The Ridgeway
The Ridgeway offers a journey through magnificent scenery as well as a passage through time. It is an ancient track which was used by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers.
The distinctive landscape of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is the most undulating with several climbs in and out of valleys and is therefore the most strenuous part of The Ridgeway, but don’t worry, it’s not that tough!
From Watlington, the trail is relatively flat for the first five miles before a steep climb up Chinnor Hill. At the summit, you are treated to breathtaking panoramic views. There is also a nature reserve which is home to rare wildflowers during spring and summer, as well as birds such as red kites and kestrels.
The trail then winds through fields, past small woodlands and along the southern edge of Princes Risborough. As you leave the small town behind, you begin another tough climb up to the summit of Brush Hill; a nature reserve with lovely views over the Chilterns and an important habitat for wildlife, flowers, and birds.
You descend to the road and then make another ascent over Grangelands and Pulpit Hill and eventually to the highest viewpoint in the Chilterns, Coombe Hill. From the summit of Coombe Hill, you experience wonderful views over the Aylesbury Vale. You then make a short descent into Wendover.