Walk #11: Northend to Bledlow Ridge (6.3 miles)

We continued along prominent ridges that boasted distant vistas and descended again into crop-rich fields lining valley floors. The up and down nature of the terrain reflected the feelings expressed here: the more I ramble, the more my mind tries to understand and accept the paths that our lives lead us on, the thoughts they inspire and the people they touch.

Walk #10: Ewelme to Northend (8.1 miles)

Walking alone allows me the time and space to contemplate all that I am. I marvel that the paths I tread have been created by many feet over many centuries: paths are an imprinted record of the presence of life passing through time.
Berrick Trench Site of Special Scientific Interest, South Oxfordshire. ©copyright Matt Writtle 2023

Walk #9: Maidensgrove Common to Ewelme (6.5 miles)

“We are collectively responsible for shaping the landscape we occupy and in turn the landscape shapes us whether we are aware of it or not.”
John Davies – British Photographer.

Walk #8: Skirmett to Maidensgrove Common (6.5 miles)

I was in the Chiltern Hills version of Hollywood, and with house prices in the village five times that of the national average, you’d have to be a movie star to live here.

Walk #7: Bovingdon Green to Skirmett (5.9 miles)

It’s been ten months since I last set foot on The Chiltern Way – not so much A Constant Ramble, more of a stilted one – but a lot has happened in the intervening time. I contracted Covid-19, tore the meniscus in my left knee, which required surgery, launched a start-up experiential photography walks business ‘Capture the Chiltern Hills’ and experienced the appointment of yet another UK Prime Minister and the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Walk #6: Sheepridge to Bovingdon Green (5.1 miles)

The echoing cry of a low-flying red kite breaks the silence of the icy breeze. I look skywards towards the clear blue dawn as the bird glides out of sight, a half-moon returns my gaze.

Walk #5: Penn to Sheepridge (4.4 miles)

I floated on a wave of calm euphoria down the never-ending hill towards Sheepridge, pausing only to soak up and capture the scene. If I could have bottled that feeling, I would take a sip every day.

Walk #4: Bottom House Farm Lane to Penn (4.9 miles)

As the northern hemisphere gently begins to turn its face away from the sun, the natural world begins its cycle of decline in the interest of preservation – I feel in awe of how miraculous and selfless this is.

Walk #3: Chorleywood West to Bottom House Farm Lane (5 miles)

A monsoon-like rainstorm hammers down on the canopy of trees while I sit, under the protection of a tarpaulin, transfixed by the dancing flames gently licking the kettle preparing my morning coffee. It’s 7am and before I set foot on my next ramble along the Chiltern Way, I am the guest of Bushcraft expert David Willis.

Walk #2: Flaunden to Chorleywood West (5.2 miles)

At times of exceptional storm conditions, the Works can discharge untreated sewage into the river – this is known as a Combined Sewage Overflow and is a legally permitted activity. However, it is an ongoing concern, affecting the health of the river, the people who use it and the wildlife that depend on it as it flows downstream. And none more so than watercress farmer Jon Tyler.

Walk #1: Hemel Hempstead Station to Flaunden (4.6 miles).

The last sprinkles of early morning rain clung momentarily onto my windshield as I drove into Hemel Hempstead Station car park: the sun was taking over. A good omen for my new adventure of walking The Chiltern Way.