Best Autumn Walks in the Chilterns with a Food Stop
Crisp autumn days are now upon us and a perfect excuse to get out the walking shoes and discover some new parts of the Chilterns. And now restrictions have eased why not walk and then enjoy a pub stop too. Many of our clients choose to move to the area – known as the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to get greater access to green space, woodlands and walks. With plenty of amazing walks on our doorstep, here are our top picks.
Wendover Woods
With over 800 acres of woodland on the edge of the Chiltern escarpment there is so much to discover! Owned by the Forestry Commission there are a variety of different walks through scenic woodland including a fitness trail for those who are feeling energetic. Wendover Woods are perfect for families with well-maintained paths for walking and cycling. A creative woodland play area is situated near the fantastic café to keep all youngsters happy.
Food stop: There is a large café in Wendover Woods. If you drop down into the village of Wendover you will find a wide variety of options on the High Street including The George and Dragon pub Also there is a fab Spanish restaurant Tres Corazones – Spanish Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in Wendover.
Whiteleaf Hill Nature Reserve
Walkers head to Whiteleaf to enjoy the far-reaching panoramic views across the valley to Princes Risborough. Whiteleaf Hill is well known for its butterflies, wildflowers, leafy woodlands, history, geology, archaeology. Whiteleaf is part of the Ridgeway National Trail thought to be Britain’s oldest road. Much of its 137 km (85 miles) follows the ancient chalk ridge route used by prehistoric man so walking here really does feel like you are in the footsteps of history! Whiteleaf Hill Nature Reserve
Food stop: The Whiteleaf Cross in Princes Risborough The Whiteleaf Cross Princes Risborough
Cliveden National Trust
Most visitors to Cliveden will head to the famous house, the maze and the stunning parterre but a mile down the road is the Woodland car park and the start of glorious walks in the Cliveden Estate bordering the Thames. A new fitness trail around the woods makes for a fun and approach to the walk as you can stop at the various ‘stations’ to complete the exercise task. The woods line the steep cliffs above the Thames and walkers can enjoy stunning views to Cliveden House or chose to take one of the paths down to the river itself. For younger family members a new woodland family play trail has been created to test balancing, climbing and den building skills! Cliveden National Trust
Food Stop: Astor Grill at Cliveden House The Astor Grill Restaurant in Berkshire | Cliveden House or National Trust Conservatory restaurant. Or try The Feathers Pub just outside the main gates. Feathers | Burnham | Chef and Brewer
Burnham Beeches
Located near to the village of Farnham Common, Burnham Beeches encompasses 540 acres of ancient woodland and wildlife habitats. There is a large open green perfect for ball games and picnics and many family groups come together here at weekends. The area is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders who all enjoy stopping at the excellent Beeches Café. Burnham Beeches is a National Nature Reserve and a Special Area of Conservation. There are two lakes, a host of paths through varied woodland and a raised boardwalk through the special conservation area. Whilst out walking don’t be surprised if you come across cows and horses which graze freely here. Visit Burnham Beeches and Stoke Common – City of London
Food Stop: The Beeches Café. Or take a short walk into Farnham Common and visit The Royal Oak Royal Oak | Farnham Common | Chef and Brewer pub or Italian restaurant La Cantina del Vino La Cantina del Vino
Penn Woods
There are a range of options for walkers at Penn Woods. There are shorts stroll around the myriad of trails within the woods – passing huge alleys of rhododendrons and ancient avenues of trees to longer trails crossing over from the village of Penn Street to Common Wood. Penn Street is a quintessential English village with a grassland common and cricket pitch central to the village. Penn Wood – Visiting Woods – Woodland Trust
Food Stop: The Hit or Miss pub Wonderful friendly village pub, great food, great beer, lovely staff. (thehitormiss.co.uk) or the Squirrel Pub HOME | The Squirrel Pub overlooking the green.
