April 6, 2026
Our explorations closer to home over summer have led to some great family adventures. Sometimes we forget the incredible places on our doorstep, the Chiltern Hills being one, as our sights are always set further afield.
chiltern hills walk
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We recently discovered that the Chiltern Hills offer an adventure with a real feast for the eyes. The area known as The Chilterns lies just north of London and covers 324 square miles of countryside. It stretches across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire. No surprise a large part of it was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1965 with some beautiful walks.
Note: There are some incredibly fun things to enjoy in 24 hours in Oxfordshire.
There are a wealth of different walks to enjoy in the Chiltern Hills but we opted for walking through a part of Hambleden Valley. Scattered with well-known film and TV locations, the walk takes in idyllic villages, quaint pubs and the most tranquil and beautiful scenery. With little legs to think of too, the gentle circular walk starting and ending at a lovely pub was an added bonus.
Skirmett Village
This 3.4-mile Chiltern Hills walk starts at The Frog at Skirmett, a traditional country pub with an award-winning restaurant. A welcome reward for the end of the walk with two steep ascents. I think you’ll agree. If you choose to dine at the pub, a reservation is advisable as country pubs do get busy at lunchtime. The pub has a car park, but there is plenty of roadside parking available. The owners have also created a handy little guide for the walk so pop in before your walk to collect one.
From the Frog head north on Fingest Lane and take the first footpath on your left into a shingle drive with an avenue of trees.
Follow the narrow path as it turns into an upward-sloping meadow around the edge of the Great Wood. The path turns right at the top where there is a great viewpoint beyond the green fields of Cobstone windmill in the distance. Built around 1816 it overlooks the village of Turville and is often referred to as the Turville windmill.
Remain on the footpath as it crosses Dolesden Lane, across the field, and turn right onto the Chiltern Way. The Chiltern Way footpath is also clearly waymarked with yellow and white discs so walkers know they’re on the right path.
The path will take you through a mixed woodland and a wooden swing-gate, into a grassy meadow with great views of Turville. Walk through the grassy meadow and another wooden swing-gate, back into the woodland.
Turville Village
The Chiltern Way footpath will lead you through the village of Turville crossing Holloway Lane. Surrounded by pretty cottages dating from the 16th to the 18th century, it’s one of the most beautiful villages you’d come across on a Chiltern Hills walks. The Manor House in Turville belongs to Lord Sainsbury and the local gastropub the Bull and Butcher is great for a pitstop.
The picturesque village is also a favourite of TV and film producers. The BBC sitcom Vicar of Dibley, starring Dawn French was filmed here, and various others like Midsomer Murders, Jonathan Creek, Miss Marple, and The Day of the Triffids.
On the other side of the tiny village green walk through a small wooden gate, onto a signposted footpath leading towards the windmill. This is the closest you’ll get to Turville windmill which stands above the village. It may seem familiar as it’s been featured in films such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Father Came Too, and Goodnight Mr Tom.
Shortly after turn right through a swing gate and across a flowery meadow. The path soon turns into a shrubbery wood and eventually joins Fingest Lane just before the Chequers Inn.
Fingest Village
The village name of Fingest comes from the Anglo-Saxon name Tinghurst, meaning wooded hill where assemblies are made. Dominated by the Parish church and churchyard surrounded by medieval and Georgian cottages, it’s often described as the perfect example of an unspoiled village.
Grade I listed St Bartholomew’s Church boasts a twin-gabled, square Norman tower with a warm ochre-shaded exterior. Scenes for the wartime film Monuments Men starring George Clooney and Matt Damon were shot at the church and around the village.
Not long after the Chequers Inn, remain on the Chiltern Way as it turns off Fingest Lane through a metal kissing gate towards a steep hill. At the top, there are great views of the village and Hanger Wood.
This Chiltern Hills walk enters Fingest Wood whilst still walking uphill. Keep following the path through a meadow. Possibly negotiating cute fluffy sheep.
Enter Adams Wood as the walk slowly begins to descend back to The Frog at Skirmett and a well-deserved lunch!
The small charming village only 5 miles from Henley on the Thames, literally runs along a narrow road. There are plenty of beautiful houses and cottages to admire, don’t miss the quirky crooked chimney cottage at one end of the village.
How to Get to Skirmett
BY CAR
To get to Skirmett from London on the M40, turn off at Exit 4 as for Marlow but avoid the town by taking the A404, signposted Marlow; turn left to go through Marlow on the A4155.
Skirmett is reached by turning north off the A4155 at Mill End, signposted
Hambleden, Skirmett, Fingest. The journey takes around 1 hour.
BY TRAIN
A 30-minute train from London Marylebone to High Wycombe, followed by a 15-minute taxi ride.
For the best travel deals to the Chiltern Hills check Omio and Europcar for car hire deals.
Final Thoughts
Short easy strolls through the beautiful scenery of Hambleden Valley is the best way to shake off the cobwebs, enjoy tranquil surroundings and burn a few calories! This walk took two hours which included plenty of photo stops too, so could easily be completed in less time. We’ll be looking to explore more in the area and would love to take on another Chiltern hills walk. Watch this space for more…
Have you been to the Chilterns? Do you have any great walks close to London? Let me know in the comments box below.
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Angie Silver says:
Aw! I grew up in the Chilterns
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Very lucky lady! You must know the villages I mention.
Emma @ Adventures of a London Kiwi says:
This is a beaaaaaaaaaaautiful location to spend a leisurely day in!
Sima Sthanakiya says:
It’s a gorgeous walk. Planning on doing another one soon in the area.
Aaron (@1dish4the4road) says:
We’re looking for family walks just outside of London, so this is perfect Sima! Haven’t been to The Chilterns for years, but remember them as being really scenic.
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Oh you guys will love this walk. And the pubs I mention are worth a visit!