Chequers and the Chilterns

On The Ridgeway National Trail

Beechwoods and bluebells, chalk ridges of short, springy rabbit-cropped grasses; blazing autumn colour - these are the classic images of Buckinghamshire's Chiltern Hills. Bodgers and charcoal burners once lived and worked in these woods fashioning legs and spindles for High Wycombe'schair industry, but now they are the preserves of deer, red kites, pheasants, foxes and other wild creatures that reward the sharp-eyed visitor.

The undisturbed charm of the Chilterns countryside lingers in little valley towns like Amersham, Chesham, Great Missenden or Beaconsfield, whose half-timbered cottages, antique shops and pubs give them a relaxed and leisurely air. Around them is an intricate network of country lanes with lush verges of cow parsley and pink willow herb, linking tucked-away hamlets like Little Missenden, Hampden or Speen, each with yet another excellent pub. All provide access to some part of the 2,000 kilometres of way-marked footpaths and bridleways which criss-cross the Chilterns. These include "Britain's oldest road", the pre-historic Ridgeway, now a signposted National Trail that follows the crest of hills and downs from Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire.

Your Country Escape

Follows The Ridgeway for 6 miles, beginning in the unspoilt market town of Princes Risborough. Leave the town turning right into Brimmers Road behind Budgen's car park, turning left onto The Ridgeway after about 300 yards. The Trail leads up Whiteleaf Hill to the ancient carving of a chalk cross, a pleasant place to take a breather and enjoy the far-reaching views. Drop in for lunch perhaps at the Red Lion in Whiteleaf village or go on to Cadsden, crossing the lane beside the Plough Inn and climbing gently back up to the ridge and on to Pulpit Hill, a nature reserve on the site of an Iron Age fort. From here the Trail leads on to 19th-century Chequers, the prime ministers country home, crossing the drive near the main gates. A steepish climb brings you then to Coombe Hill where the monument to the Boer War marks the highest point in the Chilterns. This is a favourite spot for picnicking, flying kites or simply gazing over the panorama of patchwork farmlands in the broad Vale of Aylesbury below. From here The Ridgeway drops down to old-world Wendover, passing the station and following the High Street where hostelries include the Red Lion Inn.

Fact File

Distance 6 miles; 2 ½ hours. Signposted throughout with The Ridgeway National Trail acorn symbol. Further information about The Ridgeway is available from www.nationaltrail.co.uk or 01865 810224. For further information about the Chilterns visit www.chilternsaonb.org.

To complete your break you might also visit:
The Roald Dahl Museum & Story Telling Centre, Great Missenden;
Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe (NT);
West Wycombe Caves;
The Home of Rest for Horses, Speen;
Lacey Green Windmill.

Tourist Information Centre
Wendover:
The Clock Tower,
High Street,
Wendover
HP22 6DU
Tel: 01296696759
Email: tourism@wendover-pc.gov.uk
Website: www.visitbuckinghamshire.org

Travel by train to: Princes Risborough or Wendover.