Finchley & Hornsey is a friendly group, open to everyone. We walk mainly in Herts and surrounding counties.
Jean W.
Distance: c. 9.5 - 10 miles (circular)
Key Highlights: Stunning views, beautiful historical village linked to Chaucer and royalty, ancient pilgrimage churches and almhouses, amazing ancient yews, cream tea, hopefully snowdrops will still be in bloom
Terrain: Undulating chalk downland with some steady climbs and descents; field and woodland paths and tracks
Pace: Moderate
Start/finish: St Botolph’s Church, also called Swyncombe Church, off Church Lane at Swyncombe
Refreshments: Picnic lunch in Ewelme; Snowdrops Cream Tea at St Botolph's Church (seasonal)
A rewarding winter walk through classic south Oxfordshire downland and a village rich in medieval history. From the 11th century St Botolph’s Church in Swyncombe, the route passes through Ewelme Park, once a royal hunting ground, before climbing to Harcourt Hill for wide views across the Oxfordshire plains.
The walk then descends into Ewelme for a picnic lunch at the 15th century St Mary the Virgin Church. You will feel you can almost touch the late Middle Ages at Ewelme, where the ancient 3000 year-old Icknield Way passes. Time to explore the beautiful village includes the tombs of Thomas Chaucer and Alice Chaucer, links to the Geoffrey Chaucer family, and the remarkable adjoining 15th-century almshouses still in use today.
The return follows Swyncombe Downs, bringing us back to Swyncombe in time for their annual Snowdrops Cream Tea. Walkers wishing to linger can enjoy a seasonal highlight – a snowdrop choir performance (4.30–5.30pm) – a fitting close to a day of history, winter landscape and village hospitality.
Please bring a picnic lunch. Hiking poles recommended as paths can be slippery when muddy, and there are some steady climbs and descents.
Meet at Swyncombe Church (also called St Botolph Church) which is off Church Lane in Swyncombe. Parking is on the lane outside the church. Please note there is Thames Waterworks at Christmas Common if coming from the M40, and it's best to take the B4009 junction to Watlington, rather than the Stokenchurch junction off the M40, to avoid the Waterworks. Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tqA97Cew9PiNG3788
