The stated length of this walk on its home page is 11.5 miles, not 13 miles

The GPS route (dated 2017) shows 12.5 miles, so the published version was probably under-estimated. And a comment on the walk page mentions a detour for the HS2 works, so 13 miles seems about right. [Dirk is also proposing the alternative Coombe Hill ending, but that looks about the same length].

I take your point regarding the GPX length.

The comment refers to the standard ending of the walk, ie not going over Coombe Hill. I strongly advise walkers NOT to do this at present, as it does indeed go right across HS2 works. Coombe Hill is much prettier anyway.

There may possibly be a minor diversion at the start due to HS2 works, but it shouldn't add more than a few hundred metres. All the rest of the walk is unaffected.

After one of the previous postings of this walk a walker mentioned that his GPS measured 21km. So did mine. Hence, I quoted 21km. The reason for this discrepancy is unexplained at this time, but there are some walk options before lunch, as well.

Dirk

🧙🏻‍♀️🧹👻 Pre Halloween HS2 spooky spacial distortions perhaps? 👻🧹🧙🏻‍♀️

9:27 cancelled, any suggestions?

Only option is the 10:27

Update with ne sugestion: Take the 9:38 to Princes Risborough. I will make up a walk from there.

As can be seen from the comments, an early problem on this walk was that the specified train was cancelled, with the next not due for an hour. But Saturday Walkers are a resourceful lot and 7 of us soon regrouped and got the 9.38 to Princes Risborough.

On the train we discussed options. One was to do the Wendover Circular as a Princes Risborough Circular, but the lack of obvious tea options weighed against this. So instead our walk poster quickly compiled and shared a GPX which provided a longer route to the Red Lion in Whiteleaf, the usual Wendover Circular lunch stop.

This proved to be a very pleasant walk in the woods in mainly sunny weather. The beech colour, though far from its best, was very vibrant in places, and there were some interesting fungi. We got to the pub at about 1pm (?). Six ate, exploring all facets of the relatively short menu, while our backmarker caught us up and enjoyed his trademark cider and shared chips.

After lunch we had the Big Climb and then the Big Descent, which the backmarker cleverly avoided by taking the Little Side Path, meeting us on the other side. Our walk poster then took us up a shady gully, after which we crossed Pulpit Hill. Past Ellesborough we walked through a yellow field of mustard (?) and climbed the near vertical side of Coombe Hill (good training for next year’s Scotland trip apparently).

It was now 4pm and still sunny, but the sky to the south west forecast the imminent arrival of rain. So we hurried down to Wendover, where five us of managed to worm our way into Rumsey’s on condition we drank out of paper cups and ate cakes out of cardboard boxes using wooden forks.

Through all this we had been watching the return trains, which were in a proper mess, with no fewer than four cancelled. But luckily the 17.54 and 18.24 survived the slaughter, and after a brief drink in the Shoulder of Mutton all seven of us caught the former, emerging from the pub into torrential rain, which we were happy not to have had to walk in.

The train was packed, with many young’uns in fancy dress. We raised the tone by discussing the role (or otherwise) of Christianity in setting human standards of morallity. Before we knew it we were at Marylebone and it was back to our humdrum daily lives…

12 on this walk, plus a dog who showed unflagging energy. The weather was grey . “Sunshine will break thorough,” promised the weather forecast. Reader, they lied.

At Marylebone all trains were marked delayed….except ours, which left on time. In the past these strike day services have been lightly used, but word seems to have got round. The train “non-stopped” (as rail staff like to say) to Amersham, which puzzled me as Harrow-on-the-Hill and other normal stations en route were open. Only on the way back did I work this out: they didn’t want Underground passengers looking for a quicker way to town to overload their trains. Since they were operating a skeleton service, they could have put on more than two carriages, however.

What to say about the walk? The beech leaves looked nice, there were fields thick with buttercups and some cowslips. At one point there was a creditable carpet of bluebells, but they are on the fade now. There was a bit of mud but not masses: perhaps it is finally starting to dry out.

We got rather strung out, though this was partly my fault as I twice went off piste due to an overconfidence in my ability to remember the route. It was one of those walks when you keep coming across fellow walkers unexpectedly in the woods, like stragglers from a defeated army.

At the start I had suggested bypassing Whiteleaf to lunch at the Plough in Lower Cadsden. This proposal being met with silence, five of us went to the empty Red Lion to enjoy hearty food, speedily served, while two had sandwiches outside. Two more went on to have their sandwiches on Whiteleaf Hill in the expectation of sunshine that never materialised. Unfortunately one had thought we WERE eating at the Plough and went there to find it fully booked. She squeezed a meal out of them and ate it alone. (Sorry about that…)

In the afternoon two baulked at the big steep climb up Coombe Hill and set off to walk around its base instead. They materialised just beyond its summit about 20 minutes later, insisting they had walked on a level path without any noticeable gradient. They refused to believe they WERE on top of the hill, even as we walked along its ridge, with fine views of the wildebeest-strewn plains below. There is something here that would bear further investigation.

My party got to Wendover at 17.10, with the 17.27 train yawning temptingly. I doggedly set off with a companion in search of tea, but we met two others coming from Rumsey’s, which they said was just closing, and this caused a collapse in morale. We got the (rather crowded) 17.27 after all. I don’t know if anyone went to the pub. In other times, in other company, we would have checked….

10 people at the station, and 2 caught up later so 12 in all. The weather was mainly sunshine and showers . We all walked together up to Dirtywood Farm, and then took the short option directly to Whiteleafe Hill. Here we separated, three people went on to the Red Lion (where 2 others had already arrived) and the others went on to find a suitable picnic spot.

Lunch at the Red Lion was served quickly and the food was good, with a real fire adding to the cosy atmosphere. After lunch we retraced our steps for a short distance. We five then split up and two took the lower route along the Aylesbury Ring, and three of us went on up to Coombe Hill and the monument. There we were rewarded by a beautiful panorama of the country below us in the evening sunlight. After that onto the station where we met the two who had taken the lower route. They reported that some of the paths were closed off requiring diversions to get back to the station

I've done this walk a few times but don't think I've ever succeeded in following the correct route all the way (see below). Five picknickers on Whiteleaf Hill became 7 as we met the two late starters shortly after. Most of us tried to take shelter from a torrential shower in Ellesborough Church porch, where the new arrivals took the chance of an overdue sandwich. After that we all opted for the Coombe Hill route but when we saw how muddy and slippery the steep path up was, we decided to try and walk round the bottom.

At this point some of us got a bit distracted when we realised that a group of people passing us going downhill included a very prominent politician with a local residence. He says hello. After a brief chat with some of his security detail, we headed off and failed to find the path we wanted (two ahead knew where it was . . .) so we ended up on a path curving gently up nearly to the top of the hill. Then more slithering down to Wendover and the 1628 train.

14 meeting at Wendover station in warm partly sunny conditions. This is a great autumn walk and certainly did not disappoint with plenty of trees starting to change into their autumn colors...We had a leisurely morning spotting various fungi in the woods. Most dined at the Red Lion which which dealt with our sudden arrival well... After lunch some explored a different route up Coombe Hill through the woods on the Princes Risborough to Wendover book 1 walk. About half the group reassembled at the Shoulder of Mutton in Wendover for a bevie before catching the 18:55. A great autumnal day out!

4 set off, we decided on the Cross Coppice short cut (some of us having had a late night previous evening). Arrived at the excellent community owned Russell Arms, Butlers Cross just before 2 for a leisurely lunch. After lunch thoughts of going up Coombe Hill were dropped. An overcast day some morning drizzle .

Absolute classic walk. Especially in this season.

Is the walk still on? It is raining this weekend

No need to apologise at all. You could have posted however a Pr Risborough C. instead doing almost the same walk but with different lunchstop. It would have been much faster travel route, min 34 min v min 1 hr, but also more expensive, £24 v £19.60 or from boundary £16 v £8.50. Perhaps something to bear in mind next time you wish to go somewhere with replacement buses.

Too late to change?

Anonymous,

Weather never cancels these walks. Only serious train service disruptions or maybe floods could impact the scheduling of these walks. We haven't decided yet if volcanic eruptions or biblical plagues should have any impact ....

Anyway, the weather forecast is wet until maybe 10:30 and then broken clouds. So it promises to be better than last year when we were drenched in the morning and then quickly dried up in brisk winds in the afternoon.

See you there.

Dirk

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

There was a lot of rain forecast, and what with mention of a bus replacement service, and an early start it was no surprize therefore that a meagre 5 walkers arrived at Wendover for the start. However the replacement bus was well organized and proved to be swift and easy. Sunshine dappled through the trees and we enjoyed an array of autumn colours, all across the spectrum from yellow to brown. The initial dampness cleared to leave a day of dry with glorious bright sunshine . We saw a lot of pheasant and disturbed a fair few from the hedgerow, there were plenty of rabbit, sheep and horses. The red kites circled overhead screeching and calling. One walker left early, citing a short cut through the wood and was not seen again. Four made our way to the Red Lion in Whiteleaf where we all ate well; the cosy pub had an open fire. The fare was sufficient rather than exciting, but service was friendly and quick. In the afternoon a sequence of steep hill climbs put us through our paces! We overtook a meet up group of 21 who seemed to be enjoying themselves, possibly following SWC instructions. It was a lovely stroll through the Chiltern woods in autumn, our exertions rewarded by stunning panoramic views from Coombe Hill. Back in Wendover, two rushed for the 16:35 bus/train whilst two recharged with tea, cake and purchased provisions for the journey home from the superb cheese and wine deli, giving the chocolatier miss for a change.

I will be taking the 957 train and doing the 8 mile shortcut via cross coppice.

Doing shortcut but getting the advertised train. Why split the group so soon? We'll be in groups of no more than 6 anyway.

My train is half an hour later than the advertised train. Happy to walk on my own. No worries.

A worrying number of strange walkers on the train turned out to be a ramblers group. 7 of us gathered outside the station to be joined by 2 car drivers who had got mixed up with the ramblers & with 1 on a later train made 10 in all. As an organised group, after a quick reminder to maintain distance, we 9 headed off smartly to get ahead of wherever the other group was going. Within about 10 minutes we were clearly going to be a fast & moderate group with one person being between the two. So this is a report on 4 moderate walkers. We decided to stay high rather than descend to the pub & had a picnic on Whiteleaf Hill and its lovely view in the sunshine . After Pulpit Hill, we managed to join up with the late start walker and finish the walk together.

The Shoulder of Mutton was only serving bookings, despite having empty tables. We made do with café Istanbul across the road - friendly service, uncomfortable chairs - before getting the 1556.

9 I think. We split up as soon as we left Wendover Station with the faster walkers soon outpacing the followers who were never seen again. Four of us, at least, did the full walk (though two, in the best traditions of SWC, "explored an alternative route" after lunch before eventually finding our way back on track), and one other a variation on it. Four of us stopped at the surprisingly quiet Red Lion in Whiteleaf for a drink (no food being served there at present). The weather was w+sunny-and-warm and the Chilterns as lovely as ever with some fine views over the Aylesbury plain.

Thanks to Pete for scheduling this classic. The standard ending is a bit dull so must tackle Coombe Hill next time. The Plough is open at the weekends and will do food. First come, first served policy. Plenty of outdoor tables.

11 apparently set off from the suggested train.

Another 4 started later and did their own 10k route

Another 1 got an even later train and walked up Coombe Hill and then tumbled down from Coombe Hill and met 4 in the Russell Arms where a two hour lunch was had before walking back to Wendover for the 16.53 train home.

The weather in the morning was bloody awful with heavy rain and blowy I am led to believe from chatting to others on the train home

I being the one who did 6 K's in total, station pub station. One of our esteemed members used to do a lot of this but car pub car but I haven't seen him for the longest time. Next time I see him I will offer him some chips so I am sure most of you know who I mean

Some others might like to fill out the reports with horror stories (it is Halloween) of how the day went but I will finish with weather mixed and number 16

Well posted Dirk

Hope to see all of you soon

Bridie

My GPS logged 22.5km which is 14 miles, quite a bit further than the 11 miles advertised. This via Coombe Hill.

Don’t be alarmed by the fenced diversion at the start of this walk taking you around HS2 workings. The route around the fence is a tad circuitous, but it only affects the first field. Thereafter the route is unaffected.

Cracking walk. Thanks for scheduling.

Bacombe Hill, the last bit of the ridge before Wendover when coming down from Coombe Hill, is carpeted with wonderful flowers at present - rosebay willowherb, St John’s wort, and lots of very rarely seen common valerian, plus a range of downland species. The walk route slants down the side of the ridge but you can stay on top of it for the best effect (and views): all paths come down to the road at the same place.

The short-cut at Cross Coppice reduces the walk to just over 8 miles. Nice. The later train at 9.57 will do. Good.

10 off the train plus 1 car driver, so 11 walkers in rain to noon sunny breaks from 1 type of weather. The rain was proper rain, rather than the drizzle that some of us had expected, so layers were added as we shuffled away in two groups. The slow group had their luncheon at The Red Lion (firmly shut of course, so we sat on the roadside wall), and just as we were ready to get up and going again, the 'fast' group turned up! Navigational difficulties, apparently... They walked on and up Whiteleaf Hill for their break.

By now it was dry and plenty of blue sky could be seen, just in time for the 'with-views' part of the route. One short stretch of fenced path between Pulpit and Beacon Hills, else wide open spaces. At Ellesborough Church the eternal question needed answered: Coombe Hill or not Coombe Hill? 2 of our group of 5 said yes, the rest were indifferent, so up we went. 2 of the other group were seen not far behind us doing the same thing, so 7 in total up the Coombe. Plenty of people there, but easy to stay away from them.

Us 5 descended along the top of the ridge to Wendover, as per Walker's recommendation in his earlier comment, and were indeed delighted by the wildflowers on show. Thanks for the tip. The 15.56 train was doable, but we had spotted plenty of people milling around along the High Street, so assumed some nourishment must be available in the village. Lady Grey Tea Rooms was still shut (open from 4 July), but Rumsey's and Whitewaters were selling takeout drinks and cakes. We plumbed for Whitewaters and consumed the goods on the benches by the War Memorial. At the station the other 4 were encountered, half an hour behind us, despite walking the valley ending. There must have been some further navigational issues, one deducts from that...

16.26 train.

18 on this walk including one late starter who caught up with us at lunch. The weather was cloudy but warm . The foliage was mostly green but with some orange tints in places, and this still made an excellent autumn walk. I was probably the only person who noticed the lovely maroons on the dogwood shrubs and the pink on some brambles.

Conversation was remarkably political at times, with Brexit, HS2 and the prospect of a Corbyn government all featuring from time to time. But I think by the end we had reached a happy consensus on all these issues. (Or maybe not.) On the train home the conversation turned to Strictly, which I noted prompted more enthusiasm from some hitherto relatively silent walkers.

We had two - three? - newbies on the walk who had done our walks previously with friends and now were trying the group. We hope all the political stuff did not put them off... Late morning our walk poster led us on a variation which cut out the road walking near Whiteleaf Hill and which certainly made sense to me.

Lunch at the Red Lion was very cosy. They get brownie points for having two vegan options (though I am not sure these vegans should really be allowed choice: it gets them over excited...). I think we we’re all happy with the food. All of the group I was with did the Coombe Hill variation at the end and two got a bit lost and did a variation on the variation. We all steamed up the very steep climb in such a way as to make one proud to be an SWC-er.

After that there was nothing for it but to endure chocolate cake and tea in Rumsey’s. Five of us then went to the Shoulder of Mutton for a drink - and to swop happy tales of summer travel.

Make that 19 A certain Billy No-mates started an hour later so as not to spoil everyone else’s day. (The real reason is even more embarrassing - a misread train time).

Took the “Now that's what I call a” shortcut (purely to catch-up, you understand). Did eventually catch up with the advance guard but only on the station platform. Would have done Coombe Hill if I’d remembered the way. Can report, however, that the Russell Arms is now a community owned pub and a lot friendlier than the sniffy wine bar it became a few years ago. Also, in case no-one noticed any of the many signs, Ellesborough church does teas on Sunday afternoons.

Intend going.

Just 2 set off under cloudy skies for a lovely evening walk through the fresh iridescent leaves of the beech trees along the way….Notwithstanding the clouds (and a light shower), we were treated to some nice sunset color on the western horizon and more significantly bumped into a badger on its evening promenade...We arrived at Coombe Hill for the sunset and made our way down to Wendover for a quick meal before catching the 21:56....A good evening walk to remember for this time next year....

2 night owls disembarked at Monk's Risborough in dark but surprisingly dry and mild conditions after witnessing a major deluge of rain from the train en route....I guess donning the waterproofs on the train worked their magic....It was an atmospheric journey up and down hills through dark woods with only the regular hooting of owls and one largish (yet unidentified) critter that crossed our path for company...We managed not to be apprehended by security forces while passing through the woods surrounding Chequers...and enjoyed a nice view from Coombe hill before the gentle descent to Wendover for a lite bite and drink at the recently re-opened and refurbished Shoulder of Mutton pub....a fine evening out....looking forward to future installments....

There's a lovely cheese and wine shop on the High Street, open until 5PM. Excellent wine selection. If you choose the same bottle of wine, you could share and save on price.

I did this walk today, 13th, and bought a Prosecco and a white one for 12 pounds each.

Tickets: for those with Freedom Pass this covers you Marylebone to Amersham so only buy ticket on from Amersham.

I will do the short version 8.4 miles (via Coppice Cross?) with a late lunch at the Russell Arms around 2pm.

Hi all,I would like to join but I'm just worried we won't be able to meet without phone contacts. Where is the meeting point? Many thanks

Meeting point is on the platform at Wendover when the specified train arrives (1045 if all goes to plan). The walking group should be obvious as there are unlikely to be many other people around.

See the notes on the This Week's Walks page for some brief notes and a link to more details for first-timers.

The gpx has this as a 20.2 km walk, with the pub reached after 10.6 km (and three of the five ascents), so a later train for the Network Railcard-holders (10.27, arrives 11.15) should still leave enough time to get to the pub before last food orders (just confirmed to me as 14.00 hours)...

I intend getting the later train and if necessary will join you for a ginger beer in the pub....

Rich

I won't make it Tomorrow. Because 1. I will be working and 2. It will be my Birthday.

I won't make it Tomorrow. Because 1. I will be working and 2. It will be my Birthday. But I hope the Walk goes well for you.

Hi actually I think the Chilterns trains allow you to board the train before 09.30 as I recall Thomas when you led a walk from Princes Rishborough to Wendover on a Wednesday we got the 09.15 train in winter. Those with network card was also alllowed.

I shall board the train at Harrow on the Hill

at the stated time. Hope the this helps for those without Freedom pass or SEnior rail card.

Monica

Not for a Network railcard, but senior is ok. you can also get the train at harrow-on-the-hill just after 1009

Hi, I'm currently at Marylebone station. See you at Wendover

The 3 late starters caught up with the main group at the lunch pub, and when we all left, I counted 16. 1 other (1 of the 3 late starters) was still inside, finishing lunch. 1 other had apparently walked her own short walk straight from the platform to lunch in Butler's Cross. I make that 18 , which is a record for this walk! [at least as far back as attendance numbers have been kept on the website] The weather was sunny and warm for the time of year .

"Russet Hues-rating": not that great in the first third of the walk, I'd say, what with lots of brown leaves on the floor and lots of green ones on the trees. That changed markedly in the middle of the walk, along the north-facing woods, here we got the riot of browns, reds and oranges we had hoped for. Else: fine far views into Aylesbury Vale, plenty of ups and downs, soapy but not muddy ground, nice company.

Most if not all of the fast walkers did the 'via Coombe Hill' variant, some even fit in the - off route - top of Beacon Hill just before that.

We crossed the railway bridge in Wendover just as the 16.23 was pulling out, so decamped to the Shoulder of Mutton, or so we thought. But it's heavily scaffolded, with most of the interior bare and with lots of builders doing what builders do. Unfortunately, the Chef & Brewer website doesn't give a clue whether that's just a freshup or a close down and conversion to residential... So we strode on to the Tapas Bar/Restaurant next to the Wine and Cheese Shop. 8 of us settled in there for a couple, others went for a tea somewhere else. 17.20 train for both those sets of people. Others still went straight to the station for the 16.53.

For the non-alcos, the wine and cheese shop also do very good coffee and sweet stuff, and opens late on Saturday.

keen on this any takers? hope to see 1 fellow walker. thanks monica

Me too.

Me three! :-)

Intend going.

6 of us set off from Wendover on an overcast but dry day. Two of our number deep in conversation dropped back mid morning never to be seen again. Lunch at the Red Lion - standard fare and efficient. At Ellesborough 1 of the 4 opted for the Coombe Hill finish. We arrived in plenty of time for the 15:27 back to London. A good day out.

Two latecomers joined the walk, didn't quite catch up with the main group.

Woodland area above Wendover very beautiful with gold rustling leaves underfoot. Slight confusion on redundant stiles in instructions. Long version of walk well worth doing. Red Lion Pub very good. This is unlikely to be the SWC but we overheard mutterings of discontent from the landlady about walkers who'd earlier eaten their sandwiches on the garden benches without buying anything, and whom she then reminded to buy a drink. Walk instruction at Whiteleaf Cross a little confusing :the Eastern direction path walk was not a car width as specified in the instruction.

Sad to see HS2 banners of what is now to come.

Enjoyable company 9 on this walk. Largely overcast all day. Learnt what Pokerman is from two of the walkers and understood why the Holocaust Museum in Israel aren't overly impressed with its makers leaving objects to find in their museum! Three of us had tea and cakes in Wendover and I had the very rare pleasure of being able to order vegan cake.

Going dancing

4 of us got off the specified train at Wendover at 11.15 and we had to keep up a keen pace to cover the six miles to the Red Lion in time for lunch, arriving at 1.40 or so. There we found two walkers who had got an earlier train and so 6 on this walk in all.

There was good colour on the tops and exposed sides of the beeches, though tinting has not yet reached down to path level. However, in compensation the paths were all still bone dry, a contrast to the gloopy mud that can now not be far in the future.

There was lots of upping and downing in this walk but we still elected to add the biggest up of all, the very steep climb onto Coombe Hill of the alternative ending. Alas, by now it was grey after a partly sunny morning so the view, while extensive and sharp, was also a bit bleak.

We descended to Wendover just too late for the chocolatey temptations of Rumseys, and that was enough to send two directly to the station. But four of us repaired instead to the Shoulder of Mutton, each to their respective end of walk treats (plum crumble and custard for me and a nice pot of tea, a large red wine for others). 5.55pm train home.

Hi there. I am very excited to do this walk with you guys. My husband, yorkie and I will see you guys at Wendover station at 10.15 sharp!

first outing for me with SWC, looking forwards to this one

10 on this walk including two first timers. We separated into two groups of five, the trailing group including two who were intending to take the short walk option. The remaining eight came together again at the lunchtime pub but became fragmented again after lunch, two trailing behind from the off, and two more going astray after briefly falling behind. A chill, overcast day with a brief spell of mizzle when we set off, balanced by an equally brief glimpse of blue sky soon afterwards. A few signs of spring here and there, though it didn't feel like it.

10

4 walkers dull day. Some confusion at Pulpit hill fort. Directions had us foxed. Good going in the forest and grass tracks but hard work in the mud, heavy clay and ploughed fields. A super walk. Please post again in summer. Russell Arms outstanding food, wine, and service all with TWO roaring fires. Please correct their phone number! Enjoyable outing. Thank you walk poster. A good choice.

01296 624 411 Phone number for Russell Arms. Also on Sunday serves food until 4pm.

4

Looking to attend this. Is anyone else planning on doing this walk?

Quite new to this but looks as though each week there is always a few people that meet.

Hannah

Hi Hannah,

I might do this walk, I will confirm tomorrow morning though,

Nadim

Hi Hannah,

Walkers don't normally put a note to say that they are going to do a walk. There are always others on the walk and I'd be surprised if there aren't quite a few on this one. If you look at the "recent walks" tabs you'll see some examples of numbers turning up on walks recently.

Ok thank you. That's really helpful

13 set together from the station to be joined by one more at the lunchtime pub. Most of us planned to do the Coombe Hill alternative after lunch but were persuaded to by our late starter to do a variation that took us to Coombe Hill via Chequers.

14