Last weekend, Sunday, I strolled on yet another casual hike hosted by the Outdooraholics group. Wandering through the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offered an experience of surrounding woodlands and some great, panoramic views from the hills.
We left shortly before 9AM from London Marylebone station, and after 50 minutes of a train ride, arrived at Wendover. From there, our group departed on a circular route, covering ~21km around the area.
A major part of the hike led through the wood areas, so the things that captured my attention were trees, with their trunks, covered by chaotic ivy shoots and patches of moss and lichens.
Some of the old trees were really captivating, with their trunks fully covered by moss. The most interesting ones I’ve spotted are at Brush Hill Local Nature Reserve.
Brush Hill
Besides trees, Brush Hill Nature Preserve also has some nice views.
It was cold and windy there, but we stopped for a few minutes to admire the panorama.
We stopped for a bit for rest and some lunch, but the cold weather wasn’t very inviting, and after 30 minutes, everyone was eager to get moving again.
Sometimes, our paths crossed through small villages with houses separated by high hedges.
It also led us through some farmlands with gentle, rolling fields.
Coombe Hill
The final highlight of the hike was an approach to Coombe Hill, the highest viewpoint in the Chilterns.
Decorated with Boer War memorial monument, the hill offers scenic, panoramic views towards the west & north, exposing villages and farmland of Buckinghamshire.
The timing couldn’t be better. We arrived just in time to capture a few minutes of the glow of the setting winter sun.
After capturing some memorable sunset scenes, we left the hill, following the path back to Wendover, ending our hike with a refreshing pint at Shoulder of Mutton.
Thanks for reading; until the next time!
