Haddenham Circular via Brill walk

27.8 km (17.3 mi), with 429m ascent/descent. For a shorter walk see below Walk Options.

7 out of 10, with 6 hours 15 minutes walking time. For the whole outing allow at least 8 hours 45 minutes.

This is a very rewarding walk through the pleasant rolling countryside of the north westerly parts of Aylesbury Vale, just north of the Chilterns, with some far views on clear days. The walk first crosses the Thame Valley north of Haddenham and then passes through the area of the ancient Bernwood Royal Hunting Forest on a wide circular route to return south on a different route back through the Thame Valley to Haddenham.
The lunch stop is in any one of two charming pubs in the ancient hilltop village of Brill. A short loop around the village, providing far views into five counties, passes its well-preserved windmill in a prominent position on Brill Common, before a long descent from this steep-sided village follows.
There are a few ascents throughout the walk at regular intervals, with the third one – up to lunch in Brill – the longest, as the walk links a total of four hilltop villages and crosses one other hill chain. It also contains several arable field crossings.
A shortcut reducing the effort to 4 out of 10 is described.

The walk contains several arable field crossings as well as plenty of pastures, hayfields and meadows, some of which will feature high grass in summer.

Shortcut: Half-way through the morning, cut out the recommended lunchtime destination, the charming hilltop village of Brill, this cuts 7.6 km (4.7 mi) and 156m descent/re-ascent. The recommended lunch stop for the short walk is in Ashendon, and this route is rated 4/10.
There is also a minor shortcut in Brill itself.

OS Explorer Map: 180 (Oxford) & 181 (Chiltern Hills North).
OS Landranger Map: 165 (Aylesbury & Leighton Buzzard)

Haddenham & Thame Parkway station, map reference SP 731 085, is 10 km south west of Aylesbury, 22 km east of Oxford, and 81m above sea level. Haddenham is in Buckinghamshire. The station is on the London Marylebone to Bicester main line. Journey times are between 38 and 51 minutes.

Saturday Walkers’ Club: Take the train closest to 9.30 hours.

The Pointer 27 Church Street, Brill, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9RT (01844 238 339). The Pointer is located 12.1 km (7.5 mi) into the walk.
The Pheasant 39 Windmill Street, Brill, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9TG (01844 239 370). The Pheasant is located 12.9 km (8.0 mi) into the walk and also offers accommodation.
The Hundred of Ashendon Inn Lower End, Ashendon, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0HE (01296 651 296). The Hundred of Ashenden is located 18.6 km (11.6 mi) into the full walk and 11.5 km (7.2 mi) into the short walk. Awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for several years. They also serve sandwiches and more traditional dishes from a Bar Snack Menu.

House of Spice 19 Fort End, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire HP17 8EJ (01844 292 934). An old pub converted into an award winning restaurant. Located 1 km from the station.
Smarts Fish & Chips 5 Banks Parade, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire HP17 8ED (01844 291 791). Located 1.2 km from the station.
The Rising Sun 9 Thame Road, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire HP17 8EN (01844 291 744). Located 900m from the station.
Little Italy Espresso Bar, Haddenham and Thame Parkway Station, Thame Road, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire HP17 8EW (01844 290 426).

After the walk, we would love to get your feedback

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Start HP17 8EQ Map Directions

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National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Travelline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Jun-22 Thomas G