Time Out Country Walks near London Volume 2

Walk 1 : Wendover Circular

New Walk Options

Alternative, More Energetic Ending via Coombe Hill

This more energetic ending to the Wendover walks (the main walk, short walk and Monks Risborough to Wendover) takes you up over Coombe Hill, another fine Chiltern viewpoint. It involves one very steep hill climb.

1. When you come to the road just before point [7] in the walk directions, do not cross the road to the church (unless you want to visit it), but instead turn right along the road. In about 50 metres, turn right up a car wide gravel track, heading back uphill. In 250 metres, fork left off the track, following a signposted footpath (ahead is private anyway).

2. Cross diagonally across a large field, on a clearly marked footpath. In 700 metres, when you come to the road, turn right for about 100 metres. Then turn left off the road up a signposted footpath, that takes you straight up the hillside on the the ridge.

3. When you emerge from the trees, there is a footpath slanting diagonally left along the edge of the clearing. It is tempting to take this (and it does lead to the top of Coombe Hill), but for better views, carry on straight up the hill for another 100 metres or so to the crest of the ridge. Turn left along the crest, on a broad grassy path, with a line of scrub to your right and a magnificent view to your right.

4. In 600 metres you come to Coombe Hill and its monument to the Boer War. Note that if you look backwards at this point, you get a fine view of Chequers, the country retreat of the serving prime minister.

5. After admiring the view, with your back to the monument and facing the view, turn right to follow the ridge, with the escarpment to your left on a bearing of roughly 60 degrees. Follow the clear path along the edge of the ridge as it descends gently for two kilometres into Wendover. When you reach the road, keep straight on downhill. The station is just beyond the dual carriageway, and Wendover High Street, with its tea options, is straight ahead.