Hambleden Valley
Hambleden Valley in the heart of the Chilterns AONB is rural, but not remote.
Quintessential British countryside at its best!
It includes the charming valley villages of Hambleden, Fingest, Skirmett and Turville.
This is a very popular area because the valley is scattered with film-set-perfect villages, cosy pubs and views of sloping fields and church towers.
Midsomer Murders fans will want to visit this picturesque Valley, as there are many villages nearby that have played host to a murder mystery.
Hambleden Village
Hambleden Village is in the heart of the Valley.
It has attractive brick and flint cottages and a thriving pub and shop. It is a popular starting point for exploring the Valley, with rooms at the Stag & Huntsman.
The medieval St. Marys Church in the centre of the village dates back to the 12th Century and has featured in many film and TV shows.
Walking
There are lots of well signed promoted routes passing through the Hambleden Valley.
A very pleasant 5-mile circular walk starts and ends in the village of Hambleden. The walk initially ascends the east side of the Valley; it then descends through the hamlet of Pheasants Hill.
The route later explores the west side of the Valley, with its beech woods and distant views across the valley and towards Hambleden village below.
On a bright summers day we thoroughly enjoyed a fantastic 10-mile circular walk through the Valley.
Starting off at the Stag & Huntsman in Hambleden village, we crossed the Hamble Brook chalk stream before climbing into the lovely hills and woods to the west of the Valley.
We then headed for the picturesque villages of Turville and Fingest before turning south for a gentle return to Hambleden along the valley floor.
For a circular walk try the Thames & Chilterns Walk which links Hambleden with the River Thames.
Or try the Hambleden & Medmenham Walk, a 5-mile stile-free circular walk passing through beech woodlands and pretty villages.
Midsomer Murder fans will most definitely enjoy the Marlow’s Midsomer Murders Trail through Marlow and the Valley.
This self-guided 17-mile trail which can be done on foot, by car, by bike or on horseback!
Along the way you will visit one Midsomer town and six Midsomer villages.
Long Distance paths
The Chilterns Way meanders through the Valley.
This 134-mile trail through the Chilterns highlights the best features of this historic landscape: pretty old villages, downland with extensive views and the characteristic Chiltern patchwork of woods and fields.
The route passes through all four counties of the Chilterns (Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire).
It is waymarked throughout, and there are now three optional extensions taking the total route to a maximum of 278 km (172 miles).
At Henley-on-Thames you can join the Shakespeare Way.
This path runs between Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare’s Globe in London – a total distance of 146 miles.
Cool Places to Explore: Waddesdon Manor | Hughenden Manor | Cliveden Estate.
Cool Places to Eat: The Mash Inn | The Stag & Huntsman.
Cool Places to Stay: The Chequers Marlow.
