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Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk

Along the Ridgeway through the Chiltern Hills and through many splendid woodlands, a conservation village and idyllic Lee Common

Buckinghamshire Circular

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Date Option Post # Weather
Sat, 23-Nov-24 a Wendover to Great Missenden via The Lee and Swan Bottom (with short option)
Wed, 08-Nov-23 Chilterns in the Fall: Wendover circular via Swan Bottom (and maybe the Lee) 10 light rain clearing by early afternoon
Sat, 17-Jun-23 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom 3 started cloudy and cool but got hotter
Sat, 14-May-22 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom 9 warm and sunny
Sun, 10-Apr-22 Wendover Circular via the Lee and Swan Bottom 11 warm sunshine with a cooling breeze
Sat, 05-Jun-21 a Wendover to Great Missenden 9 sunny
Wed, 21-Oct-20 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom - a fairly energetic walk through the Chiltern Hills and its woods 4 rained steadily for most of the day
Sat, 26-Oct-19 a Leaf Colours (finally?): Wendover to Great Missenden 1 some drizzle to lunch rain thereafter at times hard
Sat, 22-Dec-18 a Wendover to Great Missenden 12 sunny
Sat, 06-Oct-18 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom - Chiltern woodlands
Sun, 08-Jul-18 Charms of the Chilterns 6 hot
Sat, 23-Dec-17 b Wendover to Great Missenden 16 very low clouds initially then lifting a bit
Sun, 03-Sep-17 The best of the Chilterns 6 cloudy am light rain pm cool
Sat, 03-Dec-16 Saturday Third Walk - Wendover Circular 10 cloudy initially to sunny in the afternoon
Sat, 02-Jan-16 b Saturday Third Walk - Chilterns: From Wendover to Missenden 4 wet
Sun, 01-Mar-15 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk 4
Sat, 11-Oct-14 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk 11
Sun, 13-Jul-14 f Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk 3
Sun, 15-Jun-14 a Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk 0
Sat, 12-Oct-13 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk 9
Sun, 07-Apr-13 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk 6
Wed, 16-May-12 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk
Sat, 05-May-12 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk
Sat, 14-Apr-12 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk
Wed, 04-Apr-12 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk
Sat, 21-Jan-12 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk
Wed, 04-Jan-12 Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom Walk

Saturday 23-Nov-24

Thomas G
Length: 21.6 km (13.4 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 296 m
Net Walking Time: ca. 5 hours
Toughness: 5 out of 10
or
Length: 16.4 km (10.2 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 230 m
Net Walking Time: ca. 4 hours
Toughness: 3 out of 10
Take the 09.27 train from Marylebone to Aylesbury (Harrow-on-the-Hill 09.39), arrives Wendover 10.16, for the full walk.
Or the 10.27 service, if walking the short version.
Return trains: xx.00 hours (56 minutes journey time) to 18.00, then xx.30.
Buy a Wendover return ticket .
This fairly energetic 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. 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. The afternoon offers constantly changing scenery. It completely avoids settlements and roads, mostly following grassy fields, while still passing through a variety of varied and characterful woods. Several beautiful valleys are crossed in between and the finish is a scenic descent into Great Missenden.
Lunch: The Cock and Rabbit Inn (7.3 km/4.6 mi) in Lee Green seems to have lost its very traditional Graziemille Restaurant and may not be in business anymore entirely. Call them before relying on them for food. Or The Old Swan in Swan Bottom (10.0 km/6.2 mi). This was reported to be under new ownership as of last year, but it might be closed again and it is in any case unclear whether they serve any food.
Tea : Cafe Twit , Cross Keys (pub), Matilda's (Bistro Café), Pantry on Platform 1 …
For walk directions, map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here . t=swc.140.a
  • Tue, 12-Nov-24

    The Cock and Rabbit was open and serving wholesome food when we visited on 9 October on the Chesham to Gt Miss walk. The dining space is not large though so it’s definitely good to phone ahead

Wednesday 08-Nov-23

Sandy

Length: 9.3 miles (15 km) or 12.4 miles (20 km) 5/10

I hope this will make a good autumn walk round the hills and woods east of Wendover with lots of tree colour if the leaves haven't all been blown off by Storm Ciaran (there is no overlap with the recently posted Wendover circular via Coombe Hill). Given the time of year, the recommended option is to do Shortcut 1 from the directions, missing out the loop to the Lee where the Cock and Rabbit pub isn't open at lunchtime anyway. Fast walkers should be able to do the full 20 km walk in daylight, however.

Travel: 1027 from Marylebone, getting to Wendover at 1116. Return trains at 24 and 54 until 1624, then 1652, 1718, 1754. If you want to give yourself some extra time for the full walk, you could get the 0956 and start half an hour earlier.

Lunch: The Old Swan, Swan Bottom Swan Lane, Swan Bottom, Buckinghamshire, HP16 9NU (01494 837 239) is 5 km from the start of the walk if doing shortcut 1, 10 km if doing the full walk. The pub's Facebook page says it is open and serving food from 12-3.

Tea: Too many options in Wendover to spell out here, see the list on the main walk page. The Shoulder of Mutton pub is nearest the station.

Shortening the walk : As well as the recommended shortcut, there are a couple of smaller ones possible in the afternoon.

For walk directions, map and GPX click here

T=swc.140

  • Thu, 09-Nov-23

    After a wet start to the day I was pleasantly surprised that10 turned out on a day of light rain clearing by early afternoon . After a couple of wrong turnings in the morning, all gathered in the Old Swan to shelter from the drizzle, some after having a quick snack outside. A good lunch offering for a remote pub in midweek, and sandwiches, pies and puddings were sampled along with home-baked biscuits provided by a kind walker.

    All did the posted "shortcut 1" route, enjoying improving weather through the afternoon though I can't really say the sun came out. Beautiful leaf colour. I think a few stopped for refreshments in Wendover but most caught the 1624 home.

Saturday 17-Jun-23

PeteG
Length: 20.0 km (12.4 mi), 5 out of 10
T=swc.140
" 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 the walk rises into woods, 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. 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: Get the 1027 Aylesbury Vale parkway train from Marylebone (Harrow-on-the-hill 1039) arriving 1116. Returns are xx57.
Lunch: The Cock and Rabbit, The Lee, 7.3 km (4.6 mi) from the start of the walk . This is under new ownership, and has been redeveloped. It apparently has a cafe and limited food offering from 12 midday. The Swan seems to be closed.
Tea: The Shoulder of Mutton near the station and various cafes.

  • Sun, 18-Jun-23

    The 2 at the station waited a bit in case there were any more . No. Just another two doing the same walk independently.

    So they set off and, miracle of miracles, encountered a 3 rd waiting at the corner. It started cloudy and cool but got hotter A pleasant walk especially the cooler morning with lots of greenery. Foxgloves in the wood were at their best .

    We mulled over taking Shortcut 1 but seeing how the Old Swan was probably “closed” we went on the 5.1 km loop via the Lee.

    Pleased to see the Cock and Rabbit is open. The restaurant bit is being rebuilt and food consisted of burgers from the BBQ, which 2 enjoyed. A pleasant interlude spent in the garden.

    And guess what, readers, The Old Swan is open too. There’s a big sign outside saying so. (Though not Wednesdays or Thursdays). We didn’t go in and Mr Tiger wasted no time in telling the others that was 5.1 km he didn’t have to have done. He was still banging on about it in Wendover. But if truth be told he quite enjoyed it anyway.

    It was getting hotter and the group availed themselves of shortcut 2 and later dodged the circuit round Bodington Hill. (Maybe that could be flagged as a shortcut?)

    The Gruffalo has returned to Wendover Woods but these days he has to sit down.

    Got to W with a bit of a wait for the train so had to drop in the Shoulder of Mutton. Had to, didn’t we.

    An enjoyable day.

  • Sun, 18-Jun-23

    Pete, As this lovely walk had such a (surprisingly) poor attendance and The Old Swan is open again, could you consider putting it on again soon,please? I guess the more obvious charms of Seaford won the day yesterday. Thank you.

Saturday 14-May-22

DAC
SWC Walk 140 - Wendover Circular via The Lee
Length: 20km (12.4 miles)
Toughness 5/10.
Catch the 9:27 10:27 train from London Marylebone to Wendover, arriving 11:15. (Return xx:28 xx:58, 19:28, xx:28 22:28.)
Lunch will be at The Cock & Rabbit, The Lee. (The Old Swan is currently not serving food.)
Note 10:27 train, not briefly published 9:27 - later train due to no food being served at The Old Swan, so opting for the earlier PH T=swc.140
  • Fri, 13-May-22

    Intend going.

  • Sat, 14-May-22

    Intend going and having pub lunch

  • Sun, 15-May-22

    Arrived at Marylebone to learn of the cancellation of all Aylesbury via Wendover trains until past noon due to a points failure just outside the station. A group of us took the Metropolitan to Harrow on the Hill from where they were running an hourly service between Harrow and Aylesbury.

    9 of us gathered at Wendover just before midday. Weather warm and sunny all day. Reached our "early" pub at The Lee before 2pm for welcome refreshment and food for half of our number, (remainder picnicked on the green). After lunch 3 of us fell back and stopped for a while a couple of times on this particularly fine day....at Wendover Woods by go-ape, we decided / happened to go off script and make our own meandering way back into Wendover. Mistaken route choices - mainly mine - resulted in an extra couple of miles or so. Finished up at the Shoulder of Mutton PH for a light meal before catching the 20:28.

    This is where it all began. Last went on this walk for the initial walk check about 10 years ago. Never did I imagine that the author of this walk (his first) would go on to write a "few" other walks.

Sunday 10-Apr-22

Wanderer

Sunday Walk 10 April - Wendover Circular via the Lee and Swan Bottom

Length Main walk: 12.4 miles (20km). There are a couple of shortcuts outlined in the walk directions.

Toughness : 5 out of 10

Trains: Take the 9.57 Aylesbury Vale Parkway train from Marylebone arriving Wendover 10.45.

Return trains from Wendover to Marylebone: xx:28

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.

Lunch: 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 Sunday. 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.
The Old Swan, Swan Lane, Swan Bottom, Buckinghamshire, HP16 9NU (01494 837 239). Open 12.00-19.00 Sunday. Food served 12.00-15.00 Sunday. 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 free house with exposed beams and a roaring log fire. It is advisable to book ahead.

Tea: There’s a long list of tea options in Wendover, Details can be found in the walk directions map and GPS links if you click here.

T= swc.140

  • Sun, 10-Apr-22

    11 off the train in warm sunshine with a cooling breeze - perfect conditions for this lovely walk through long stretches of woods with tall trees, large fields stretching over gentle hills, lovely old houses, many of them thatched, the picture perfect Lee with its inviting pub where two had lunch and two stopped for a drink while the other seven continued to The Swan which had only one member of staff - no chef - serving only drinks but happy to allow walkers to eat their sandwiches in the pub which we did before setting off on the afternoon stretch mainly through woods, all peaceful, with only the sound of birds to break the silence,very few humans encountered until we reached the Go Ape centre where we stopped for tea before continuing to Wendover where all eleven caught the 17.28 back to London.

Saturday 05-Jun-21

PeteG
Wendover to Great Missenden t=swc.140.a
Length: 21.6 km (13.4 mi) Shortcuts & return to Wendover are options
Toughness: 6 out of 10
"This fairly energetic 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 on the Ridgeway the walk rises into woods. 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 16 th century lunch pub at Swan Bottom. The afternoon offers constantly changing scenery. It completely avoids settlements and roads, mostly following grassy fields, while still passing through a variety of varied and characterful woods. Several beautiful valleys are crossed in between and the finish is a scenic descent into Great Missenden."
Trains: Get the 0927 Aylesbury train from Marylebone (Harrow-on-the-Hill 0939) arriving 1015. Return trains are xx02 & xx32. Buy return to Wendover.

Lunch: The Old Swan is open for drinks, but the kitchen is closed at the time of writing. It may have a food van. The Cock & Rabbit makes no mention of Covid-19, so picnic is probably best.
Covid-19 This is an informal walk for up to 30 people. Please help to control numbers by booking on Eventbrite here

  • Tue, 01-Jun-21

    Hi Peter, I have booked to join you. See you all at the station. My husband Nicholas Albery died on 3 June 2001. I am joining this walk in memory of him. We loved this walk!

  • Wed, 02-Jun-21

    Definitely will join you Josefine. Thank you for the invitation

  • Thu, 03-Jun-21

    Correction This is not now the Nicholas memorial walk as the route is different. Invitees now being asked to attend the Sunday walk tomorrow

  • Thu, 03-Jun-21

    There appears to be major disruption on the tubes this weekend - details at https://tfl.gov.uk/tube-dlr-overground/status/?startDate=2021-06-05T00%3A00%3A00&endDate=2021-06-06T23%3A59%3A59&dateTypeSelect=This%20weekend

  • Anonymous
    Thu, 03-Jun-21

    Thanks, Mike. P. S. This is a great walk.

  • Anonymous
    Thu, 03-Jun-21

    The restaurant at the Cock and Rabbit is open on Saturday, but booking essential.

  • Sat, 05-Jun-21

    At the station, 9 gathered briefly & set off, with an early direction finding issue helping to get to know the 3 newcomers. The mixture of woodland and open space ideal for this sunny day. 4 stopped at the Cock & Rabbit and the rest carried on to the Swan. The Swan allowed us to eat our sandwiches with their beer in the garden as the kitchen was closed. (they did have a food van operating). We caught up with a non-dining person from the C&R group. The 6 of us split up a bit in GM, getting coffee & quick peronis (Matilda's quick service) before the 1632 train

Wednesday 21-Oct-20

Marcus
SWC 140 - Wendover Circular via the Lee and Swan Bottom

Length: 20.2 km (12.6 miles) Options to shorten by 3.2 miles before lunch, and 1.1 mile after lunch
Toughness: 6 out of 10 Lots of ups and downs to remove the cobwebs
London Marylebone: 09-56 hrs Chiltern service to Aylesbury Vale Parkway
Arrive Wendover: 10-45 hrs
Return 16-23, 16-36, 16-53, 17-20, 17-55, 18-26, 18-52 and 19-23 hrs
Please see - and comply with - our Covid Rules and Track and Trace - and practise Hands-Face-Space
Our last longer walk of the season before clocks go back to GMT. The rewards for the ups and downs are some good views from vantage points, and hopefully some good autumn leaf colour in the many woods which we walk through.
The first pub which we pass today is the Cock & Rabbit Inn at The Lee. I leave it to individual walkers to call in if you are comfortable having a drink or dining under latest Covid guidelines and directives, which prohibit mixed households from meeting indoors - and applies to Londoners, now in a Tier 2 area - even though we are walking in a Tier 1 area. The later pub option on this walk, the charming Old Swan at Swan Bottom, is not serving food during Covid-19 times, nor does it open weekdays for a tincture until 6 pm, but its location Swan Bottom makes for a good place for picnickers to stop for lunch.
On arriving back in Wendover after today's exertions, you have Wendover's usual suspects for tea - again, having regard to latest Covid guidelines and directives. Individual chocoholics make for Rumseys whilst the rest of us usually head for the Shoulder of Mutton pub, despite its more than strict Covid rules which are a bit intimidating.
T=swc.140
Walk Directions are here: L=swc.140
  • Anonymous
    Mon, 12-Oct-20

    Brilliant choice, Marcus. Thank you.

  • Wed, 14-Oct-20

    Just to note, there are a number of footpath closures in the area in connection with High Speed Two. The tunnel portal is next to Kings Lane, a few hundred metres from The Lee church. Last time I was there, several footpaths between Great Missdenden and The Lee were closed.

    Kieran

  • Wed, 14-Oct-20

    Speaking as a regular HS2 nerd who has made several trips to the area this summer, I would be surprised if any path closures for the HS2 route affect this walk. I was last there on 29 July when I walked the early part of this walk without issue. Part of my reason for going there was to see if the route was affected, but I concluded it was not. For reference, the route almost exactly follows the line of electricity pylons which run along the valley and which are clearly shown on the OS map. This walk is to the north west of them at all times. Major construction is not supposed to start on this section till next spring anyway.

  • Wed, 14-Oct-20

    Oh, and the tunnel portal is immediately to the north of Small Heath: a good way from Lee church by my reckoning, but let’s not squabble over details.

  • Wed, 14-Oct-20

    Hi. I was there two weeks ago. Footpaths are already closed and works and protests are well underway. You can see the BBC coverage here:

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-54386394

    Details of the closures are here:

    https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/environment/public-rights-of-way/changes-to-public-rights-of-way/hs2-construction-closures-and-diversions/

    Kieran

  • Wed, 14-Oct-20

    Which of these footpath closures (or protests) affect THIS walk? Scanning the list, I can’t see a single one. But if I have missed one, point it out to me.

  • Wed, 14-Oct-20

    Happy to leave it to you to check. Good luck.

    Kieran

  • Anonymous
    Wed, 14-Oct-20

    Rather sour, Kieran. A pity.

  • Mike P
    Thu, 15-Oct-20

    Is there any chance of a South Downs walk for Weds 28th please? e.g.

    129 Berwick to Birling Gap

    181 Lewes to Seaford

    316 Winchelsea to Hastings

  • Fri, 16-Oct-20

    I'm afraid not, Mike. If I post a walk for Wednesday 28th it will be closer to London - probably Ockley to Warnham,'twixt Surrey and Sussex.

  • Anonymous
    Fri, 16-Oct-20

    Please post any walk, Marcus. Ta.

  • Anonymous
    Sun, 18-Oct-20

    I did this walk over the weekend, there was no foot path closure. The autumn colour is the best around Wendover Woods although not in full display yet. I was surprised to see that the walk is already a bit muddy in places.

  • Thu, 22-Oct-20

    Just 4 of us today - our fair weather walking colleagues stayed away - and missed a wonderful day's walking through woods in full leaf colour - and not just Wendover Woods, although the latter's displays were the best. I hope leaves stay on trees for Dirk's Book 2 Wendover walk on Saturday week - if they do SWC participating walkers are in for a treat.

    OK - the weather could have been better. I was hoping to report brilliant, warm sunshine, with bikini-clad nymphs a-sunbathing in the meadows: but back in the real world, although it was not cold, it rained steadily for most of the day , only relenting briefly over lunch and for the last hour of our walk. No matter, we never encountered downpours and everyones waterproofs held up, so the weather did not spoil our walk.

    We stopped at the Cock and Rabbit and the four of us dined as individuals in the otherwise empty pub and Italian restaurant. Service was very friendly - they were glad to have some customers - and we enjoyed some delicious pasta in the pub's very comfortable surroundings. It was a bit of a wrench to up sticks and leave, but the afternoon leg of the walk beckoned, so off we set as the rain returned. We found the walk directions taxing 1 km after Swan Bottom, and spent ages - without success - in figuring out the correct way ahead. Note to self: contact the walk author to ask him where we went wrong. After some "off piste" road walking we eventually found the Ridgeway path to continue back on the route-proper, soon to enjoy the leg up into Wendover Woods in full leaf colour. The descent from the Woods to the outskirts of town can be slippery and after rain the path tends to be treacherous. Having just warned my colleagues to take care and avoid the chalky bits, I then did a somersault (score 5 out of 6) and came crashing to the ground. It took me ages to get back on my wobbly legs but fortunately I landed on my well padded trash-can, so no harm done.

    Back in Wendover, and now later than envisaged - 6 pm - we purchased takeaway teas and coffees from a tapas bar, to enjoy on the 18-26 hrs train home.

    A lovely day's walking, despite the weather.

Saturday 26-Oct-19

Thomas G
Length: 21.6 km (13.4 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 360 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 5 hours
Toughness: 6 out of 10
or
Length: 16.4 km (10.2 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 290 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 4 hours
Toughness: 4 out of 10
Take the 09.27 train from Marylebone to Aylesbury (Harrow-on-the-Hill 09.39, Rickmansworth 09.49 etc.), arrives Wendover 10.15, for the full walk.
Or the 09.57 Aylesbury Vale Parkway service, if walking the short version.
Return trains: xx.29 and xx.59 hours (51 minutes journey time). Buy a Wendover return ticket.
This fairly energetic 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. 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. The afternoon offers constantly changing scenery. It completely avoids settlements and roads, mostly following grassy fields, while still passing through a variety of varied and characterful woods. Several beautiful valleys are crossed in between and the finish is a scenic descent into Great Missenden.
Lunch: Cock and Rabbit Inn with its reassuringly (or frighteningly, depending on your perspective) traditional Graziemille Restaurant (7.3 km/4.6 mi) or The Old Swan in Swan Bottom (10.0 km/6.2 mi, food to 14.30). It is advisable to book ahead for the latter.
For walk directions, map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here . t=swc.140.a
  • Anonymous
    Thu, 24-Oct-19

    Hi Guys

    Was in Wendover yesterday some autumn colours not fully yet. Amazing no mud but I am sure there will be this weekend. The cafe in the woods had been revamp very smartly updated especially the bathrooms! I believe the food is good judging by the empty plates. Plenty of outside seating for picnic. Did not get any good mushrooms nor chest nut but plenty of watercress - very tasty soup!Enjoy the walk on Saturday.

    Monica

  • Sun, 27-Oct-19

    some drizzle to lunch rain thereafter at times hard

    Just 1 on the walk today. Plenty of autumnal colours in the trees, but most of the leaves are already on the ground... Some mushrooms about (parasols mainly), but not many. Unsurprisingly some mud, but less than it has been, certainly on the most notorious stretches of the walk, in the early woods for example.

    Lunch at The Old Swan was a delight as it usually is, and I stayed on extra long to make use of the Wifi to follow a football game to the final whistle. Being just by myself, I then decided to actually walk the Wendover ending, as that bit of text needed a check more than the Missenden ending.

    Leaf-strewn holloways and paths, the rain falling, the mist descending through the trees, and hardly a soul about (apart from dog walkers and joggers in Wendover Woods), it was very autumnal indeed.

Saturday 22-Dec-18

Thomas G
Length: 21.6 km (13.4 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 360 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 5 hours
Toughness: 6 out of 10
or
Length: 16.4 km (10.2 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 290 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 4 hours
Toughness: 4 out of 10
Take the 09.27 train from Marylebone to Aylesbury (Harrow-on-the-Hill 09.39, Rickmansworth 09.49 etc.), arrives Wendover 10.15, for the full walk.
Or the 09.57 Aylesbury Vale Parkway service, if walking the short version.
Return trains: xx .02 and xx .32 hours (48 minutes journey time). Buy a Wendover return ticket.
This fairly energetic 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. 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. The afternoon offers constantly changing scenery. It completely avoids settlements and roads, mostly following grassy fields, while still passing through a variety of varied and characterful woods. Several beautiful valleys are crossed in between and the finish is a scenic descent into Great Missenden.
Lunch: Cock and Rabbit Inn with its reassuringly (or frighteningly, depending on your perspective) traditional Graziemille Restaurant (7.3 km/4.6 mi) or The Old Swan in Swan Bottom (10.0 km/6.2 mi, food to 14.30). It is advisable to book ahead for the latter.
For walk directions, map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here . t=swc.140.a
  • Anonymous
    Fri, 21-Dec-18

    Hi Guys aiming to do the full walkof 13.4 miles and hope to see some of you. Shall board train at Harrow on Hill at 09.39.

    Monica

  • Sat, 22-Dec-18

    8 on the early train on a sunny day. One left at the first short cut and part of the group missed a turning, but we met up again near the Cock & Rabbit. Remarkably for a Saturday walk, just two of us ate in The Swan. Not crowded with speedy & friendly service & great food. As we left the Swan, we met 4 who were doing the later train option (but apparently not the short cut).

    Very muddy in the first woods with forest operation churning up the track. The seven of us all met up again at the station for the return train to London. A great day out.

  • Sat, 22-Dec-18

    12 by the sound of it. (Note to those doing walk report: only one “n=“ allowed per walk report: the system does not do maths.)

Saturday 06-Oct-18

Walker
Length: 20.1km (12.5 miles), but shortcuts of up to 5.9km (3.5 miles) possible
Toughness: 6 out of 10

9.57 train from Marylebone to Wendover, arriving 10.45

For walk directions click here. For GPX click here.

Autumn is the time for the Chilterns, and while we are some weeks away yet from full autumn colour, the cold nights of the last week of September should now be producing some minor tinting. This very walk should show this to good effect with plenty of woodland (though some fields too) and characteristically hill Chilterns territory. It is also a good while (nearly three years) since it had a Saturday outing.

If you prefer a shorter walk, there are three possible shortcuts outlined in the text. There are two choices for lunch - the Cock and Rabbit with its Italian food and the Swan, with basic pub classics well done (apparently).

In Wendover, Rumsey's is a chocolate cake-lovers heaven, if you can get there before it closes at 6pm, and the Shoulder of Mutton is a cosy pub choice, which also does nice hot desserts.

Trains back are at 26 and 56 past the hour. T=3.140

Sunday 08-Jul-18

Chris L
Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom
Length: 20.2km (12.6 miles) Toughness: 6/10

09:57 Aylesbury Vale Parkway train from Marylebone arriving at Wendover at 10:45.

Return trains are at xx:26 and xx:56 (journey time 54 minutes).

This Chilterns walk covers an entirely different area from the original Wendover Circular. It runs along the Ridgeway, through many splendid woodlands, a conservation village and the beautiful Lee Common.

Shortcuts are available, one of which cuts 5km from the length of the walk.

The recommended lunch pub is The Old Swan in Swan Bottom (01494 837239), 6.2 miles into the walk. An earlier option is The Cock and Rabbit Inn at The Lee (01494 837540), 4.6 miles into the walk. For either pub it is essential to ring them from Wendover to reserve tables.

You will need to download the Walk Directions.

T=swc.140

  • Mon, 09-Jul-18

    6 on another hot day. I lost most of the group just before the Old Swan, I presume they'd headed for the Cock and Rabbit. Myself I was up for every shortcut going. Perhaps not the best of strategies on this walk - I'd reached the Gruffalo (yes Gruffalo, it's a sculpture, not a pub) by 2, and the Shoulder of Mutton (a pub, not a sculpture) by 3. Needless to say. I dropped in to revive myself.

  • Mon, 09-Jul-18

    Mr M Tiger'S route was to obviously maximise the opportunities for cheap cider (;>)!

    5 of us stopped at the Cock and Rabbit with 2 lingering there with three of us continuing on for further refreshments at the Old Swan. By 4pm it was grindingly hot despite the woodland trails so by judicious use of gps we crossed the Grimms Ditch and took alternative trails back to Wendover turning the walk into a 10.6m 4/10 excursion. I had a drink at the pub nearest to the station joining the 2 others for the 5.26pm train

Saturday 23-Dec-17

Thomas G
Length: 21.6 km (13.4 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 360 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 5 hours
Toughness: 6 out of 10
or
Length: 16.4 km (10.2 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 290 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 4 hours
Toughness: 4 out of 10
Take the 09.27 train from Marylebone to Aylesbury (Harrow-on-the-Hill 09.39, Rickmansworth 09.49 etc.), arrives Wendover 10.15, for the full walk. Or the 09.57 Aylesbury Vale Parkway service, if walking the short version. Return trains: xx.02 and xx.32 hours (48 minutes journey time). Buy a Wendover return ticket.
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. 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. The afternoon offers constantly changing scenery. It completely avoids settlements and roads, mostly following grassy fields, while still passing through a variety of varied and characterful woods. Several beautiful valleys are crossed in between and the finish is a scenic descent into Great Missenden.
Lunch: Cock and Rabbit Inn with its reassuringly (or frighteningly, depending on your perspective) traditional Graziemille Restaurant (7.3 km/4.6 mi) or The Old Swan in Swan Bottom (10.0 km/6.2 mi, food to 14.30).
For walk directions, map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here. t=swc.140.b
  • Thu, 21-Dec-17

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  • Thu, 21-Dec-17

    A couple of us will get the 09.57 from Marylebone arriving at Wendover at 10.53 as we are doing the short version - others are welcome to join us if they wish

    For those of us with an all zones travel card Apparently on this line when you buy a BZ6 ( Boundary Zone 6 ) to Wendover return, it can be quite expensive because they don’t recognise Amersham as the BZ6 station. One always needs to be vigilant!

    Stephen

  • Thu, 21-Dec-17

    Amersham is in TfL Zone 9. A Zones 1-6 Travelcard is only valid as far as Moor Park, but a Freedom Pass (or a Zones 1-9 Travelcard) is valid to Amersham. With the latter, you should be able to buy an extension ticket from Amersham to Wendover.

  • Thu, 21-Dec-17

    I'm planning to do the short walk but will be joining the train at Chorleywood rather than Marylebone.

  • Anonymous
    Fri, 22-Dec-17

    I am intending to do the long walk any takers? I think the main walk is only 10 miles and not 13.4 miles unless I am mistaken perhaps someone can correct me.

    How long is the short version? I live in Harrow so this walk is close to home for me. Many thanks.

    Monica

  • Fri, 22-Dec-17

    The full walk is 13.4 miles, for which the recommended train is the 9.27 from Marylebone (departs Harrow 9.39 according to the post). The shorter version is the 10.2 mile walk for which the recommended train is the 9.57 from Marylebone, which by my reckoning should get to Harrow about 10.09.

  • Anonymous
    Fri, 22-Dec-17

    Thanks Bill I shall do the short version and catch the 10.09 train from Harrow on the Hill. See you guys.

    Monica

  • Sat, 23-Dec-17

    Wendover to Great Missenden (shorter route)

    5 on the later train. Chiltern Railways excelled themselves with Christmas Messages on the train's internal and external dot matrix displays. Morning mist clearing to a rather dull grey day as walkers resisted temptation to call in to Rumseys Chocolataire and headed off to join the Ridgeway with the mist cocooning them in quietness and serenity. Great Widmoor and Lordling wood probably provided the best full on mud experience this year, but this was thankfully short lived as the walk emerged into Swan Bottom and the Lunch time Pub "The Old Swan". All agreed the food was excellent and well priced here with attentive and unpretentious staff.

    The afternoon section was uneventful and shortened slightly following some of the Chesham to Great Missenden route. The Twit Cafe was shut for the holidays, so walkers took tea and puddings in the Cross Keys before heading back from Great Missenden station. A pleasant and easy walk pre-Christmas within easy reach of London.

  • Sat, 23-Dec-17

    9 off the 'early' train to walk the full walk. The terrain was muddier than expected, but even then it's always nice to walk through a succession of woods. We got to The Old Swan a little after the short walkers (both groups having had booked a table each), and - between us - quickly succeeded in ordering all the breasts of pheasant that there were, and what a good choice it was.

    Some nice undulations in the arvo. And half way through we overtook and incorporated 2 other walkers that had taken an earlier train. No shortcuts for the full walkers and at the end we split between The Cross Keys and Matilda's, the 'independent' coffee shop. 17.02 train for most. 16 very low clouds initially then lifting a bit

Sunday 03-Sep-17

Chris L
Wendover Circular via The Lee and Swan Bottom
Length: 20.2km (12.6 miles) Toughness: 6/10

09:57 Aylesbury Vale Parkway train from Marylebone arriving at Wendover at 10:45.

Return trains are at xx:26 and xx:56 (journey time 54 minutes).

This Chilterns walk covers an entirely different area from the original Wendover Circular that was recently done as a Saturday walk. It runs along the Ridgeway, through many splendid woodlands, a conservation village and the beautiful Lee Common.

Shortcuts are available, one of which cuts 5km from the length of the walk.

The recommended lunch pub is The Old Swan in Swan Bottom (01494 837239), 6.2 miles into the walk. An earlier option is The Cock and Rabbit Inn at The Lee (01494 837540), 4.6 miles into the walk. For either pub it is essential to ring them from Wendover to reserve tables.

You will need to download the Walk Directions.

T=3.140
  • Ian T
    Mon, 04-Sep-17

    6 at the station There was also a large meetup group following at least the early part of the walk. Every time I thought we’d seen the last of them they popped up from round a corner or behind a hedge. Eventually they disappeared, along with the rest of our group. Last I saw of them was the whole lot marching off over the horizon. However, I was soon in the lead. Havent they heard of shortcuts? (The idea was to catch up but, instead I was catapulted far in front.) Never saw them again. Got the 15:56 train. Weather was cloudy am light rain pm cool

Saturday 03-Dec-16

Thomas G
SWC Walk 140 – Wendover Circular (via The Lee and Swan Bottom)
Length: 20.1 km (12.5 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 437 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 4 ¾ hours
Toughness: 6 out of 10
or
Length: 15.0 km (9.3 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 369 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 3 ¾ hours
Toughness: 4 out of 10
Take the 09.27 Aylesbury train from Marylebone, arriving Wendover 10.15, for the full walk. Or the 10.27 train, if walking the short version.
Return trains: XX.23 and XX.53 hours (57 minutes journey time).
This fairly energetic 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. 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.
Lunch is at The Old Swan in Swan Bottom (10.0 km/6.2 mi). A table has been booked for 12.30 hours.
For tea there are several pubs, The Shoulder of Mutton being the closest to the station, and a couple of cafes, Whitewaters Deli Café and Rumsey's of Wendover.
For walk directions, map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here.
T=swc.140
  • Sun, 04-Dec-16

    8 off the 09.27 train (incl. 1 first-timer), 1 on a later one having missed the train due to the lengthy, Bicester Village-bound, queues at the ticket machines (tip: just oyster through the barriers, there's no ticket inspectors/conductors on that line anyway), 1 off the 10.27 doing the short walk, all 10 meeting at The Old Swan in Swan Bottom. A largely uneventful walk, with a perfect Chilterns feel to it, despite the leaves now mostly off the trees. Not yet turned to a dark mush though, so pleasant walking through the layers on the ground. Some muddy patches, but not yet annoyingly deep.

    Our stay at the pub was much longer than hoped for, as we (all of the original 8 plus the short walker had a pub lunch) arrived just after another even larger group, and - as all meals are commendably produced from the ground up - we faced a long wait for the food to arrive, and then another long wait when paying, as the other mob got up seconds before us tp pay individually as well... After an hour 45 minutes we could finally move on...

    Meantime the weather had changed from cloudy initially to sunny in the afternoon , so a very enjoyable 10 km through the woods followed, with the sun breaking through the tree tops, and - on nearing Wendover - a dark orange sun dominating the horizon.

    We arrived at 16.15 and 6 of us opted for skipping Rumsey's and the Whitewaters Deli to give the Lady Grey Tea Room a chance, which had a very pleasant selection of cakes and (thankfully raisin-free) scones.

    One quick drink at The Shoulder followed, then onto the 17.23 train. Nice.

  • Anonymous
    Sun, 04-Dec-16

    I wound up paying a penalty fare when I did a variant of this walk a few weeks ago, even though I walked the length of the train in search of a human to give some money to. Oyster is good as far as Amersham, for which reason there is no guard until that station. On other lines, I have the impression that guards get a modest commission when they sell you a ticket; they seem happy to do so. Not so much on this line.

Saturday 02-Jan-16

Thomas G

SWC Walk 140b – Wendover to Great Missenden
Length: 21.6 km (13.4 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 360 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 5 hours
Toughness: 6 out of 10
or
Length: 16.4 km (10.2 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 290 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 4 hours
Toughness: 4 out of 10
Take the 09.27 Chiltern Railways train from London Marylebone to Aylesbury, arrives Wendover 10.15, for the full walk. Or the 09.57 Aylesbury Vale Parkway service, if walking the short version. Return trains: XX.04 and XX.34 hours (46 minutes journey time). Buy a Wendover return ticket.
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. 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. The afternoon offers constantly changing scenery. It completely avoids settlements and roads, mostly following grassy fields, while still passing through several varied and characterful woods. A few beautiful valleys are crossed in between and the finish is a scenic descent into Great Missenden.
Lunch is either early in The Lee at the Cock and Rabbit Inn with its reassuringly (or frighteningly, depending on your perspective) traditional Graziemille Restaurant (7.3 km/4.6 mi) or at the thoroughly recommended The Old Swan in Swan Bottom (10.0 km/6.2 mi). This has been awarded Cask Marque accreditation for its ales, and serves sandwiches as well as a limited but diverse menu of high quality dishes at reasonable prices. This pub has gone ever so slightly upmarket over the last years. It is advisable to book ahead, unless you are happy with a place in the bar area or in the large garden. For tea in Missenden, the rightly popular Cafe Twit has now got competition beyond the Cross Keys pub, in the shape of the Coffee Approach, on the roundabout just before the station (as well as a Costa Coffee next door to that). There’s also the Pantry on Platform 1, as you wait for the train, but in my experience it’s a bit of a hit-and-miss to actually see it open.
For walk directions, map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here.
T=swc.140.b
L=swc.140
  • Sat, 09-Jan-16

    4 wet

    Four walkers apparently. 2 first timers, 2 regulars. All doing the full length walk. V muddy, v nice.

    As being told today on Cowden to Eridge...