We are the Chiltern Young Walkers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Paul R.
Are you ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Chilterns? Join us as we walk the Chiltern Way in stages, discovering picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and hidden gems along the way. This long-distance trail, covering approximately 177 miles, offers a perfect mix of rolling hills, wooded paths, and open fields. From historical landmarks to cosy pubs, each stage of the Chiltern Way promises new discoveries and delightful experiences.
Section 10: Wendover Dean to Ashridge via Tom's Hill
A classic linear stretch of the Chiltern Way through the heart of the central Chilterns, finishing at Ashridge. Expect rolling chalk hills, open farmland, sweeping views and stretches of beech woodland, with the possibility of late bluebells still lingering in May. This is a full-day walk at a steady pace, with 13 miles and around 300m of ascent, so good fitness is required. Walking boots are essential, and please bring a packed lunch.
We begin in Little Hampden, a tucked-away Chiltern village with a fine medieval church, before crossing the upper Misbourne Valley near Wendover Dean. Here we pass over the HS2 works, a striking contrast between modern infrastructure and this ancient landscape shaped by chalk, water and centuries of farming. Climbing gently towards Lee Gate and Buckland Common, the scenery opens into classic Chiltern farmland, with sweeping views and rolling contours.
A welcome pause awaits at the White Lion, a traditional country pub long serving walkers and locals alike. From there, we follow stretches of Grim’s Ditch, an impressive Iron Age earthwork believed to be over 2,000 years old, taking us towards Wigginton. The route then descends into the Bourne Valley, crosses the Grand Union Canal at its highest point between London and Birmingham, we then cross the West Coast Mainline railway built only 38 years after the canal. We finish by ascending Tom’s Hill into the Ashridge estate. Ashridge itself was once part of a great monastic estate and later a grand country house setting, now managed by the National Trust and renowned for its beech woods and bluebells, which will hopefully still be present in mid May.
A varied and memorable day showcasing the landscapes, history and character of the Chilterns.
Dogs welcome on leads.
Toilets at Ashridge and the White Lion pubstop halfway.
Did you know we're on Instagram? Follow us at @ChilternYoungWalkers to see pictures from our walks!
Become a full member: CYW are part of the Ramblers and you may try up to three walks free. When you decide to continue walking with us, please see details at 'Become a member' to join the Ramblers.
Meet at the Ashridge, the first carpark on the left of the drive 10:00 where we end out walk - we will organise ourselves into cars and head to the actual start point, Little Hampden where we start walking from.
Start Point: Heads up! This is a linear walk, so we'll meet at the walk end point: Ashridge. From there, we'll arrange car shares to the starting point: Little Hampden Common, near the Village Hall at 10:45 If you need to go directly to the start, you're welcome to make your own way home from the end. Otherwise please check with the leader first.
We finish our walk back at Ashridge. Volunteers are requested drop those people who drove earlier back to their cars at Little Hampden.
