The after Christmas turkey burner in the Chiltern hills, 9.5 miles, moderate

Overindulged over Christmas? Fancy a challenge? This scenic and undulating walk in the Chiltern hills will put your post-Christmas fitness to the test…

Walk details

This walk starts in the lovely village of Stokenchurch which is situated in the Chiltern hills in West Buckinghamshire and just off the M40, so should be easily accessible from many directions. We walk away from Stokenchurch, winding through Commonhill wood and then Bowley’s Wood, then we will encounter our first climb, followed by a short descent and then another ascent up to Cowleaze Wood. After crossing the road, we will walk through the Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve, where we should be rewarded with fantastic views looking back towards Oxfordshire.

It is likely that we will pause for our lunch stop here, and catch our breath before descending towards the Ridgeway, where the route remains relatively flat for the next few miles. We continue on the Ridgeway alongside the abandoned Watlington and Prices Risborough railway, if you look carefully, you may see the wooden and concrete posts that once bordered the track. Shortly before we reach the village of Chinnor, we will turn and climb through Crowellhill Wood. This is a long hill where you may find walking poles or additional Brussels sprouts will help assist you up the hill!

Once we have conquered Crowellhill wood, we will walk along a very quiet road for a short section before we once again enter a wood, this time for a long descent through Crowell Wood, towards Lott Wood and the end of our walk. There are one or two more climbs but by this point, you’ll be well into your stride and these will hardly faze you. It is then a simple walk back into Stokenchurch where we can find a source of refreshment as a reward for our hard work!

Travel details

Please park responsibly in the village and meet at the village green near the Fleur De Lis pub in Stokenchurch.

There is unfortunately no public transport route to the start of this walk.

Notes

• If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
• Please be considerate to other path users and step aside to let people past – and don’t forget to say ‘hi’ or ‘thanks’!
• Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
• It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
• If it’s a rainy day, please bring waterproofs.
• Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking details

• Do not turn up for the walk without booking, else we will have to turn you away.
• Book a place on this walk by completing this Google Form. Booking will open the Wednesday evening before the walk.
• If you have any queries, please email walkbookings@berkshirewalkers.co.uk.