We are the Chiltern Young Walkers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
A 10-mile circular walk through the rolling hills of the Chilterns around West Wycombe, featuring farmland, ancient woodland, a few steep climbs, and several cheekily named bottoms along the way!
No sooner does the walk begin, and we’re climbing the first steep hill of the day up to the Dashwood Mausoleum. The Mausoleum was built in 1765 on the site of an Iron Age Hill Fort and stands on top of West Wycombe Hill next to the Church of St Lawrence.
Once at the top, (and after catching our breath and admiring the views) we head along the top of a ridge through Hearnton Woods. After descending steeply through woodland and fields, we soon start climbing up the other side of the valley towards the village of Piddington. We pass through Jane’s Wood, along Piddington Lane, eventually reaching Wheeler Common. It’s then through farmland and more woodland tracks to Studley Green.
After passing through Beacon’s Bottom we enter Bottom Wood. This 11.5 hectare ancient woodland dates back to before 1600 and is home to over 700 different species of plants and animals. As I found during the recce, it is also home to quite a lot of mud! If lucky we may also see the last few bluebells of the season. We will pause for lunch in Plomers Bottom, and if there’s space in the garden and the weather is kind, hopefully stop for a quick drink at the Dashwood Roadhouse in Piddington.
After a few more ups and downs we return to West Wycombe and the car park. The cafe should still be open for anyone wishing to enjoy some further refreshments.
Parking is available in the West Wycombe Garden Centre car park (charges apply). The Walled Garden cafe is open from 9:30 for anyone who wishes to grab a drink or snack before we head off. Alternatively there is the option of free parking in the National Trust car park at the top of West Wycombe Hill - however you will need to allow plenty of time to walk down the hill to the start point.
West Wycombe Garden Centre Car Park
