Deep Woods & Rolling Hills
There’s no finer country in the south of England than the Chilterns: unspoilt yet minutes from London. We’ve pulled together a remarkable three day thirty mile walk to take you through the finest scenery the Chilterns has to offer. Deep woods, rolling hills is just the start. There’s also red kites, deer, the Vicar of Dibley, a glimpse of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a wine estate, chapels and bars, a touch of the bluegrass smokey mountains, and a final conclusion at Goring – where the Thames used to flow somewhere else. Read on.
The itinerary starts at Marlow with its attractive setting on the Thames. The walk winds its way along the Thames itself before climbing gently into the the Chilterns, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ( AONB ). You will pass some quaint villages then upwards through steep sided valleys into the cathedral-like beech woods, past historic churches and manor houses, and finally down via the ancient Ridgeway National Path back to the Thames at Streatley and Goring.
The walk takes us though some well marked paths with sections on The Thames Path, the Chiltern Way and the Swans Way. Most walking is easy with some occasional steep inclines. The entire route is on public footpaths and bridleways. A detailed guide will be provided along with a marked OS Map to assist your journey.
Despite the quiet and tranquil nature of the walk we have chosen routes where refreshment can be obtained en route and forms an essential part of the enjoyment. The famous Bull and Butcher in the “Vicar of Dibley” village of Turville is en route; the Five Horseshoes is reached after a climb that is to the Chilterns what Everest is to the Himalayas; the award winning rustic Black Horse appears out of nowhere; and the unique “Blue Tin Smokehouse” will get your juices flowing .
Itinerary summary:
3 walking days
4 nights of accommodation
(The first day is relatively short at 8 miles enabling some to start walking on their travel day and cutting out one night of accommodation)
Walking distance: 30 miles
Start/Finish: Marlow and Goring/Streatley
Price per person Shared: £550; Single: £850
