Princes Risborough, Ellesborough. Moderate

A figure of eight walk, approximately 12 miles (19.4 km) long, through the undulating
Chiltern Hills, encompassing sections of the Ridgeway, Icknield Way Trail, Aylesbury
Ring, and Cradle Footpath.
From the station we will walk along the pavement / grass verge for just over ½ mile
(0.8 km) before heading into the countryside. (We cross several stiles and pass
through several kissing gates on the walk). For approximately the next 2 miles there
is generally a gentle incline and some undulation across the fields followed by a
short section of lane / grass verge walking and a further field, then we face our first
and steepest incline up into the woods (climbing 330ft (100m) in just under a ¼ of a
mile (0.4 km) ) - this has mud / wooden edge steps, some rather worn - you may
want to bring walking poles. We will stop as required to recover from slopes along
the way. We may spot deer near / in the woods. At the top we follow a broad,
relatively flat path, through the woods for ¾ of a mile (1.2 km), cross a road then
walk along the edge of the woods / fields, slightly undulating, and possibly muddy at
times for a approximately 2½ miles (4 km) before crossing another road for a short
ascent into Pulpit Wood where there was once a small Iron Age hill fort.
We follow the path for a further mile towards Chequers Knap, and then another mile
gradual descent into Great Kimble. Depending on the weather / pace we will break
for lunch in either the woods, field with a view, or by one of the churches. From Great
Kimble we follow the path for approximately ½ mile (0.8 km) to Little Kimble (passing
close to the station). A short section of pavement walking brings us to All Saints
Church, Grade 1 listed, with 13th – 14th century wall paintings and tiles (we will stop
for a brief visit if open).
We join part of the Aylesbury ring for approximately a mile to Ellesborough where we
ascend the hill to St Peter & St Paul church, Grade 2* listed, for a quick stop to
recover and admire the view of Beacon Hill, before a gentle climb to the side of it
(possible option to make the steep climb up / down) followed by an ascent which has
mud / wooden edge steps. We follow the path near to the Chequers Estate (the
Prime Minister's country residence), there maybe cattle in the fields, before heading
gently down to Grangelands & Rifle Range Nature Reserve. The Rifle Range
was used by the army from the 1940s-70s.

We pass the hamlet of Cadsden before our last steep climb - Whiteleaf Hill, there is
a great view from the top. We then follow the path to Brush Hill and then head gently
down for approximately 2 miles (3.2km) back to Princes Risborough. The walk will
end at the ‘Bird in Hand’ pub, a short distance from the station.
Additional Information:
Please bring a packed lunch, plenty of water, and something damp proof to sit on.
Bring comfortable walking boots, rather than trainers. You may find walking poles
useful for support on the slopes.

There are stiles, gradients – a few steep, uneven paths (tree roots / may need to
walk around fallen trees).

Sorry, no dogs, (there were deer in a field near the
woods on the recce and when I led the walk for another group, plus cattle in a field
that we had to cross.)
There may be the option for tea & cake at the church at Ellesborough

Walk Leader Mike S