Best Summer Walks

 Walk 1:
River Thames, Hambleden Lock

River Thames, Hambleden Lock

Hambleden-Henley

Catch the right weekend and you can see all the preparations for the Henley Regatta…catch the wrong weekend and you’ll catch the Henley Regatta…check before you leave. Half of this 10 mile walk is along the River whilst the remainder returns by way of quiet lanes and villages…and of course, the last part takes in the Hambleden Valley, a favourite part of the Chilterns. Henley makes a convenient place to stop on this walk
 Walk 2:
Pistone, Ivinghoe

Pistone, Ivinghoe

Ivinghoe & Pitstone Windmill

All walks that include Ivinghoe Beacon are good and this is made better by including the Pitstone Windmill. There are some spectacular pictures of this windmill, not something we managed as we passed. There are a few hills, so be prepared. We rounded off this 9 mile walk with lunch in Aldbury, a great way to finish.
 Walk 3:
Time-like-a-rolling-stream...The-Thames,-Hurley

Time-like-a-rolling-stream…The-Thames,-Hurley

Hurley

Another Thames Valley walk, this time from Hurley. No steep climbs on this 10 mile walk and some evocative views along the River. Walks in the Thames Valley have a very different feel from those in the Chilterns…unsurprising really!
Walk 4:
Through-the-tress-from-Sharpenhoe-Clappers

Through-the-tress-from-Sharpenhoe-Clappers

Sharpenhoe Clappers

This 9 mile walk is at the opposite end of the Chilterns as the hills peter out into the Bedfordshire flatlands. There are some good views from the Sundon Hills and the Clappers themselves. Only one hill, at the end, back up to the car…tough on a hot day.
Walk 5:

Looking east towards Fingest

Ibstone

A 10 mile walk that includes the ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang windmill’ at Turville. The walk from Southend to Turville includes one of the classic Chiltern views. A few hills on this walk but nevertheless an enjoyable walk through the upper part of the Hambleden Valley.