The Wonders of West Wycombe, 9.5 miles, moderate

Calendar

When:

April 7, 2024 @ 10:45 am – 4:15 pm

2024-04-07T10:45:00+01:00

2024-04-07T16:15:00+01:00

Where:

West Wycombe Hill car park, West Wycombe, HP14 3AH

Contact:

Jonathan

Walk

car required Circular medium pace moderate Walk

A 9.5 mile circular and quite hilly walk featuring ancient woodlands and iconic landmarks, exploring the wonders of the Chiltern Hills around West Wycombe.

Advance booking is not required, but if you plan on attending this walk, please indicate this on Meetup if you can, so others can see that there will be plenty of people going.

Pace: medium. Ascent: 412m.

Walk details

We start our walk from the National Trust car park at the top of West Wycombe Hill, heading 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.

Skirting around the edge of Beacon’s Bottom we enter Bottom Wood nature reserve where we will stop for lunch. This 35 acre 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!

There may be the opportunity to stop for a quick drink at the Dashwood Roadhouse in Piddington after lunch – however this will be subject to there being sufficient room in the garden (and the weather).

After a few more ups and downs it’s back to West Wycombe and the final steep climb up to the Dashwood Mausoleum and the start point. This 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. The tower of the Church, which is capped with a golden ball, rises behind the Mausoleum and together they form one of the most famous landmarks in Britain.

Travel details

By public transport

Unfortunately there is no public transport available to this walk. Feel free to use either our Facebook group (members only) or the comments section on the Meetup event page to arrange lifts – there are often members who are happy to help!

By car

Free parking is available in the National Trust car park at the top of West Wycombe Hill at the end of the West Wycombe Hill Road.

Notes

Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking onto a walk

Most walks do not require advance booking, and you can just turn up on the day. We encourage those comfortable with Meetup to indicate there that you plan to come though, so that others can see there will be plenty of people there – this really helps to encourage new members to come along.
For the few which still have limited numbers, this is handled via Meetup. Follow the link to a walk’s Meetup page (or press 🎟 Register / 🎟 Tickets / 🎟), and mark yourself as attending.
Social and other events may have their own booking system – please see the event description.

Pace Guide

Gentle: led at a gentle pace with regular short breaks for water or rest. Should be suitable for anyone capable of the distance. (Expect 2–2.5 mph.)
Medium: led at an intermediate pace with fewer breaks but still suitable for most walkers. (Expect 2.5–3 mph.)
Fast: led at a quick pace with minimal breaks. May be a challenge for those with less fitness. (Expect 3 mph+.)

Speeds quoted are only a rough guide, including time spent on short water/rest stops and negotiating stiles/gates/roads etc. but not that spent on longer lunch or pub stops.