Wycombe District Ramblers

Hurley circuit

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Date: 17th January 2026  Leader: Roselle  Distance: 6.2 miles

On a wet, misty January day, 12 hardy souls plus one dog – Taz, set off from Hurley. Amongst us were three possible new members who were coming along to see what they thought.  The forecast wasn’t brilliant but as the walk progressed, small areas of blue sky could be seen amongst the thick cloud, and the rain held off.  Under foot, the ground was very muddy in places but nowhere was physically underwater!  At the top of the hill, by Keepers cottage, we saw our first snowdrops.  On reaching the Thames, one could see that it was very close to making its way across the water meadow.  However we were lucky and although the ground was muddy it was walkable.  Everyone enjoyed the walk and were glad they had come along.

 

Chilterns Walk from Bledlow

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 Date: 10am Wednesday 14th January 2026, Distance : 6.6 miles, Leader: Alan Marsh

Sixteen of us braved the cold start to the morning  - minus two degrees - and walked from Bledlow to Hempton Wainhill then on the Ridgeway and then up onto Lodge Hill with lovely moss in the undergrowth and good views all around as a very bright and sunny day. Then we descended with views of Lacey Green Windmill and mist lying in the folds of hills near Saunderton. Along past sheep strip feeding on beet and up past Lodge Hill Farm for a banana break with outstanding views. We then went along the Chiltern Way to Routs Green and down to Old Callowdown Farm with its herd of Belted Galloways and back to Bledlow. Lovely views and glorious weather and good company - a highpoint of our week.

 

Marlow and Mundaydean

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Date: Saturday 3rd January 2026. Distance: 6 miles. Leader: Angela Vasylenko

 
Blue sky and bright sunshine, but a cold wind and icy conditions underfoot (luckily everyone managed to stay upright!).  Our group of 10 walked from Marlow Bottom into Marlow then onto Mundaydean Lane. We traversed up the side of the valley to the Frieth road by The Royal Oak pub, then across Bovingdon Green and into the woods of Marlow Common.  We had our banana break in the Nature Reserve, then crossed the road to go down to Mundaydean again.  We walked along the valley passing Mundaydean Farm (Grade II listed) and admired the sculptures in the grounds.  At the end of the road (now just a track) we turned right and took the long ascent to the top, then along to Copy Farm.  Down and up again to Seymour Court, then across the busy Marlow/Lane End road, then into the woods behind Burford School, to the playing fields, and then to our cars.  Enjoyed by everyone. 

 

End of year walk

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Date: Wednesday 31st December 2025. Distance: 6 miles. Leader: Angela Vasylenko

 
What a beautiful morning for our walk on the last day of the year.  Some mist to start with, which cleared to give us blue sky and sunshine and no wind.  12 of us left Cadmore End to walk up then down Hangar Wood then up behind Cobstone Mill. We stopped to enjoy the view of Turville in the valley. Through the village, then up and around the edge of the woods, stopping for our banana break and appreciating the scenery, then down into Skirmett. Another climb up through Adams Wood, then through Fingest Wood, again pausing to enjoy the view of Fingest.   Down to Fingest then eastward, over a dodgy stile, then up through fields and woods to the road and back into Cadmore End.   A really enjoyable walk.

 

Hurley Hike

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Date: Sunday 21st December 2025.  Distance: 6 miles. Leader: Angela Vasylenko

 
Luckily, no rain this morning (though some in forecast). Also, the river Thames had not flooded, despite Environment Agency Warning the day before.  6 of us set off, over the bridge to the lock then round the back, rejoining the main street by The Olde Bell pub. On up to the main road, across and up the hill to enjoy views of the valley.  A couple of miles flat walking through the Berkshire College of Agriculture estate, then a slow climb to Keeper's Cottage, and our banana break shortly after.  Down through the woods and the mud, passing above the little BBOWT nature reserve (great for orchids in June/July), and then the narrow path to the main road.  Past the "Black Boy" pub, now closed, we took the track down to the Thames for our riverside stroll back to the village.  Very enjoyable.

 

Penn pond meander

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Date: Saturday 20th December 2025 Distance: 6.3 miles  Leader: Roselle Beard
 

For the last walk before Christmas, ten ramblers and two dogs (Fern and Taz) set off from the Red Lion at Penn on a dry misty morning.  After crossing the fields behind the pub, we walked through Common Wood, and Penn Wood to Penn Street. From there we went to Winchmore Hill, through the Penn House estate, and made our way back to the Red Lion.  Quite soon after leaving, the sun made an appearance and the mist cleared.  It turned out to be a beautiful day.  The only downside was the path, which was extremely muddy in places.  Merry Christmas everyone.

 

Great Hampden Circular

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Date: Wednesday 10th December 2025, Distance : 6.8 miles, Leader : Alan Marsh

Twelve ramblers joined the leader on a dry and occasionally sunny  day to walk from Great Hampden towards the church then right along an avenue and fields to a large oak tree then left down to the road and up to Honor End Farm. Past the monument to John Hampden - who in the opinion of the walkers was either a champion of liberty and democracy or a tax avoider or even unknown! To Hotley Bottom and up to Cobblers’ Hill then taking the Chiltern Way back to Hampden House, the church and the start after just three hours. We saw a hare racing across a field and a rainbow after an unforecast short sharp shower! Hills, good far-reaching views and good company!

Hills and valleys from Hambleden

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Date: Sunday 7th December 2025.  Distance: 6 miles. Leader: Angela Vasylenko

 
Despite the inclement weather, I was joined by 5 people and 2 dogs.  We set off up the hill, past Hatton's Farm. Down through the woods and up again to Holywick and onto Woodend Farm.  Down the road for a bit, then to Lower Woodend.  Descending, we passed the beautifully carved wooden owls, then up to Marlow Common North nature reserve for our banana break.  Through Pullingshill Wood, then down to Homefield Wood and up again to go by Rotten Row with it's duck pond.  The rain was heavy now, so the last mile or two were not pleasant and we were happy to reach our cars! ... and yes, it was a hilly walk!

 

  1. Autumn Whiteleaf Wander
  2. Cookham meander
  3. Fingest Walkers' Cafe
  4. Bledlow to Saunderton
  5. Autumn Walk in the Chilterns
  6. Hike to Hambleden
  7. Southend to Stonor Park
  8. The Marlows
  9. Oxfordshire Escarpment/Wormsley Estate
  10. Lane End Loop
  11. Ice-cream at Ray Mill Island
  12. Cadmore End up and down
  13. Hills and vales to Hambleden
  14. Two churches walk from Ewelme
  15. Walk to Marlow and back
  16. Hilly walk in Oxon Chilterns
  17. Ibstone up and down
  18. Walk from Cookham
  19. Loping from Lane End
  20. Wooburn Wander

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