May is National Walking Month, and we’ve come up with five great Buckinghamshire walks — so you can get out and explore the great outdoors.
Walking is great for your wellbeing, giving you a boost in mind and body.. Here in Buckinghamshire we are lucky to have some stunning landscapes on our doorstep.
With the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, now is the perfect time to get out and about.
Ivinghoe Beacon
Distance: 2-3 miles with the option to take longer trails.
Family-friendly: Yes.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but beware of grazing sheep.
Parking: There is free parking available at the National Trust car park.
A prominent hill and landmark standing at 233m, Ivinghoe Beacon is a great place for a leisurely stroll — or you can challenge yourself to a longer hike using part of the Ridgeway long distance trail.
With its stunning views, it is no wonder Ivinghoe Beacon has been featured in various films, including the Harry Potter franchise and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
The hill is a great place to see a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, bees, butterflies and even the occasional deer.
Wendover Woods
Distance: 5 trails to choose from, starting at 0.3 miles.
Family-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
Parking: Yes
Wendover Woods is a popular location to explore native woodland and enjoy the stunning views across the Chiltern Hills.
The area offers a variety of routes, so people of all ages and abilities can play, run, walk, or cycle around the trails. There’s even a fitness trail assault course if you fancy a more-vigorous workout
And kids will love the Gruffalo Party Trail, where they can look for sculptures of the Gruffalo and other characters from the famous book.
Black Park Country Park
Distance: Various routes, starting at 0.9 miles.
Family-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
Parking: Yes, charges apply.
With more than 500 acres of woodland, heathland, and open space, Black Park is a great location to add to your list for National Walking Month.
There are lots of activities for the whole family, including a playground and Go Ape high ropes course. There’s even an orienteering trail, which is great for exploring and teaching children new skills.
As a designated biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, there are some great opportunities for wildlife spotting. You might even spot film crews at work in the area!
Coombe Hill
Distance: Various walks including an accessible 1-mile route.
Family-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, but beware of cattle grazing.
Parking: Yes
Coombe Hill is the highest point in the Chiltern Hills at 260m above sea level. So you’re guaranteed to see some great views over the Aylesbury Vale.
Children can enjoy the natural play trail, and there’s a picnic area too — so you can sit down for a nice healthy picnic.
The area has a diverse habitat, so you can expect to see wildflowers, butterflies, ant hills and various species of birds.
Burnham Beeches
Distance: There’s a network of paths including 1.5 miles of easy access paths and 3 miles of roads closed to vehicles.
Family-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes but beware of grazing cattle.
Parking: Yes, charges apply.
Take a trip into the past during National Walking Month at this wonderful ancient woodland.
Explore the Veteran Tree Trail and see Druids Oak, the oldest tree in Burnham Beeches at over 700 years of age. Or find the Seven Ways Plain hill fort, which dates back to the Iron Age.
It’s home to a variety of plants and wildlife, and early May is a fantastic time to spot bluebells.
Remember, walking is not only a great way to explore the beauty of Buckinghamshire, but it’s also a fantastic way to improve your health and wellbeing.
So, lace up your walking boots and step into the great outdoors to celebrate National Walking Month!
