Right on the doorstep of London and southeast England, Buckinghamshire has a wide range of countryside and walking. The county has much in store for the walker, not only its diverse landscapes, but also its long history, large mansions and ancient churches. With well-marked paths and bridleways and active local groups successfully protecting the environment, there is much to see and do for walkers. There is nothing better than taking a walk in the afternoon, only to fly over the same area in a balloon that same evening!

Buckinghamshire, a county of delightful and varied landscape, sits astride the beech covered Chiltern Hills which effectively divide its northern and southern areas. The Chilterns are designated an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). A dramatic scarp along the north-west edge of the Chilterns contrasts with a more intimate landscape to the south - woods, hedge-rows, deep valleys and charming villages. To the north of the Chilterns lies the Vale of Aylesbury, a rich well irrigated agricultural region with clay soils and many dairy farms. Here the county town of Aylesbury has retained some of the character of a market town within its historic centre. The narrow alleyways and courtyards around the market square, church street and the churchyard of St. Mary's provide a pleasant stroll.

To the north of the Vale of Aylesbury lie the valley of the Great Ouse River and the original county town of Buckingham. The old town has charm and is worth a visit; it also provides a good base for walking in The Claydons, a particularly quiet and lovely area just south of Buckingham.

To the south of the Chilterns are the Thames and Colne valleys. Villages and towns in the south of the county are London commuting communities but many have retained an authentic Chiltern character. With the exception of the Thames valley most of southern Buckinghamshire comprises the low chalk ridge of the Chiltern Hills, famous for glorious beech woods. Cool and shady in summer with a canopy of dense green foliage, and providing a stunning blaze of flaming russets and golds in autumn, it's no surprise that the Chiltern's many footpaths are a walker's paradise. In springtime too, when the woodland floor is carpeted in bluebells, and shafts of sunlight create a blue mist, the Chilterns are a joy to walk.

Our great walking territory offers possibilities from gentle strolls to more energetic rambles. A walk through the ancient woodland along Bledlow ridge is always recommended, and from Butler’s Cross you get a great view of the Prime Minister’s country retreat at Chequers.

For waterside walks, there are possibilities to walk by local waterways such as the rivers Thames and Great Ouse, Caldecotte Lake and the Grand Union Canal.