Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom walk

20.1 km (12.5 mi)

6 out of 10

This walk combines some of the finest elements of the Chiltern Hills, while having very little overlap with other walks in the area. After leaving Wendover in a south easterly direction on the Ridgeway the walk rises into woods, which are rich in Bluebells in springtime. It then passes along fields to get to the picturesque green in The Lee, a conservation area village. From there it continues through woodland and the beautiful Lee Common to a 16th century lunch pub at Swan Bottom. After crossing some more fields, the afternoon section then leads entirely through woods right up to the outskirts of Wendover: it re-joins the Ridgeway for a while and then descends steeply off the escarpment down an ancient Holloway. Only to rise again, on forest tracks with some magnificent panoramic views , until getting to the highest point of the walk in the middle of Wendover Woods. From there the route to Wendover meanders through the woods, passing a wildlife hide and an ancient hill-fort site, before descending steeply to the plains.

Trains go from Marylebone station, on a half-hourly service (hourly on Sundays), journey time 47 minutes. There is a large car park at the station. Great Missenden (an alternative ending) is on the same line, one stop closer to London.
Take the train closest to 9.45 hours if intending to eat at the Old Swan, halfway into the full walk; or the train closest to 10.30 hours if intending to eat at the Cock & Rabbit or if taking Shortcut I

The Cock and Rabbit Inn/Graziemille Restaurant, The Lee, Buckinghamshire, HP16 9LZ (01494 837 540). Food served 12.00-14.30 and 18.00-23.00 Monday to Friday, 12.00 to 23.00 Weekends. Located 7.3 km (4.6 mi) from the start of the walk, this pub cum Italian Restaurant has been under its current management since the mid-80s. It features a seasonal Italian menu in the restaurant, but also traditional walker’s classics on the bar menu. It has a big seating area inside with a fireplace and a large garden at the back.
The Old Swan, Swan Lane, Swan Bottom, Buckinghamshire, HP16 9NU (01494 837 239).Open 18.00-21.00 Mon, 12.00-15.00 and 18.00-23.00 Tue-Thu, 12.00-23.00 Fri-Sat and 12.00-19.00 Sun. Food served 12.00-14.30 and 18.45-21.00 Tue-Thu, 12.00-14.30 and 18.30-21.00 Fri-Sat and 12.00-15.00 Sun. Located 10.0 km (6.2 mi) from the start of the walk (4.9 km if taking Shortcut I), The Old Swan is a family run 16th century freehold public house with exposed beams and a roaring log fire. It has been awarded Cask Marque accreditation for its ales, and serves sandwiches as well as a limited but diverse menu of high quality dishes plus a handful of weekly specials at reasonable prices. At weekends it is advisable to book ahead.

Wendover Ending

• Café in the Woods, Wendover Woods, St Leonards Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5NF (01296 620 294). Open 9.00 –17.00 weekdays, 09.00-18.00 weekends.
• The George & Dragon, 4-6 Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6JQ (01296 586 152). Open 17.00-23.00 Mon, 12.00-14.30 and 17.00-23.00 Tue-Thu, 12.00-24.00 Fri-Sat and 12.00-22.30 Sun. Food served 18.00-20.30 Mon, 12.00-14.00 and 18.00-21.30 Tue-Sat and 12.00-22.30 Sun. A traditional pub serving authentic Thai cuisine.
• Crumbs Coffee, Town Court, High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP226EA (01296 622 468).
• The Red Lion Hotel, 9 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DU, (01296 622 266). Open 11.00-23.00 Mon-Thu, 11.00-24.00 Fri-Sat and 12.00-22.30 Sun.
• The White Swan, 18 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EA, (01296 622 271). Open 12.00-23.30 Sun-Thu and 11.00-00.30 Fri-Sat.
• Whitewaters Deli Café, 5 Chiltern Court, Back Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EP (01296 623 331). Open 09.00-17.30 Mon-Thu and 09.00-18.00 Fri-Sat.
• Rumsey's of Wendover, The Old Bank, 26 High Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EA, (01296 625 060). Open 8.30-18.00 Mon-Sat & 10.00-18.00 Sun.
• Lady Grey Tearoom, 26 High Street, The Little Barn Courtyard, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6DU, (07519 834 251). Open 10.00-16.00 Mon-Wed & 10.00-17.00 Thu-Sun.
• The Shoulder of Mutton, 20 Pound Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6EJ (01296 623 223).Open 11.00 –23.00 Mon-Sat and 12.00-22.30 Sun. Food served 11.30-22.00 Mon-Sat and 12.00-21.30 Sun. A red brick, ivy-clad traditional 18th century pub, part of the Chef & Brewer chain.

Great Missenden Ending

• Café Twit, Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre. 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 0AL (01494 892 192). Open 09.00–17.00 Tue –Sat, 10.00–17.00 Sun. No dogs allowed.
• Origins at the White Lion, 57 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 OAL (01494 863 696).
• The Cross Keys, 40 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 OAU (01494 865 373). Open 10.00-23.00 Mon-Wed, 10.00–01.00 Thu-Sat and 10.00-23.30 Sun. Food served 12.00-15.30 and 18.30-21.30 Mon-Wed, 12.00-21.30 Thu-Sat and 12.00-16.00 Sun. A 16th century historic pub (Fuller’s) with outside seating.
• Matilda’s, 30 High Street, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 0AU (01494 890 411).
• The Pantry on Platform 1, Great Missenden Railway Station, Station Approach, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 9AZ (01494 868 699). Open from 05.30 every day.