WALK: Coombe Hill, Buckinghamshire
Crown of the Chilterns
Epic views are an obvious lure of this hilltop walk, but with flocks of fieldfares, peculiar anthills and ancient woodland, there’s plenty more to inspire a winter wander, says Vivienne Crow
Walking out to the war memorial on the exposed summit of Coombe Hill, the highest point in the Chilterns, is always stirring.
You have reached one of the first war monuments built to commemorate the dead rather than celebrate victory. Coupled with a bracing northerly wind or a mist hanging over the Vale of Aylesbury below, it can’t fail to bring out goosebumps.
Beyond the monument, the Ridgeway National Trail heads along the top of the wildliferich chalk escarpment, enjoying far-reaching views over the Buckinghamshire countryside before we head into ancient woodland.
Start from the Trust’s car park, three miles west of Wendover. It has a picnic area and information panels, including a map, but no toilets.
THE ROUTE
2.8 miles/4.5km | 2 HOURS | EASY
1. MONUMENTAL VIEWS
A wheelchair-friendly path leads north from the gate on the western side of the car park entrance as far as the monument. As well as distant views, the Prime Minister’s country home, Chequers, is spotted in the valley below.
2. ALONG THE RIDGEWAY
No longer suitable for wheelchairs, the main route heads east-north-east along the hilltop, following Ridgeway National Trail signs and entering woodland. Fork right soon after a panel with details of the wildlife that thrives on these chalk hills. Watch for flocks of fieldfares and redwings stripping berries from trees and shrubs.
3. GRASSLAND ANTS
A kissing gate provides access to airy grassland sporting the pimply anthills of the yellow meadow ant. Bear right at two faint forks. The path then dips.
4. INTO TREES
Just before it climbs again, turn sharp right along the signposted ‘Aylesbury Outer Ring’. Descending through trees, keep left at the next waymarker. Turn right along a broad, beech-flanked track for 0.6 miles.
5. ANCIENT TRACKS
Take the bridleway on the left to enter Low Scrubs, majestic woodland where, for centuries, local people were allowed to collect wood for fuel. Keep straight on at an iron fence embedded in a tree, following one of the ancient routeways criss-crossing the area. Turn right at a T-junction and, in 275 metres, right again.
6. BACK TO THE START
Go left at the bottom of the slope and then bear right at a signpost. Go right again at a T-junction and, when this path ends, turn left to re-enter the car park.
SITE DETAILS
Car park (free to NT members), info board, picnic area. nationaltrust.org.uk
Vivienne Crow is a photographer and writer who specialises in the outdoors.