Location

Cowleaze Wood, Shirburn Wood, Ridgeway, Watlington Hill, Lower Deans Wood, Wormsley Estate

Activity

A 7-8 circular mile walk with several hills, some of them steep. It's not an excessively long walk but a fairly good standard of fitness is required for the hills. Starting in Cowleaze Wood, we wend our way downwards via the escarpment near Shirburn Wood then through little pathways where we briefly join the ancient Ridgeway. After a fairly punishing climb up Watlington Hill and through the mysterious yews, take in another hill then rest for lunch, appreciating the magnificent views. Shortly afterwards via Lower Deans Wood, arrive at the 'Fox and Hounds' pub. Proceed to the beautiful beeches of Shirburn Wood and onwards through the meadows, one short but rather steep hill, and delightful mixed woodland surrounding the Wormsley Estate. Eventually, climb a final hill to enter Cowleaze Wood.

Refreshments

Please bring a packed lunch. Tim hopes that it will be dry enough for us to sit at a nice spot and take in the views. And, naturally, bring plenty of water.

Travel

By car. Come off at Junction 5 of the M40 for Stokenchurch. Turn right, crossing over the M40 and as you near a bend, there is a road on the left (please don't confuse this with the slip road from the motorway!). Take this road for less than half a mile and turn left at the sign to 'Christmas Common 3'. Follow this for about a mile and half. You will come to a long straight lane with a view to the countryside on the right, trees on the left. The car park is halfway down.

Start

Cowleaze Wood car park, postcode HP14 3YL

Finish

At start point