in its dense woods. Over Criss-crossed by a dense network of accommodation. If you plan to stay in the west to north east forms the backbone of time the growing wealth of nearby footpaths and and Thames area there are also comfortable B & Bs, the Chilterns and provides far-reaching London improved the respectability of the Path National Trails, the Chilterns is a smart hotels, self-catering properties, views. Behind the ridge is a more intimate area as people built great houses and haven for all types of walkers. This is one caravan parks and campsites. The choice landscape of valleys and hills. parks in the country. The tranquillity and of the best places in the UK to follow a is yours whether you stay in one of the woodlands are the natural cathedrals of beauty of the Chilterns has attracted circular walk in beautiful countryside well local towns or villages or in the depths of the Chilterns, carpeted by bluebells in famous writers and artists away from busy roads, with plenty of the countryside. i Further sources of spring and turning burnished gold and red and in more recent times refreshment on offer in local country information on food and accommodation in autumn. Red kites, the spectacular bird popstars and actors to pubs. If you enjoy cycling you can get are given on page 24. of prey re-introduced in the 1990s, are a make their home here. away from it all on bridleways and quiet familiar sight as they soar overhead. In lanes. Why not see the countryside from some valleys you will find clear, sparkling Lots to see a different perspective and take a boat The Chilterns Area of chalk streams which are home to trout trip on the Thames or the Grand Union The rich natural and Outstanding Natural Beauty and in places the rare water vole, Canal. cultural heritage of the otherwise known as Ratty from Wind in i Further information on walking and In 1965, 833 square kilometres of the Chilterns means there the . cycling can be found on pages 22-23. Chilterns countryside were designated as are lots of attractions to suit all interests. an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From steam railways to grand houses, History and culture There are 41 AONBs in and fascinating nature reserves, charming Wales and they belong to the same family For thousands of years the Chilterns has villages and interactive museums there is as National Parks. AONBs and National provided a home, or a bolthole, to people something for everyone. As this booklet Parks together represent the finest of all kinds. In medieval times its shows you don't have to go far to find countryside to be found in the UK. The countryside was known as the hangout of plenty to visit. Chilterns is nationally protected for us all to enjoy, but at the same time we all have a responsibility to look Good eating and sleeping after it and minimise our impact Whatever your budget and taste buds so that it remains unspoiled you will find a good meal in the Chilterns. for future generations. There is a wide range of eating For more information visit opportunities from high quality i www.chilternsaonb.org restaurants to tasty pub grub and ethnic cuisine. In particular, the Chilterns is well- If you would like to help conserve the blessed with characterful country pubs Chilterns you can join The Chiltern Society serving imaginative food and a good www.chilternsociety.org.uk Tel 01494 771250 2 3 HENLEY AND THE RIVER THAMES

he historic River Thames forms Boat trips Hambleden Valley the southern boundary of the B480 Brook You can enjoy the Chilterns from a A classic Chilterns valley, the beautiful Chilterns as it slips past green 181 Hambleden T A4130 different perspective by taking a boat trip Hambleden Valley is 3 miles from Henley. meadows and flows through a gap in the A4155 on the Thames. Daily scheduled river You can reach it on foot via the Chilterns chalk ridge at Goring. The picturesque cruises leave from the centre of Henley Country ‘Thames and Chilterns Walk’ historic town of Henley sits on its banks. HENLEY- during April-September inclusive. You can from Henley, or during the summer you Famed for its Royal Regatta in July, ON-THAMES B481 also hire motor cruisers and rowing boats can take a boat down the Thames to Henley has lots of attractions to explore Rowing Museum in Henley and do your own thing. Hambleden Lock. You can see red kites all year round and forms a great base for Sonning i Scheduled river cruises: Hobbs of soaring overhead and walk alongside the visiting the Chilterns countryside and Common Henley, www.hobbs-of-henley.com sparkling Hambleden Brook. The village enjoying the river. River Thames Tel 01491 572035 of Hambleden has attractive brick and Salter's Steamers www.salterbros.fsnet. cottages, a medieval church and a Henley-on-Thames River & Rowing Museum, co.uk Tel 01865 243421 thriving pub and shop. Henley has a charming centre full of Henley Boat hire: Hobbs of Henley (see above) i Thames and Chilterns Walk: shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes. This award-winning museum in the www.chilternsaonb.org/henleywalk From the centre you can stroll along the meadows beside the Thames has three banks of the Thames and admire the main galleries devoted to the River many pleasure craft or relax with a picnic Thames, the sport of rowing and the town in Mill Meadows. Henley has a wide of Henley. It also has a spectacular walk- range of accommodation from B&Bs to through attraction on the Wind in the smart hotels. Willows, written by Kenneth Grahame i www.visit-henley.org.uk who was inspired by the nearby river. The Museum has regular special exhibitions and events. Walking i www.rrm.co.uk Tel 01491 415600 The National Trail provides gentle walking for all abilities along the edge of the Thames from the centre of Greys Court Henley into beautiful countryside. There This Tudor House is owned by the are also a number of promoted circular National Trust and was the scene of walks from Henley that enable you to Jacobean court intrigues in the 17th enjoy the woods and valleys of the century. It has beautiful restored gardens Chilterns at first hand. and a maze. i Thames Path National Trail: i www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrail.co.uk Tel 01491 628529 Tel 01865 810224 Promoted walks: www.chilternsaonb.org 4 www.chilternsaonb.org 5 WATLINGTON AND EWELME

A40 olling countryside dotted with M40 Aston National contains the grave of Jerome K Jerome, farms, hidden valleys, attractive Rowant author of Three Men in a Boat. Ewelme's Nature Nature Reserve market towns and medieval Reserve 100 year old watercress beds fed by the R P This is one of English Nature's flagship hamlets. There are many footpaths and B4009 clear waters of Ewelme Brook have been National Nature Reserves. It is special for promoted trails including the Ridgeway restored by The Chiltern Society. WATLINGTON P National Trail. Climb up the wooded its chalk , beech woodland and i www.ewelme.info Watlington Hill or other viewpoints on the Ridgeway carpets of scented wildflowers in the P ridge for magnificent views over the Vale, Watlington summer. There are rare and beautiful Ewelme School Cream Teas - 2nd Hill plants, including Chiltern gentian, the perfect place to watch red kites Ewelme B480 Sunday of every month in Spring and soaring overhead. attracting many species of butterflies. It is Summer (not August). Call to book Church 181 one of the best places to see red kites i Tel 01491 839240 and offers dramatic views. You can join a NO CAR? NO PROBLEM! town. It was first recorded as a Saxon ranger-led guided walk or simply enjoy You can catch the Oxford Tube bus from settlement in the 8th century and has discovering it on your own. There are The Ridgeway National Trail the heart of London or Oxford and many historic buildings. The town is several trails through the Reserve, disembark at Lewknor, providing - Britain's oldest road skirted by the Ridgeway Trail making it a including one suitable for wheelchairs and immediate access to this beautiful area. Following the ancient chalk ridge used by popular stop-off for walkers, naturalists, pushchairs. There are B&Bs and an 18th century pub prehistoric man, the 85-mile Ridgeway cyclists and horse riders. There are i www.english-nature.org.uk in Lewknor. Further leisure/tourism offers the opportunity to escape several pubs in the town and a number of Tel 01844 351833 information from the hustle and bustle of everyday speciality shops offering a mouth- i www.visitsouthoxfordshire.co.uk life. There are opportunities for watering selection of cheeses, olives, walking, cycling and horse-riding wine and other goodies... why not pick up Ewelme along many stretches of this trail. Watlington a picnic. Watlington Hill provides The name Ewelme is derived from the i www.nationaltrail.co.uk Lying at the foot of the , panoramic views over the Vale and is a Old English meaning 'spring'. Chaucer's Tel 01865 810224 Watlington is an attractive rural market good place to see red kites. granddaughter Alice, wife of the Duke of Suffolk, lived and entertained royalty here. The 15th century church, almshouses and Swyncombe Church school at the centre of the village were a Swyncombe Church is tucked away in a charitable gift from her. The churchyard secluded valley a couple of miles from Ewelme. The church is dedicated to St. Botolph who lived in the 7th century; it is thought that Swyncombe was a resting place for the Saint's remains in their three caskets on their journeys to the Abbeys of Ely, Thorney and Westminster.

6 www.chilternsaonb.org 7 HUGHENDEN AND WEST WYCOMBE

here are many cultural highlights number of shops and pubs. At the top of numerous legends. Today you can walk in this part of the Chilterns. You West Wycombe Hill is the church and through nearly a mile of underground A4010 A4128 can step back in time to the mausoleum of the Dashwood family of passages and caverns and hear all these T Bradenham elegance of the Victorian era and the life STOKENCHURCH West Wycombe House. There are fine fascinating stories by audio commentary. of Chilterns resident Benjamin Disraeli, Hughenden views from the hilltop. There is a café and shop. A40 Manor or get a glimpse into the fascinating lives i www.nationaltrust.org.uk i www.hellfirecaves.co.uk of the bodgers who worked in the woods. Museum Tel 01494 755573 Tel 01494 533739 M 4 0 West There's also a taste of scandal 18th Wycombe HIGH century fashion at the . B482 WYCOMBE West Wycombe House and Wycombe Museum There are some wonderful designed Set in beautiful grounds in , landscapes to enjoy and to 181 Gardens the Museum has lots of hands-on activities wander in. For an enjoyable circular walk The Italianate house and classically- and displays about the local area including in this area go to the AONB website and through the surrounding parkland and designed landscape gardens were the the history of Wycombe's furniture industry search for 'West Wycombe and woodland and the colourful formal inspiration of Sir Francis Dashwood, 18th and a children's Discovery zone. There is Bradenham Walks'. gardens. There are regular events and century founder of the Dilettante Society a programme of temporary exhibitions and guided walks, a restaurant and shop. and the . The estate is now events, a café and picnic area. Admission i www.nationaltrust.org.uk run by the National Trust which opens the Hughenden Manor & Estate is free and the ground floor is fully Tel 01494 755573 house and gardens on a limited basis The home of Victorian statesman accessible. during the spring and summer. Benjamin Disraeli, this house has been i www.wycombe.gov.uk/museum i www.nationaltrust.org.uk restored by the National Trust and West Wycombe Village Tel 01494 421895 Tel 01494 755573 contains the life and times of one of This village is owned by the National Queen Victoria's favourite prime Trust and contains many historic 16th- Bradenham Village & Woods ministers. There are beautiful walks 18th century buildings. There are a Hellfire Caves Another picturesque village owned by the In the 18th century Sir Francis Dashwood National Trust, with wonderful views along had the Caves excavated out of West the Bradenham Valley from the top of the Wycombe Hill to provide work for cricket pitch. The Manor House (not open) unemployed farm labourers. The was once the home of Isaac D'Israeli, notorious Hellfire Club father of Benjamin Disraeli. From near the held its meetings in Manor there are footpaths and bridleways the Caves and to the beechwoods and surrounding gave rise to countryside. i www.nationaltrust.org.uk Tel 01494 528051

8 www.chilternsaonb.org 9 AMERSHAM AND

wo of the Chilterns' famous chalk A413 CHESHAM Chess Valley i Find more information on 'Walks in streams, the Misbourne and the B485 One of the most the Misbourne Valley' on the AONB Chess, flow through scenic Gt. Missenden website. T A416 beautiful valleys in valleys in this area and provide lovely Chess the Chilterns, the settings for a walk or a picnic. They have Chess Valley runs Roald Dahl Museum and given inspiration to artists, writers and A404 Museum from Chesham craftsmen over the centuries, all of which AMERSHAM Story Centre south east to is celebrated in a number of fascinating This visitor attraction in Great Missenden A404 Chorleywood Rickmansworth. local museums and visitor attractions. celebrates the life of one of the town's The There are several charming towns and Misbourne Open Air most famous residents, Roald Dahl, who 181 A355 Museum running through the villages in the valleys which provide A413 wrote many of his books here. You can Valley is a clear, good locations to find refreshments, see a re-creation of his writing hut and sparkling chalk transport links and accommodation. about half a mile from the High Street. meet many of his well-loved characters. stream which is i www.amersham.org.uk The Story Centre provides lots of home to many plant and animal species. inspiration for children and adults Old Amersham The Chess Valley Walk follows the river interested in creative writing. The site is The historic Old Town of Amersham Amersham Museum for 10 miles through the Valley, past well- fully accessible. dates back to pre Saxon times and The Museum is located in a 500 year-old known landmarks such as Latimer House i For opening times and to book tickets retains a great deal of character. Fine old house in Amersham's historic High Street. and Chenies Manor, and is well www.roalddahlmuseum.org houses, coaching inns, little courtyards, It reveals stories about the town from signposted. i You can pick up a leaflet Tel 01494 892192 almshouses and modest cottages can be Roman times to the 20th century and has about it in local information centres or found along the High Street, in the displays on old local crafts such as lace- download one from the AONB website. middle of which stands the centuries-old making, straw plaiting and chair-making. Market Hall. There are pubs, cafes and There is also a herb garden where you Great Missenden and the The Museum has a collection of over 30 restaurants as well as interesting shops. can sit on sunny days. i For details of historic buildings which have been The rail and underground station is opening times and access information visit Misbourne Valley rescued and re-erected. Everything from www.amersham.org.uk/museum The charming small town of Great an Iron Age house to traditional barns, a Tel 01494 723700/725754 Missenden is on the Chiltern Railways line wartime prefab and a working Victorian from Marylebone station in London and is farm. The activities and artefacts a good base from which to explore the associated with the buildings provide a lovely Misbourne Valley. On a 3 mile real sense of past lives in the Chilterns. circular walk from the town centre you can There is also a woodland walk and plenty glimpse the 900 year-old Missenden of picnic places. Abbey (not open to the public), walk i www.coam.org.uk through meadows next to the Misbourne Tel 01494 871117 and enjoy vistas of rolling chalk hills, beech woodland and farmland. 10 www.chilternsaonb.org 11 20 - 21 THE CHILTERNS AREA OF BARTON-LE-CLAY OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY M 1 Lilley HITCHIN

LUTON 192 18 - 19 193 Pages DUNSTABLE London Luton Henley and the River Thames 4 - 5 Watlington and Ewelme 6 - 7 Hughenden and West Wycombe 8 - 9 Whipsnade Amersham and Missenden 10 - 11 16 - 17 Wendover and Tring 14 - 15 14 - 15 HARPENDEN Ashridge and Berkhamsted 16 - 17

Dunstable and Whipsnade 18 - 19 TRING n 181 Gaddesde 182 Pegsdon and Barton Hills 20 - 21 AYLESBURY HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Ordnance Survey WENDOVER M1 Explorer Maps BERKHAMSTED 181 covering the Chilterns PRINCES M25 RISBOROUGH CHESHAM 10 - 11 CHINNOR en M40 Gt. Missend

6 - 7 8 - 9 Colne STOKENCHURCH AMERSHAM WATLINGTON River Thames HIGH CHORLEYWOOD BENSON WYCOMBE BEACONSFIELD

WALLINGFORD MARLOW M40

[ 10 Kilometeres River Thames M25 0 5 SONNING HENLEY-ON-THAMES COMMON GORING 0 6 Miles 171 M4 172 4 - 5

12 www.chilternsaonb.org 13 M4 READING WENDOVER AND TRING

ust a short train ride from London, College Lake Tring Wendover and Tring are attractive Grand Union Canal B489 B488 Tring has been a market town since 1315 market towns, offering an excellent A41 J Reservoirs and is one of the most attractive towns in base for a day trip or weekend break. TRING AYLESBURY the Chilterns, with a fine selection of They allow easy access to the extensive Aston shops, pubs and restaurants. It is home to woods and historic waterways nearby. Hill the Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum And there are lots of attractions on the Wendover Tring Woods Park which has exhibits of birds, mammals and doorstep, from the Rothschild Zoological Ridgeway reptiles. The museum also has a café, Museum to speciality shopping. WENDOVER gift shop, discovery room and picnic area. A413 181 The Museum is open all year and is free Wendover of charge. Call for opening hours. Wendover is a picturesque market town i www.nhm.ac/uk/museum/tring picnic. You can also walk or cycle along nestled into the edge of the Chiltern Hills Tel 020 7942 6171 the Grand Union Canal which links many and surrounded by woodland. The 16th Wendover Woods, owned by the Forestry towns and places of interest. There are a century Red Lion Hotel on the High Street Commission, has an extensive network of number of walking routes including a trail has hosted many famous names trails for walking, cycling, keep fit and suitable for people with wheelchairs or The former estate of Sir Walter Rothschild including Oliver Cromwell and Sir Robert orienteering. The woods are the highest pushchairs. is now managed by the Woodland Trust. Louis Stevenson. You can enjoy a good point in the Chilterns with spectacular i www.britishwaterways.org The Park extends from the edge of Tring selection of restaurants and speciality views across . There are Tel 01442 825938 to the top of the Chiltern ridge from where shops, in particular antique and craft toilets, children's play area, sculptures, there are outstanding views. The Park is shops. There are a number of promoted picnic areas and a trail suitable for a mixture of chalk downland meadows College Lake Wildlife Centre circular walks from Wendover. wheelchair users. Open all year from 8am and woodland - ideal for walking, flying a A nature reserve with interesting wildlife i Promoted walks: to dusk. Access to Wendover Woods is kite or enjoying a picnic. Tring Park is and spectacular views. The reserve, www.chilternsaonb.org free but there is a £2 car-parking fee. open all year and is free of charge. managed by the local wildlife trust, is www.aylesburyvale.net/wendover or i www.forestry.gov.uk i Tring website www.tring.gov.uk has especially good for birds, orchids and www.chilternweb.co.uk/wendover Tel 01420 520212 downloadable maps of walks. butterflies. There is a farm museum, geology centre and wildlife garden. Other facilities include a visitor centre, toilets, bird hides, nature trails, picnic area and Tring Reservoirs were built at the start of guided tours. The reserve has a path and the 19th century to supply water for the hides suitable for wheelchair users. Open Grand Union Canal. Today the reservoirs all year, call for opening hours. Free are a popular visitor attraction; one of the admission. best places in the area for birdwatching, i www.bbowt.org.uk fishing or simply enjoying a stroll or a Tel 01865 775476 14 www.chilternsaonb.org 15 ASHRIDGE AND THE GRAND UNION CANAL

his area of the Chilterns contains B489 Ivinghoe and Aldbury some real gems - acres of Beacon The village of Aldbury is about 2 miles woodland and commonland open Hill T from Tring Station, next to the Ashridge to all to enjoy, magnificent views from Ashridge The distinctive B488 Estate Estate. Charming traditional cottages Ivinghoe Beacon and and Mon B4506 A4146 shape of Ivinghoe nestle around the village pond and there some attractive towns and villages to Aldbury Beacon has been a TRING are some good pubs and a village shop. visit. It is an area steeped in history. The Gaddesden landmark for There is little room for cars in the village 5000 year old Ridgeway route ends at travellers on the so why not make your visit part of a walk Ivinghoe Beacon where there are the Ridgeway for Ridgeway or a cycle ride. remains of an Iron Age fort. A stretch of A41 centuries. The BERKHAMSTED the Grand Union Canal, which has 181 Grand Union Canal National Trail now carried boats for 200 years between crosses Pitstone Hill London and Birmingham, crosses the and ends at the Beacon, from where you hired. The Visitor Centre is open from area. get stunning views west across the Vale March to December and has a tearoom, of Aylesbury and along the Chilterns shop, interactive displays and activity ridge. In spring and summer the chalk Ashridge Estate packs for children. The downland is carpeted in wildflowers. 5000 acres of woodlands, There is a car park near the Beacon or commons and fine chalk commemorates the Duke of you can walk there from the Ashridge downland running along the Bridgewater who was Estate. main ridge of the Chiltern Hills. responsible for the Grand Union It is run by the National Trust Canal. For those who don't mind and entry is free. There are Grand Union Canal plenty of steps there are great Berkhamsted plenty of trails for walking and views from the top. The Canal runs past Berkhamsted and Berkhamsted has a history going back to cycling and a good chance of i Find out more about the Tring and is a great place to go for a at least 1066, when William the seeing a rich variety of wildlife. Estate at gentle stroll. The Grand Union Canal Conqueror was handed the crown of There is an easy access trail www.nationaltrust.org.uk Walk follows the edge of the canal England here. You can still see the and mobility scooters can be Tel 01494 755557 providing good views of colourful remains of the Norman Castle that was narrowboats negotiating the locks as well subsequently built. In more recent times as lovely Chilterns scenery. You can also Berkhamsted was home to the author take a cruise on the Canal from Pitstone Graham Greene. The attractive high Wharf near Pitstone to Marsworth and street has many interesting shops, cafes back between Easter and September. and restaurants. i Contact Grebe Canal Cruises at www.berkhamsted.gov.uk www.grebecanalcruises.co.uk i Tel 01296 661920

16 www.chilternsaonb.org 17 DUNSTABLE AND WHIPSNADE

he high chalky downs of DUNSTABLE A505 Whipsnade Wild Animal Whipsnade Heath Dunstable and Whipsnade are the A505 Whipsnade Heath contains areas of scrub Knolls Park Tlocation of some of the Chilterns' and woodland which have overgrown the The countryside arm of London Zoo has most popular visitor attractions, as well Totternhoe former commonland. There is a circular A5 acres of enclosures with everything from as some of its less well-known historic Dunstable route starting from the car park on the A4146 Downs tigers and rhinos to monkeys, hippos and features. You can easily spend a whole Whipsnade Tree Heath B4540 which takes you past the remains of Cathedral B4540 sealions. Set on a hilltop there are also day at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park chalk and flint . Many different where wallabies and bison help to keep B489 Whipsnade far-reaching views over the Vale of Wild species of bird can be seen and the site is Animal Aylesbury. Whipsnade has daily animal the chalk grassland in good shape! Park good for butterflies in the summer. There is events, a mini railway, cafes and a shop. There are plenty of circular walks in this B4506 a picnic glade near the car park. area with far-reaching views and quiet 181 Common You can bring your car in for an extra tranquil corners full of natural treasures. charge (waived if you have a disabled site of a medieval rabbit warren and if you badge). look up you may spot gliders and i www.whipsnade.co.uk Totternhoe Knolls Nature Reserve contains paragliders making full use of the Tel 01582 872171 the remains of a Norman motte and bailey This is one of the best-known viewpoints updrafts. Why not bring a kite to fly and castle built in the early 12th century and a on the Chilterns ridge. The chalk have a picnic on the grass. There is a medieval stone . Nature has taken grasslands of the Downs have miles of shop, refreshment kiosk and toilets. over now and swathes of wildflowers footpaths and circular walks. You can i www.nationaltrust.org.uk carpet parts of the site in summer, see 5000 year old burial mounds and the Tel 01582 608489 accompanied by many butterflies. There is a car park and picnic area.

Studham Common This ancient common has been used by villagers for centuries and today is cared Whipsnade Tree Cathedral for by the community as a haven for Planted to copy the layout of a medieval wildlife and a place for locals and visitors cathedral, this site was created in the to enjoy. The grassland is covered with 1930s to promote peace and flowers in summer and the areas of scrub reconciliation following the First World and woodland are home to plenty of birds. War. Many varieties of tree and can The Common is a great place to go for a be found as well as a dewpond. It is gentle stroll - there are no gates, stiles or situated on the edge of Whipsnade village steps and no steep slopes. Studham has a green and is run by the National Trust. couple of pubs and a farm shop. i www.nationaltrust.org.uk i Studham Common Walk: www.chilternsaonb.org 18 www.chilternsaonb.org 19 PEGSDON AND BARTON HILLS

land of gently rolling downland BARTON-LE-CLAY Barton Hills Sundon Hills Country Park with wide open views and Harlington Hexton Situated at one of the highest points in beautiful chalk meadows at the HITCHIN The chalk meadows of the Barton Hills B655 A Bedfordshire, Sundon Hills offers stunning National Nature Reserve are amongst the very northern end of the Chiltern Hills. Clappers Barton Pegsdon views towards Sharpenhoe Clappers and The perfect place for a rural retreat, with Hills Hills finest in the country, famous for their Sundon the surrounding countryside. There are its sleepy villages, interesting churches Hills spring display of pasque flowers and Country Upper A6 waymarked walks taking in woods, chalk and traditional country pubs. Park home to many butterflies. At one time the Sundon Lilley hillsides, grassland and picnic facilities. A505 Hills were heavily used by local graziers and Barton Brook was known as The flowers and butterflies provide a riot of Hitchin colour in spring and early summer. Open LUTON 193 'Washbrook'- it was used for washing Hitchin is a charming medieval market sheep before they went to market in all year. Admission free. town with many fine Tudor and Georgian Wildlife Trust. If you stand on the top of nearby towns. There is a circular trail to buildings, particularly around the market Deacon Hill on a fine day, you can see follow, visitor leaflets and information Harlington square. There are lots of tempting shops amazing views over much of Bedfordshire panels. Harlington originally had the Viking name and a Saturday street market by the and parts of . It is said you i www.english-nature.org.uk. of Herlingdone and is mentioned in the Church. This is an excellent base for can even make out Ely Cathedral on a Domesday Book of 1086. The village is exploring the surrounding countryside, perfectly clear day. The valley slopes and noted for its half-timbered houses dating with plenty of visitor accommodation in Sharpenhoe Clappers chalk grasslands are home to many rare from the 15th -18th centuries. The the town. and beautiful wildflowers.Thyme, This area of ancient Christian writer John Bunyan was i www.e-hitchin.co.uk marjoram and basil scent the air on sunny woodland and chalk interrogated at Harlington House in 1660 days, while bees visit the candytuft, rock grassland is owned resulting in his arrest for illegal preaching. Pegsdon Hills rose, harebell and other flowers which by the National Some of the stained glass windows in St. With stunning views from the top of the colour the hillside. Look out for skylarks Trust. Some Mary's Church depict scenes from hills this is one of the most spectacular nesting in the long grasses. historians believe Bunyan's book Pilgrim's Progress. There reserves owned by the Bedfordshire i www.wildlifebcnp.org that 2000 years ago are some scenic circular walks starting it was the site of an from Harlington and passing through Iron Age hill fort. A Sharpenhoe Clappers. beech wood now i www.chilternsaonb.org covers the plateau that might have been the interior of the fort. The name Did you know? During the London to 'Clappers' derives from the medieval Birmingham Air Race in 1937 a plane Latin term 'claperius', meaning a rabbit crashed on Barton Hills. The pilot escaped hole. Rabbit warrens provided a unhurt and was invited to breakfast at the consistent supply of meat and skins and Rectory where he stayed for a week whilst were a large part of the economy of the the village carpenter repaired his machine. time. 20 www.chilternsaonb.org 21 WALKING, CYCLING AND HORSE-RIDING i

he Chilterns AONB is one of the Walks for All These two leaflets can be downloaded Events and Activities best places in the UK to go for a from the Chilterns AONB website or There is a range of walks in There are many organised guided walks walk or bike ride. With 2000km of picked up at tourist information centres T the Chilterns suitable for and events to entice you out and about well-signposted footpaths and bridleways where you will find lots more local cycling people with impaired throughout the year, many of them free of you can explore every part of this guides and publications. mobility and users of charge. Glow-worm walks, family beautiful area on foot, by bicycle or on wheelchairs, mobility fun days, family bug hunts, farm walks, horseback. With easy access to paths scooters and pushchairs. Cycling in the Chilterns: a guide to pond dipping, boat trips….this is just a from most of the local railway stations it's You can download these all the promoted cycle routes in the taste of what's on offer. For a full listing simple to enjoy a day out without the car. from the Chilterns AONB website, or call Chilterns, plus information on bike hire, see our website or call for details. Walk through bluebell woods in spring or for a pack of Accessible Walks. repairs, tourist information centres, the blaze of leaves which carpet the cycling groups and more. Other ideas for getting out in beechwoods in the autumn. Enjoy open Cycling hillsides covered in spring and summer Cycle, Ride or Walk in the the countryside flowers and watch out for red kites Cycling is a great way to get around the Information about For an alternative way of seeing the overhead. area and the Chilterns offers a wide Central Chilterns: variety of biking from gentle cycling routes for cycling, horse riding, mountain Chilterns why not try a leisurely boat trip suitable for families to mountain biking biking and walking in the central Chilterns on the Thames or a horse and cart ride Walking and road racing. Wendover Woods is between Chesham, Wendover and Tring. stopping off at country pubs along the Exploring the Chilterns by foot allows you ideal for family cycling with its way- Also contains details of attractions and way. to fully appreciate the sights, smells and marked trails through the woods, or the refreshments stops en route, helping you sounds of the countryside. There are linking the market towns of to plan a day out in the countryside. Horse and Cart Rides. Enjoy a peaceful dozens of promoted walks in the area and Princes Risborough. For hard cart ride near Henley-on-Thames through beautiful Chiltern beechwoods and from long distance routes such as The core mountain bikers the Aston Hill Horse-riding Ridgeway National Trail, Way Mountain Bike Centre is one of the best countryside. Traditional Suffolk Punch There are many opportunities for horse- Path and Grand Union Canal Walk to in . You can use your horses will transport you along quiet riding in the Chilterns, with its extensive short circular walks. The Chilterns own bike or hire one. country lanes and bridleways. Try a 'Pint Conservation Board produces a range of network of bridleways. There are several to Pint' tour of up to four traditional 20 short circular walks leaflets, ranging promoted routes ranging from short, country pubs or a trip to a nature reserve. from 2 - 6 miles. These Chiltern Country surfaced way-marked trails (for example, i For further details call Country Ways, Walks include pub walks, family walks in Wendover Woods) to long distance Tel 01491 641324 and walks from railway stations. They are routes such as the 65 mile Swan Way. A downloadable from the Chilterns AONB number of local stables offer hacking Look out for wildlife as you cruise along website, along with a number of other though you may have to complete an the Thames from Henley-on-Thames on a walks. assessment lesson first. pleasure craft. i To book call Hobbs i www.bhs.org.uk/where_to_ride Boats Tel 01491 572035 /southern.htm for more information on riding schools. www.chilternsaonb.org 22 i Tel 01844 355508 23 FURTHER INFORMATION i

Transport information Further information on the Tourist Ordnance It is easy to reach the Chilterns and to Chilterns information Survey maps travel around by public transport. Main The AONB website rail lines from London (Euston, Kings centres covering www.chilternsaonb.org is a Cross and Marylebone) and Birmingham Marlow, 31 High St, comprehensive source of information on the Chilterns serve 20 stations across the area. 01628 483597 attractions, walking and cycling routes, Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps show all Journey times are 35-50 minutes from Aylesbury, 8 Bourbon St, events and local products to be found in footpaths, bridleways and National Trails London and 90 minutes from 01296 330559 the Chilterns. as well as pubs and tourist facilities. The Milton Keynes, 411 Secklow Gate East, Birmingham. There are regular bus following cover the Chilterns area: services from London and Oxford, and 0870 1201269 For further information on events and Explorer Map 171 (Chiltern Hills West, local buses serve many of the attractions Wendover, The Clock Tower, activities on the Thames: Henley-On-Thames & Wallingford) listed in here. 01296 696759 www.visitthames.co.uk Explorer Map 172 (Chiltern Hills East, High Wycombe, Pauls Row, For further information: High Wycombe, ) (train times) www.nationalrail.co.uk 01494 421892 For accommodation and food, visit the Explorer Map 181 (Chiltern Hills North, Tel 08457 484950 Princes Risborough, Horns Lane, websites listed here or contact the relevant Aylesbury) 01844 274795 tourist information centre. Explorer Map 182 (St Albans & Hatfield) Henley-on-Thames, Kings Arms Barn, (bus times) www.traveline.org.uk Explorer Map 193 (Luton & Stevenage) Tel 0870 6082608 01491 578034 www.visitbuckinghamshire.org Thame, The Market House, www.visitsouthoxfordshire.co.uk For more information or to purchase In addition, the London Underground 01844 212834 www.visitbedfordshire.org these maps online visit Metropolitan Line reaches Amersham, Maidenhead, The Library, www.herts.co.uk www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk Chesham and . 01628 796502 www.visiteastofengland.com - Herts and Tel 08456 050505 Wallingford, The Town Hall, Beds 01491 826972 Oxford and London www.visitsoutheastengland.com - Bucks Hemel Hempstead, Dacorum Information Both cities are within easy reach of the and Oxon Centre, 01442 234222 Chilterns for a day or an evening out. www.goodguides.com/pubs/search.asp Find out more at: Tring, 99 Akeman St, www.oxfordcity.co.uk 01442 823347 www.visitoxford.org St Albans, The Town Hall, Oxford Information Centre 01727 864511 Tel 01865 726871 Luton, Luton Central Library, 01582 401579 www.visitlondon.com Dunstable, The Library, www.virtual-london.co.uk 01582 471012 London Information Centre Tel 020 729 22333

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