Haddenham to Aylesbury via Gibraltar and Ford Walk

23.4 km (14.6 mi), with 177/180m ascent/descent. For a shorter walk see below Walk Options.

3 out of 10, with 5 hours walking time. For the whole outing, including trains, sights and meals, allow at least 7 hours and 45 minutes.

This pleasant walk through the scenic heart of Aylesbury Vale provides for fine views of the Chiltern ridge as well as to other surrounding hills to the north, as it passes through the tranquil Thame Valley, linking up several unspoilt and picturesque hamlets, while passing four good village pubs en route.
After lunch, several pastures and a substantial, newly planted community woodland are passed through. Later the stately mansion of Hartwell House is rounded, before the route heads into Aylesbury for tea.

The regular Oxford to Aylesbury bus service is never far away from the route, making it easy to choose a shorter option.

The Oxford to Aylesbury bus route (200/280) along the A418 offers an option for a shorter walk, either taking you back to Haddenham station or on to Aylesbury bus station (200m from the rail station). It runs every 20 minutes weekdays, half-hourly Saturdays and hourly Sundays, and you can catch it from many points along the route, either after lunch in Gibraltar or Dinton, near Dinton Church (halfway through the walk), or later in the afternoon in Hartwell (4 km from the end). Details are to be found in the walk directions.

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

Haddenham & Thame Parkway (HTP) station, map reference SP 731 085, is 10 km south west of Aylesbury, 22km east of Oxford, and 81m above sea level. Aylesbury Station, map reference SP 817 134, is 78m above sea level. Both are in Buckinghamshire. HTP station is on the London Marylebone to Bicester main line. Aylesbury is on the Marylebone to Aylesbury line (also operated by Chiltern Railways), but is also served via a loop branching off from the Bicester line at Princes Risborough. Buy an ‘Aylesbury Return (any route permitted)’-ticket, this covers the outward journey up to Princes Risborough. You might then have to pay on board for a single Princes Risborough to HTP extension (there are no barriers at HTP). Journey times are between 34 and 51 minutes to HTP, with two trains per hour, and between 60 and 70 minutes from Aylesbury, with three trains per hour.

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

The Crown at Cuddington Aylesbury Road, Cuddington, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0BB (01844 292 222). The Crown is located 7.1 km (4.4 mi) into the walk and a characterful Grade II listed pub.
The Bottle & Glass Thame Road, Gibraltar, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8TY (01296 748 444). The Bottle & Glass is located 10.3 km (6.4 mi) into the walk.
The Seven Stars Stars Lane, Dinton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8UL (01296 749 000). The Seven Stars is located 10.9 km (6.8 mi) into the walk. It was saved from closure by local people purchasing the freehold.
The Dinton Hermit Inn Water Lane, Ford, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8XH (01296 312 877). The Dinton Hermit is located 13.6 km (8.5 mi) into the walk. It derives its name from a legend surrounding the execution of King Charles I (see “Notes”).

The Bugle Horn Oxford Road, Hartwell, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8QP (01296 747 594). The Bugle Horn is located 19.6 km (12.2 mi) into the walk and 3.7 km from the end of it. It started life as a farmhouse, but during the early 1800s it was used as a wine store for Hartwell House, whilst Louis XVIII of France lived there in exile. Initially known as the Plough, the current name comes from the fossils of the same name that can be seen in the pub’s walls.
The Hartwell House Spa Café and Bar Oxford Road, Hartwell, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR (01296 746 526). The Hartwell House Spa Café and Bar is located 20.0 km (12.4 mi) into the walk and 3.3 km from the end of it.
Aylesbury Station Coffee Shop One4six Coffee Station Approach, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 1RU.

A plethora of options in Aylesbury City Centre (see Walk Directions pdf), recommended is:
The King’s Head King’s Head Passage, Market Square, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2RW (01296 718 812).

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

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

Aug-21 Thomas G