Farmland to the south of Salcey Forest

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Start & Finish: Salcey Forest Visitor’s Centre, Wootton Rd, Northampton NN7 2HX
Distance: 13.6 km (8.5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 90m
Terrain: A mix of ancient woodland trails, quiet country lanes, and undulating field paths.
Midshires Way section covered: (near) Stokepark Wood to Salcey Forest: 6.3 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, Hanslope Circular Ride, Milton Keynes Boundary Walk, Northamptonshire Round
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 6
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Grounds Cafe at Salcey Forest, at the start and end of the route.
Map: Newport Pagnell & Northampton South Map | Towcester & Olney | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 207
Links: Salcey Forest, Hartwell, Hanslope

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This section of the Midshires Way offers a fantastic blend of dense ancient woodland and wide open countryside. Starting in the heart of Salcey Forest, you get to experience the tranquil atmosphere of a former medieval hunting ground before the route opens up into the rolling fields of Northamptonshire. It is an excellent route for walkers who enjoy varied scenery and want to experience both shaded tree canopies and expansive rural views.

The terrain is generally forgiving, with well-surfaced forestry tracks making up the first and final sections of the loop. The middle section takes you across farmland and along quiet country lanes near Hanslope, which can get a little muddy after heavy rain but are otherwise straightforward to navigate. Whether you are adding this to a larger Midshires Way trek or simply stretching your legs after a Saturday parkrun, this circular route provides a wonderful half-day out.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start and end the walk at the Salcey Forest Visitor Centre, which is located just off Wootton Road.

• Note that the Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire border runs directly through Salcey Forest: as this is the last of the Midshires Way walks in Buckinghamshire, the route takes you right up to the county border.

• From the car parking area, walk in a north-westerly direction through the car park.

• Take the first path on the left at the end of the car park to cross over Wootton Road.

• Enter the western side of Salcey Forest, which is sandwiched between Wootton Road and the M1.

• Continue walking along the bridle path in a south-westerly direction as it curves around.

• Cross over Forest Road: you will notice on the map a spot height called Hartwell Heights at 130m, though there is nothing to see here other than a gate as you cross the road.

• Continue on the bridle path heading in a south-easterly direction through the forest, keeping the M1 on your right.

• At just over 2 kilometres into the walk, you will reach a path junction.

• Take a left to head in an easterly direction and cross over Wootton Road again.

• Keep heading easterly until you reach another path junction at 2.8 kilometres into the walk.

• Take a right here to start walking south, soon meeting the edge of Salcey Forest and exiting out into farmland.

• Follow the path along the edge of the field, which is contained by a fence, and keep walking south past Forest Farm.

• Continue walking south until you reach the M1, then walk parallel to it for about 100 metres until you reach a farm footbridge.

• Cross over the M1 via the footbridge into more farmland on the western side of the motorway.

• At the next path junction by a tree-lined farm road, take a left.

• Follow this farm road in a south-easterly direction past the farmhouse and into the fields.

• Continue until you reach the edge of the field just in front of a stream, then take a left to walk in a north-easterly direction.

• Cross under the M1 via the footbridge underpass and keep walking north-easterly.

• Proceed until you reach a junction where you meet the Midshires Way again at the section where you left it on part sixteen of the walk.

• Take a left, heading towards Stoke Park Wood: do not enter Stoke Park Wood, but instead take the next left to follow the Midshires Way in a north-westerly direction.

• Zigzag around the edges of the farmland until you eventually re-enter Salcey Forest woods.

• Continue walking in a northerly direction until you reach Forest Road.

• Take a left onto Forest Road at the corner where you will see the Salcey Forest Horse Box car park.

• Follow the edge of this road all the way back to the junction of Forest Road and Wootton Road.

• Take a right onto Wootton Road and follow it back up to the Salcey Forest Visitor Centre car park to finish the walk.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Salcey Forest: An ancient medieval hunting forest managed by Forestry England. It is famous for its veteran oak trees and diverse wildlife, providing a tranquil woodland escape with roots dating back centuries.

• The Ancient Oaks: Several veteran oak trees, some estimated to be over 500 years old, are scattered throughout the woodland. They serve as living monuments to the ecological history of the area and are well worth stopping to admire.

• Hanslope Spire: Though located just off the primary path, the towering spire of St James the Great in Hanslope dominates the local skyline. It stands as one of the tallest steeples in Buckinghamshire and acts as a helpful navigational landmark for walkers in the surrounding fields.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Stoke Goldington and Tathall End

Thatched cottages on Stoke Goldington High Street

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Start & Finish: High Street, Stoke Goldington, Newport Pagnell MK16 8NR
Distance: 12.9 km (8.0 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 125m
Terrain: A mixture of village pavements, country lanes, field paths, and rural tracks.
Midshires Way section covered: Little Linford Wood to (near) Stokepark Wood: 4.5 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, Hanslope Circular Ride, Three Shires Way
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Lamb, Stoke Goldington, although this was shut down when we visited in August 2026
Map: Newport Pagnell & Northampton South Map | Towcester & Olney | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 207
Links: Milton Keynes, Stoke Goldington, Tathall End

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This is a delightful loop exploring the Buckinghamshire countryside between Stoke Goldington and the hamlet of Tathall End. This walk offers a quiet escape through open fields and rural tracks, providing a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the local wildlife and historic village architecture. It is a brilliant way to spend a few hours stretching your legs in the fresh air.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

You can find free on-street parking on Stoke Goldington High Street, quite close to the former Lamb pub and opposite the old post office, which is now a private house. The Lamb was shut down when we visited in August 2026, so it is worth checking if it has reopened before you leave if you plan to eat or drink there, as there are no other pubs or cafes on the route.

• Walk south down the high street to the war memorial and the lovely Stoke Goldington village sign.

• Just after the war memorial, take a footpath on the right and follow Ram Alley in a south-westerly direction into a farm.

• At the farm, take a left at the T-junction, follow it for a little bit, and then take a right at the next T-junction to walk along a path beside a hedgerow.

• Keep going south-west until you reach a lane, then turn left and follow it in a south-easterly direction.

• You will have Buntsy wood on your right and open farms and farmland on your left.

• Keep following the lane past the edge of the wood, and when it curves to the left, take the footpath on the right into the fields.

• Walk until you reach the edge of New Plantation, which is part of Gayhurst wood.

• Look out for a clump of trees on a raised artificial hill on your left: if you walk up into the trees, you get a great line of sight through to Gayhurst Court. This is a historic manor house, but instead of being a training centre, the house and service buildings were actually converted into houses and flats in the 1970s.

• Follow the edge of New Plantation as it curves around to the right.

• At the path junction, turn left to cross the fields in a southerly direction towards the M1. You cannot miss the motorway: you can clearly see and hear it.

• When you reach the edge of the M1, turn left and follow the path parallel to the road in a south-easterly direction.

• Take the underpass on the right, which is also on the Three Shires Way, to go under the M1.

• Continue in a south-westerly direction until you reach the edge of Little Linford wood.

• Turn left to follow the boundary of the wood, and at the southern corner, take a right onto the Hanslope Crcular Ride.

• Follow the ride in a north-westerly direction: about halfway into Little Linford wood, you will pick up where you left off on part 16 of the Midshires Way.

• Keep on the Hanslope circular ride to the north-westerly corner of the wood, and follow the Midshires Way as it opens out into farmland.

• Walk north-west across the farmland until you reach the boundary of Hanslope Park, which is a government communications research centre that is part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

• Follow the Midshires Way as it skirts around the north-eastern side of Hanslope Park.

• When you reach the road, turn right and head in a north-easterly direction towards Tathall End.

• Be careful on this stretch of road: it was fairly quiet when we were there, but there is no footpath, so watch out for traffic.

• At Tathall End, the road curves right, but you need to keep walking north on the footpath that continues the Hanslope circular ride and Midshires Way.

• Pass under another M1 underpass and head into the flat farmland, continuing to walk north.

• The Midshires Way will leave to the left, but keep walking straight north into Stoke Park Wood.

• When you reach a cross junction of paths in the centre of Stoke Park Wood, take a right to head east towards the edge of the wood. Here, you get a really nice view over to Stoke Goldington and down Small Valley, and there is a bench right at the edge of the wood if you want to sit for a rest.

• To continue the walk, turn left, and then turn right at the edge of the field by a mobile phone mast.

• Follow the farm lane in an easterly direction, passing the church on your left-hand side.

• Follow the path around to the left and take the bridleway that runs parallel to Dag Lane.

• Continue all the way along Dag Lane until you arrive back on the High Street at the start of your walk.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Stoke Goldington: Stoke Goldington is a historic village whose roots can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086. The village's name derives from the Old English 'stoc', meaning a settlement, and 'Goldington', likely referring to a local landowner. Its picturesque High Street features beautiful thatched cottages and a striking war memorial, making it a quintessential starting point for a rural walk.

• Church of St Peter, Stoke Goldington: This Grade I listed parish church is dedicated to St Peter and anchors the village. The earliest parts of the building date from the 12th century, showcasing deep historical roots.

• Little Linford Wood: Part of the ancient woodland network in the region. These sites are crucial for biodiversity, often harbouring protected species and providing a glimpse of the landscape as it appeared centuries ago before intensive agriculture.

• Hanslope Park: Hidden behind a perimeter of trees lies Hanslope Park, a highly secure government estate with a fascinating history. Requisitioned during the Second World War, it became the base for the Radio Security Service and His Majesty's Government Communications Centre (HMGCC). It was here in 1944 that computing pioneer Alan Turing developed 'Delilah', a groundbreaking portable speech encryption system. The site remains a vital, secretive hub for the UK's national security and diplomatic communications.

• Tathall End: Located on the periphery of Hanslope, Tathall End is a small, tranquil hamlet that retains its traditional English rural character. Historically, such "Ends" were satellite settlements linked to a larger manor, serving as agricultural hubs for the surrounding open-field system. Today, it provides a peaceful, pastoral backdrop as you traverse the Buckinghamshire landscape.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Stantonbury Lake and Little Linford
Midshires Way next section (north): Salcey Forest and the Northamptonshire Border

On the Midshires Way through farmland approaching Little Linford Wood

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Start & Finish: Great Linford Memorial Hall Car Park, 630 Marsh Dr, Great Linford, Milton Keynes MK14 5AS
Distance: 10.4 km (6.5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 74m
Terrain: A mixture of paved suburban footpaths, established park trails, and potentially muddy rural tracks.
Midshires Way section covered: Great Linford to Little Linford Wood : 5.0 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, Hanslope Circular Ride, Railway Walk, Grand Union Canal Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 6
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Nag’s Head (0.3 km in), The Black Horse (1.2 km in)
Map: Buckingham & Milton Keynes Map | Leighton Buzzard & Woburn | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 192
OS Fundamental Benchmark: TP7233 - Great Linford
Links: Milton Keynes, Grand Union Canal, Stantonbury, Little Linford, River Great Ouse

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This circular route starting from Stantonbury offers a fantastic blend of Milton Keynes' green spaces and the traditional Buckinghamshire countryside. Heading out from the suburban edges, you quickly find yourself immersed in the open landscapes that border the River Great Ouse valley. It is a walk of beautiful contrasts: you trade residential footpaths for quiet dirt tracks and peaceful rural scenery.

As the path pushes north towards the village of Little Linford, the surroundings become increasingly tranquil. The return leg sweeps back towards Stantonbury, taking in the historical resonance of the local parkland along the way. While you won't cross paths with a local parkrun on this specific trail, the route is a brilliant and peaceful escape for casual walkers and dedicated hikers alike.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

Begin at the free car park at Great Linford Memorial Hall, located within the grounds of Linford Manor Park.

• Take the footpath running along the western side of the car park and head south until you reach the High Street.

• Turn right along the High Street and walk until you see the Nag's Head pub. Here, you can either stop for an early drink, or if it's a bit too early for that, turn right to enter the park gates.

• Walk north through Linford Manor Park, curving left in a westerly direction to skirt the southern side of the round pond.

• Continue walking parallel to the Grand Union Canal, pass under the old railway bridge, and keep walking on the canal's southern side.

• Continue until you reach the Wolverton Road bridge. Cross over the Grand Union Canal to the north side, which brings you near the Black Horse pub.

• Once over the bridge, take the footpath on the left off Wolverton Road to return to the canal towpath, and follow it in a north-westerly direction for about 200 meters.

• Take the fork to leave the canal, joining the Midshires Way and Hanslope circular ride heading north-west through Stanton Low Park.

• Pass the ruins of St. Peter's Church—the only remains of the old village of Stanton Low—and follow the path as it curves north along the eastern bank of the River Great Ouse.

• Just over 3 km into the walk, cross the River Great Ouse via the footbridge, then continue until you reach the High Street.

• Turn left onto the High Street, then take the first right to continue on the Midshires Way, heading north-west through the farmer's fields.

• At the path junction, leave the Hanslope circular ride but stay on the Midshires Way, walking north and then curving north-east.

• Upon reaching a T-junction just inside Little Linford Wood, turn right to rejoin the Hanslope circular ride. Follow the wood's eastern edge, then take a quick right through a farmer's field to meet Haversham Road.

• Turn right onto Haversham Road, then left onto Little Linford Lane. (Note: You may see a road closed/diversion sign for a damaged bridge; this applies to vehicles, but you can still safely cross the bridge on foot).

• Walk south-east along Little Linford Lane and pass over two bridges crossing the River Great Ouse (including the damaged one).

• Immediately after crossing the second bridge, and importantly before crossing over the M1, turn right onto a footpath leading off Little Linford Lane.

• Continue south along this path, keeping the lakes to your right-hand side, until you meet Wolverton Road.

• Cross Wolverton Road and head south down Marsh Lane, crossing the Grand Union Canal at the Linford Wharf bridge.

• Follow the road to the High Street, which will lead you back to the Great Linford Memorial Hall car park to finish the walk.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Great Linford Manor Park: Once the centre of a grand 18th-century estate, this parkland is a fascinating mix of history and nature. The site features formal ponds, ancient lime tree avenues, and the remnants of a lost wilderness garden. It serves as a vital green lung for Milton Keynes, providing a serene backdrop that belies its urban proximity.

• Grand Union Canal: Serving as a major artery of the British waterway network, this historic canal provides a scenic, tranquil corridor through the heart of Milton Keynes. The towpaths offer a pleasant waterside alternative to the paved redways: complete with colourful narrowboats and abundant aquatic wildlife.

• Stanton Low Park: A lovely open space that features the remains of St Peter's Church and offers sweeping views across the Great Ouse valley. It provides a brilliant historical touch to the final stretch of the walk.

• The River Great Ouse: This major waterway is the lifeblood of the local landscape. Flowing through the valley, it supports a rich biodiversity, including kingfishers, otters, and various coarse fish. The river meanders through ancient water meadows that have been grazed for centuries, offering an insight into the traditional rural landscape of North Buckinghamshire.

• Little Linford Wood: This ancient woodland is a haven for wildlife. It is particularly noted for its varied flora, including carpets of bluebells and wood anemones in the spring. The wood has remained largely undisturbed, reflecting the medieval landscape and providing a crucial habitat for woodland butterflies and birds.

• Linford Lakes Nature Reserve: Situated close to the route, this wetland area is a haven for local birdlife and wildlife. It was established around former gravel pits and serves as a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Bradwell Abbey and Linford Wood
Midshires Way next section (north): Stoke Goldington and Tathall End

Near Kidlington

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Start: Milton Keynes Central Railway Station, Phoenix House, Milton Keynes, MK9 1AW
Finish: Oxford Station, Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1HS
Distance: 73 km (45 miles)
Elevation change: +338 / -367m (-29m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Milton Keynes Boundary Walk, Cross Bucks Way, Midshires Way, Brentwood Jubilee Way, Langford Heath Route, Oxfordshire Way, Oxford Green Belt Way, Kidlington Circular Walk, Oxford Canal Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 5, 50, 51, Milton Keynes Redways: V2, H8, National Byway
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several. We stopped a Legends in Winslow (17 km in), Twyford Village Stores and Coffee Shop (31 km in) and The Bell, Hampton Poyle (58 km in)
Millennium Mileposts: 574, 575, 271, 533, 534, 536, 576, 272, 273, 535
Maps:
- Buckingham & Milton Keynes Map | Leighton Buzzard & Woburn | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 192
- Banbury, Bicester & Chipping Norton Map | Brackley | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 191
- Oxford Map | Witney & Woodstock | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 180
Links: Milton Keynes, Winslow, Middle Claydon, Steeple Claydon, Twyford, Bicester, Bletchingdon, Kidlington, Oxford

This ride was the next in our series of cycling the National Cycle Network routes in the south-east of England. We have been tackling these as short, one-day sections. It was also a brilliant chance to bag a number of Millennium Mileposts, as this section of the NCN 51 started out with a remarkably rich seam of them.

Ideally, we would have used the train to get between Oxford and Milton Keynes to start the ride. Sadly, the East West Railway line, affectionately known as the old Varsity Line, is still not open for passenger services.

That would have been perfect because we could have parked at Oxford, caught the train to Milton Keynes, and then simply cycled back. As it happened, we had to rely on a two-car shuffle. This meant meeting at Oxford, parking one car there, loading the bikes into the other car, driving to Milton Keynes, parking there, and then cycling back to Oxford. After the ride, we had to do the reverse to pick up the car in Milton Keynes. It added an extra couple of hours to the trip, but it was absolutely worth it. We were eager to get this route done, and we genuinely didn't know how long it would be until the new railway line finally opens to passengers.

Since we spent so much time criss-crossing and riding near the railway line, I thought I would look up the history of it.

The original Varsity Line passenger service was withdrawn on the January 1st 1968. At the time, receipts were only half the operational costs, making it uneconomical to run. While many associate the railway closures of that era with the Beeching cuts, the decision to withdraw services along this specific line was actually taken by Tom Fraser, the Minister of Transport. Over time, it became a disused railway, and the national cycle route now runs close to it and crosses it quite a few times.

Nowadays, there is a major project underway to reopen the line as the East West Rail, which will eventually link Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge. The line is being built on the old Varsity Line corridor. The section between Oxford and Milton Keynes has been rebuilt with new track, bridges, and signalling, and was officially handed over to Network Rail in December 2024.

However, if you are wondering why we couldn't just hop on a train, there is conflicting information online about the actual opening date. Some sources state that the Oxford to Milton Keynes section was originally set to open in 2025, while others now indicate that services might not start until December 2026. A significant reason for the delay is a dispute with rail unions over a proposal for driver-only operation. There have also been delays attributed to the need to complete train preparation, staff training, and final works at the new Winslow station.

So, for now, the two-car shuffle was our best option!

We set off from Milton Keynes, immediately hitting that rich seam of Millennium Mileposts I mentioned earlier. We were ticking them off rapidly as we navigated the lakes and green spaces of MK, passing the Teardrop Lakes and Furzton Lake.

As we pedalled further into the Buckinghamshire countryside, the route guided us towards the market town of Winslow. By this point, we were well due for a break and decided to stop at a cafe called Legends. To be perfectly honest, we chose it mostly because it was the only place open at the time, but it turned out to be a fantastic find. It has a lovely garden at the back which was easily accessible for our bikes, the staff were incredibly friendly, and they served up some great coffee and cake to keep our energy levels up.

Back on the route, we passed through picturesque villages like Middle Claydon, continuing our successful milepost hunt. However, just after passing through Steeple Claydon, we got into HS2 construction territory. We quickly found that a short section of the cycle route was closed, forcing us to take a diversion. We ended up doing a roughly 5 km loop that effectively added about 4 km to our total mileage for the day.

It is worth noting for any cyclists planning to do this route: until the HS2 construction works are fully complete, there is likely to be some disruption along the way. I'd highly recommend either planning for it in advance or just assuming you will need to navigate around a diversion or two on the fly.

After making our way around the construction works, our next crucial target was the Twyford Cafe, located at a nearby campsite. We arrived by the skin of our teeth: just five minutes before they were due to close at 1 o'clock on a Sunday. Despite our late arrival, the staff were wonderfully accommodating and friendly. They kindly warmed up some pasties for us, which we took outside to eat after they had officially locked up the shop.

Setting off from Twyford with full stomachs, we noticed something a bit strange: after a fantastic run of Millennium Mileposts between Milton Keynes and Twyford, they completely dried up. We didn't spot a single one for the rest of the trip all the way into Oxford. I am not entirely sure why that is, but it seemed like a strange anomaly given how packed the first half of the route was with them.

As we finally approached the outskirts of Oxford, I was in the zone and ready to just power on to the very end of the route to finish it off. However, Brian had a much more sensible idea: it was a beautiful afternoon, so why not stop, enjoy the city, and get some proper food before we headed back?

We decided to try and find the Handlebar cycle cafe, a choice driven almost entirely by our amusement at its funny name. Unfortunately, when we got there, we discovered it was closed. Undeterred by this minor setback, we found a local pub instead, where a classic plate of fish and chips did the job perfectly before we began the logistical shuffle of getting ourselves and the bikes home.

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The Millennium Mileposts

Dotting the UK's National Cycle Network are over 1,000 unique markers known as the Millennium Mileposts. Unveiled in 2000, these cast-iron sculptures are more than just waymarkers. Designed by four artists, one from each nation of the UK, they celebrate the diversity of the cycling routes. These artistic mileposts come in various shapes and can be found in both bustling towns and scenic landscapes, adding a touch of artistic charm to a cycling adventure.

Here are the 10 Millennium Mileposts that we spotted along the route.

MP574 - Teardrops Lakes, Loughton and Great Holm, Milton Keynes

MP575 - Furzton Lake, Milton Keynes

MP271 - Milton Keynes

MP533 - Queen Catherine Road, Middle Claydon, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire

MP534 - Near to Whaddon Road, Mursley, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire

MP536 - Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire border, NW of Bicester

MP576 - V2 Tattenhoe Street, Shenley Brook End, Far Bletchley, Milton Keynes

MP272 - Shipton, Winslow, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire

MP273 - Vicarage Road, Winslow, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire

MP535 - NE of Poundon

Along the disused railway by Bradwell windmill

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Start & Finish: Lodge Lake Car Park, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Great Holm, Milton Keynes, MK8 9LG
Distance: 11.6 km (7.2miles)
Elevation change: +/- 84m
Terrain: Predominantly flat, well-paved redways and shaded woodland paths suitable for most weather conditions.
Midshires Way section covered: Lodge Lake to Great Linford: 6.1 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, Hanslope Circular Ride, Railway Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 6, Milton Keynes Redways: H4, V6, V8, Millennium Circular Route
Pubs / Cafes on route: Costa Coffee (8.3 km in)
Map: Buckingham & Milton Keynes Map | Leighton Buzzard & Woburn | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 192
Links: Milton Keynes, Bradwell Abbey, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes redway system, Concrete Cows, Bancroft Roman Villa, Bradwell Windmill, Wolverton to Newport Pagnell Line, Grand Union Canal

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This relatively flat and accessible route takes you from the historic medieval grounds of Bradwell Abbey, winding through the city's unique redway network, and into the ancient greenery of Linford Wood. It is a fantastic mix of history and modern urban planning: offering plenty of shade and solid footing for year-round walking.

As you make your way northwards, you will cross under and over some of the major grid roads, highlighting how seamlessly nature is integrated into the city's design. The woods themselves are a haven for local wildlife, and if you are a fan of parkrun, you might recognise some of the paths as you loop through the trees before heading back towards your starting point.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start your walk at the Lodge Lake car park: there is free parking here for approximately 20 cars. From the car park, head left to walk anti-clockwise around the beautiful lake in a north-westerly direction, picking up the Midshires Way.

• Just before you reach Loughton Brook, take a right off the main lake path and head through the underpass beneath the Dansteed Way dual carriageway.

• As you emerge from the underpass, cross the lovely small wooden footbridge over Loughton Brook and immediately turn right. This keeps you on the Midshires Way as it winds through Loughton Valley Linear Park.

• Keep heading north with the brook on your right, passing under the A5 via another underpass, and continue on your north-westerly path.

• At the 1.2-kilometre mark, you will hit a T-junction where you need to take a left. The official Midshires Way skirts around the boundary of Bradwell Abbey here, but I highly recommend taking a little shortcut through the abbey's nature trail. It is a fantastic spot to see the remains of the old abbey buildings and read the notice boards to soak up some local history.

• Once you are on the northern side of the abbey, rejoin the Midshires Way heading north-east and cross under the main railway line.

• When you meet Loughton Brook again, the path curves to the north. Keep following the Midshires Way north straight through the park until you reach the underpass for Miller's Way.

• Head under Miller's Way and stick to the Midshires Way, which now puts you on the eastern side of the brook.

• Just before the 4-kilometre mark, you will pass under the bridge of the old railway line that ran parallel to the Grand Union Canal. Walk under the bridge, take the ramp up onto it, and follow this old railway walk (which also doubles as a cycle route) in a north-westerly direction.

• Keep an eye out on your right for the Bradwell Windmill: it is a brilliant spot to pause for some photos.

• Stay on the Midshires Way along the disused railway line until just after the 6-kilometre mark. You will reach the Grand Union Canal and an old disused railway bridge. Do not cross this bridge! This is the point where we leave the Midshires Way to loop back towards the start.

• Come off the bridge on the eastern side into an area known as the Quarry within Great Linford Manor Park.

• Follow the path as it snakes down into St Leger Drive. Walk along the drive for about 100 metres, and just after Butler's Grove, take a right onto a footpath.

• This path takes you through some quiet residential areas of Stantonbury and over a bridge crossing Marlborough Street.

• You will soon meet another little stream: follow it down until you reach the underpass beneath Muck's Way.

• Head through the underpass, and you will find a service area on the southern side with a McDonald's and a Costa Coffee. It is the perfect excuse for a quick tea break before tackling the small hill coming up!

• Suitably refreshed, follow the path heading south up through the peaceful Linford Wood.

• Emerge from the wood at Saxton Street. Cross over Saxton Street and Stanton Wood, then head under Dansteed Way to its southern side.

• From here, it is a straightforward walk back: follow the path running parallel to the south side of Dansteed Way in a south-easterly direction.

• Pass under Grafton Street via the underpass, keep on that south side of Dansteed Way, and it will lead you all the way back to your car at Lodge Lake.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Bradwell Abbey A scheduled ancient monument that was once a thriving medieval Benedictine priory. Today, only the small but historically significant Chapel of St Mary remains largely intact: featuring fascinating 14th-century wall paintings that are beautifully preserved.

• Linford Wood An ancient woodland dating back at least 700 years, providing a vital green space within the Milton Keynes grid. It offers a dense canopy of oak and ash trees and features several public art installations scattered along its tranquil footpaths.

• Milton Keynes Redways The extensive network of shared-use paths that crisscross the city. They provide safe, traffic-free routes for walkers and cyclists: uniquely integrating nature corridors and underpasses into the modern urban landscape.

• Concrete Cows Created in 1978 by artist Liz Leyh and local schoolchildren, with subsequent repair work by Bill Billings, these iconic sculptures have become synonymous with Milton Keynes. While the original cows now reside at the Milton Keynes Museum, exact replicas stand at the original Bancroft site just off the redway network.

• Bancroft Roman Villa This archaeological site preserves the foundations of an extensive Roman farming settlement and villa complex dating back to the late 1st century. Visitors can explore the outlined footprints of the ancient buildings and view interpretation boards detailing the history of the site: an excellent historical detour from the main path.

• Bradwell Windmill Erected around 1814, this historic stone tower mill is a striking local landmark that was fully restored to working order in the late 20th century. It sits close to the canal and occasionally opens to the public during summer weekends: offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's agricultural past.

• The Disused Railway Running adjacent to the canal in places, remnants of the old Wolverton to Newport Pagnell branch line can still be traced through the landscape. Much of this former railway trackbed has been cleverly repurposed by city planners: now serving as a wide, flat section of the modern redway system.

• Grand Union Canal Serving as a major artery of the British waterway network, this historic canal provides a scenic, tranquil corridor through the heart of Milton Keynes. The towpaths offer a pleasant waterside alternative to the paved redways: complete with colourful narrowboats and abundant aquatic wildlife.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Oakhill and Loughton
Midshires Way next section (north): Stantonbury Lake and Little Linford

Lodge Lake, Great Holm

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Start & Finish: Lodge Lake Car Park, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Great Holm, Milton Keynes, MK8 9LG
Distance: 9.8 km (6.1 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 84m
Terrain: A mix of ancient woodland paths, paved Milton Keynes redways, and grassy parkland trails.
Midshires Way section covered: Oakhill to Lodge Lake: 5.8 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, North Bucks Way, Milton Keynes Boundary Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): Milton Keynes Redways: H4, V2, V4, Millennium Circular Route
Pubs / Cafes on route: Kensington Pub (0.8 km in)
Map: Buckingham & Milton Keynes Map | Leighton Buzzard & Woburn | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 192
Links: Milton Keynes, Loughton

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This stage of the Midshires Way takes walkers from Lodge Lake deep into the surprisingly green corridors of Milton Keynes. While Milton Keynes is often associated with its modern grid system, this route beautifully showcases how ancient villages like Loughton were carefully preserved and integrated into the city's design. It provides a brilliant contrast between historical Buckinghamshire and modern urban planning.

The route is mostly flat and relies heavily on the city's extensive network of pedestrian pathways and parkland trails, making it highly accessible year-round. Along the way, you will trace the borders of historic woodlands, pass by centuries-old village architecture, and perhaps even find time for a detour to a local parkrun if you are walking on a Saturday morning.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start off at Lodge Lake car park, which is just off Bradwell Road from the Danstead Way dual carriageway. There is free parking for about twenty cars, and it makes a great starting point with plenty of route options around the water.

• From the car park, head around the lake in an anti-clockwise direction.

• Pick up the path that runs parallel to Danstead Way along its southern edge.

• After just under one kilometre, you will walk past the Kensington pub: it is a nice spot for a quick drink if you fancy one, even if it is a bit early in the trip.

• Keep heading south-west until the 1.8 kilometre mark, then cross over Danstead Way at the traffic lights onto Randall Avenue.

• Take an immediate left to dip into the woodland, following a lovely little trail with a stream on your right and Danstead Way on your left.

• Continue south-west until you reach the roundabout connecting Barossa Way and Tattenhoe Street.

• Cross Barossa Way to join the North Bucks Way: this is a really peaceful section as you get away from the busy roads and houses for a bit.

• Head south along the North Bucks Way until you reach the four kilometre mark, then take a left to rejoin the Midshires Way right where we left off on section twelve.

• Wander north-east through a quiet residential part of Oak Hill, then follow the path as it curves south-west along the south side of Fulmer Street.

• Just past the six kilometre mark, pop under the underpass and stick to the Midshires Way on the north side of Fulmer Street.

• The route curves left to head north-east parallel to Chazey Way, before taking you under the busy Watling Street via another underpass.

• Curve left heading north-north-west through Loughton: this is a rather nice area with some big houses, open ground, and a great view across to Central Milton Keynes over on the eastern side.

• Finally, keep following the route past the miniature railway, cross over Loughton Brook, and simply follow the water all the way back to Lodge Lake to finish up.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Lodge Lake & Great Holm Built in the early 1980s as a balancing lake to manage flood risks from the Loughton Brook, Lodge Lake has matured into a thriving natural ecosystem. It provides a vital habitat for local birdlife, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for herons, swans, and even the occasional kingfisher as you navigate the water's edge at the start and finish of your walk.

• Oakhill Wood forms part of the long‑established woodland belt on the western edge of Milton Keynes. Though not formally designated as ancient woodland, it has been present in the landscape for centuries and provides a rich habitat for local wildlife. Its shaded paths offer a welcome sense of seclusion, creating a natural green buffer between the modern grid roads and the older settlements nearby.

• Loughton is one of Milton Keynes’ most historic settlements, recorded in the Domesday Book and still centred around its traditional village green. Absorbed into the new town’s designated area in the early 1970s, it has retained its medieval street pattern and a remarkable collection of historic buildings. Timber‑framed cottages, farmhouses, and remnants of ancient field boundaries preserve the character of a Buckinghamshire village that predates the city by nearly a millennium.

• All Saints Church is the oldest surviving building in Loughton and a Grade II* listed landmark. Its earliest sections, the nave and chancel, date from the early 13th century, with later medieval additions shaping the church’s distinctive profile. Set amid the village’s green spaces and surrounded by modern Milton Keynes, it stands as a striking reminder of the area’s deep historical roots.

• The Milton Keynes Redway Network A significant portion of this route utilises the city’s Redways—a unique, traffic-free network boasting over 200 miles of shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists. These verdant, tree-lined corridors safely connect communities and parks away from the roads, demonstrating how modern urban planning can successfully blend seamlessly with nature.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Whaddon and Oakhill Wood
Midshires Way next section (north): Bradwell Abbey and Linford Wood

Walking west from Oakhill with Oakhill Wood on the left

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Start & Finish: St Mary's Church, Church Hill, Whaddon, Milton Keynes, MK17 0LZ
Distance: 8.3 km (5.2 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 74m
Terrain: A combination of quiet country lanes, well-marked grassy footpaths, and rustic woodland tracks.
Midshires Way section covered: Whaddon to Oakhill: 3.2 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, North Bucks Way, Milton Keynes Boundary Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Lowndes Arms, Whaddon (just off route at the start and finish)
Map: Buckingham & Milton Keynes Map | Leighton Buzzard & Woburn | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 192
Links: Whaddon, Milton Keynes

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This delightful circular route through the Buckinghamshire countryside offers a fantastic blend of historic village charm and open agricultural landscapes. Starting in the picturesque village of Whaddon, the trail guides you eastwards along the quiet country lane towards the edge of Milton Keynes. It is a wonderfully peaceful stretch that feels miles away from the hustle of the city, making it an excellent weekend escape or a perfect leg-stretcher for those resting before their Saturday morning parkrun.

As you reach the western urban boundary, the route turns north, tracing the edge of the city before skirting the ancient boundaries of Oakhill Wood and Briary Plantation. The return leg takes you west through wide open fields and south through the remnants of Whaddon Chase, offering long, elevated views across the Great Ouse Valley before delivering you safely back into the heart of Whaddon.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Begin the walk outside the Lowndes Arms pub on Stock Lane in Whaddon village centre, where free on-street parking is available.

• Walk south through St Mary's churchyard, passing the 12th-century church, to exit back onto Stock Lane right opposite your starting point at the Lowndes Arms. As you reach the top of the hill, pass the historic remnants of the Second World War telecommunications site on the grass line.

• Head east along Stock Lane for approximately 300 metres.

• Turn left onto the public footpath heading down Kennel Lane towards the open fields.

• Follow the Midshires Way path as it turns right and then left to skirt the northern edge of Briary Plantation.

• Continue heading in a north-easterly direction across the fields until the path meets the Milton Keynes Boundary Walk just before you reach the urban houses.

• Turn left and follow the combined Midshires Way and Milton Keynes Boundary Walk north-north-west for just under two kilometres, passing Oakley Park and Oakhill Prison on your right, and Oakhill Wood on your left.

• Turn left (west) to stay on the Milton Keynes Boundary Walk, walking across the open fields.

• Cross over Stratford Road and continue along the farm path heading west.

• When you reach the track near the converted farm buildings, turn left to head southwards.

• Follow this path until it connects with Nash Road.

• Turn left onto Nash Road and follow it as it transitions into Church Hill Road towards the centre of Whaddon.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• St Mary's Church, Whaddon. Dominating the skyline as you approach Whaddon, the Church of St Mary is a striking Grade I listed building with origins rooted in the 12th century. The church features a prominent 14th-century tower and contains historic monuments, including a memorial to Arthur Grey, 14th Baron Grey de Wilton, making it a culturally significant and highly visible landmark on your walk. Inside, visitors can spot a rare Norman pillar carving showing two peacocks quarrelling over bread, as well as surviving fragments of medieval stained glass in the east window.

• Whaddon Hall and Royal History. The present Whaddon Hall was built in 1820 on a site occupied by manor houses since the 11th century. Originally a royal forest and medieval hunting ground, Whaddon Chase was historically reserved for hunting deer by the nobility. Although heavily deforested over the centuries and enclosed for agriculture, the undulating topography and remaining pockets of ancient woodland still offer walkers a tangible glimpse into Buckinghamshire's medieval past.

• The Intelligence Zone and World War Two Telecommunications. During World War Two, Whaddon Hall served as the top-secret headquarters for Section VIII (Communications) of MI6 under Brigadier Richard Gambier-Parry. The facility was responsible for constructing radio gear and transmitting Ultra intelligence from Bletchley Park directly to Allied commanders in the field. Walkers can still see the grassy mounds of the buried wartime radio outstations (such as Windy Ridge and the Upper Weald Radio Station) along Church Hill Road, whose history was shared with us by local author Alan Biggins, writer of The Intelligence Zone: Churchill's Secret Sites and What They Gave the World.

• Oakhill Wood and Briary Plantation. These ancient woodlands form a beautiful natural buffer between the expanding modern grid of Milton Keynes and the traditional farmland of rural Buckinghamshire. Tracing the edges of these woods provides wonderful opportunities to spot local wildlife: look out for deer, red kites, and woodpeckers nestled in the oak and ash canopy.

• Snelshall Priory Earthworks. Slightly west of the route lies the site of Snelshall Priory, a Benedictine house dedicated to St Leonard and founded circa 1147. Though the buildings have long since vanished, the historic earthworks, moated site, and medieval fishponds still remain preserved in the quiet landscape.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Great Horwood and Whaddon
Midshires Way next section (north): Oakhill and Loughton

St Mary's Church, Whaddon

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Start & Finish: The Swan Inn, 1 Winslow Road, Great Horwood, Milton Keynes, MK17 0QN
Distance: 11.4 km (7.1 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 85m
Terrain: A mixture of grassy footpaths, bridleways, agricultural field margins, and village pavements.
Midshires Way section covered: Great Horwood to Whaddon: 6.1 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, North Bucks Way
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Swan Inn, Great Horwood (at the start and end), The Lowndes Arms, Whaddon (just off route at 6 km in)
Map: Buckingham & Milton Keynes Map | Leighton Buzzard & Woburn | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 192
Links: Great Horwood, Whaddon, The Intelligence Zone

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This delightful circular route through the Buckinghamshire countryside offers a fantastic blend of historic village charm and open agricultural landscapes. Starting in the picturesque village of Great Horwood, the trail guides you north-east across gentle fields and along established bridleways towards the neighbouring village of Whaddon. It is a wonderfully peaceful stretch that feels miles away from the bustle of nearby Milton Keynes, making it an excellent weekend escape for walkers of all abilities.

After taking in the elevated views and historic architecture of Whaddon, the route loops back southwards through the rural remnants of Whaddon Chase. The return leg provides a slightly different perspective of the undulating fields before guiding you safely back into Great Horwood. Whether you are out for a leisurely afternoon stroll with a pub lunch in mind or getting some extra steps in ahead of your local parkrun, this route is highly rewarding.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start at the Swan Inn in Great Horwood, or park in the free car park on the north side of High Street.

• Take High Street north-easterly, then turn left onto Nash Road and follow it north for about 400 metres.

• Leave the road on the left and follow the footpath north through fields to cross the A421.

• Follow the path north-easterly through fields to Nash. Watch out for the geese in the farm as you arrive at Nash.

• Cross Winslow Road, and take Wood End Lane to head east to Whaddon.

• From Whaddon, take the footpath south from the church to cross the A421.

• Take Warren Road in a south-southwesterly direction. There’s no pavement here and it’s a fairly quiet road but look out for cars.

• When Warren Road takes a sharp turn to the south take the footpath on the right of the bend.

• Follow the footpath in a south-westerly direction to Little Horwood Road.

• Finally, turn right onto Little Horwood Road to return to the centre of Great Horwood.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• The Swan Inn and Great Horwood Great Horwood is a quintessential Buckinghamshire village with a layout dating back to the mediaeval period. Its conservation area is home to numerous timber-framed buildings that provide a picturesque start to the walk. The Swan Inn, acting as your start and finish point, is a Grade II listed 18th-century pub with a rich history of serving thirsty travellers on the historic trade routes winding through the county.

• Ridge and Furrow: As you make your way along the Midshires Way between Adstock and Whaddon, keep an eye out for the fascinating historical landscape known as ridge and furrow. These distinct, wave-like contours across the fields are the fossilised remains of medieval farming, offering a remarkable glimpse into centuries of agricultural history preserved beneath the turf.

• St Mary's Church, Whaddon Dominating the skyline as you approach Whaddon, the Church of St Mary is a striking Grade I listed building with origins rooted in the 12th century. The church features a prominent 14th-century tower and contains historic monuments, including a memorial to Arthur Grey, 14th Baron Grey de Wilton, making it a culturally significant and highly visible landmark on your walk.

• Whaddon: Perched on a slight hill, this village offers excellent panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is well known for the historic Lowndes Arms and its proximity to ancient royal hunting grounds. On the day that we were in Whaddon we were fortunate enough to observe an archaeological dig where enthusiastic volunteers were uncovering the remnants of buried World War Two telecommunications sites. These sites are remnants of the top-secret communications networks that were vital to the war effort. We also had the pleasure of meeting local author Alan Biggins, who joined us for part of the walk back to Great Horwood. He shared fascinating insights from his book, "The Intelligence Zone," which delves into the region's secret intelligence history. It truly brings the landscape to life to hear these stories first-hand and see the physical traces of history scattered across the area.

• Whaddon Chase and Royal History Originally a Royal forest and mediaeval hunting ground, Whaddon Chase is an area steeped in local legend. Established before the Norman Conquest, it was historically reserved for hunting deer by the nobility. Although heavily deforested over the centuries and enclosed for agriculture, the undulating topography and remaining pockets of ancient woodland still offer walkers a tangible glimpse into Buckinghamshire's mediaeval past.

• Nash Village As you pass through the small agricultural village of Nash, you are stepping through a settlement first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Historically a quiet farming community, its peaceful lanes and historic farmhouses showcase classic North Buckinghamshire vernacular architecture, providing a charming and historic mid-point between Great Horwood and Whaddon.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Addington and Great Horwood
Midshires Way next section (north): Whaddon and Oakhill Wood

V-shaped junction on the Cross Bucks Way near Addington

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Start & Finish: Church End, Adstock, Buckingham, MK18 2HY
Distance: 10.3 km (6.4 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 79m
Terrain: A pleasant mix of open arable fields, ancient bridleways, and quiet village lanes.
Midshires Way section covered: Addington to Great Horwood: 4.3 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, Cross Bucks Way
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Old Thatched Inn, Adstock (at the start and end), The Swan Inn, Great Horwood (6.1 km in)
Map: Buckingham & Milton Keynes Map | Leighton Buzzard & Woburn | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 192
Links: Addington, Great Horwood, Midshires Way

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This delightful circular walk takes you through the serene Buckinghamshire countryside, starting in the quiet village of Adstock. The path initially guides you south across open farmland to Addington, picking up the Cross Bucks Way. From Addington Church, you join the official Midshires Way trail heading east and then north-eastwards. The wide views of the agricultural landscape serve as a fantastic backdrop as you make your way towards the picturesque village of Great Horwood.

Once you reach Great Horwood, you will find a charming village centre that makes for a perfect mid-walk rest stop. Leaving the Midshires Way behind, the route loops back towards the west via quiet lanes, taking you through more peaceful meadows before returning to Adstock. The gentle undulation of the landscape makes this an excellent afternoon stroll or a highly scenic alternative to your weekend parkrun.

The guidance below will help you navigate, but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start your walk where there are free parking spaces in the village of Adstock, near the junction of Church End, Main Street and East Street.

• Walk south down Main Street, then take a left onto Scots Lane.

• Continue heading in a south-easterly direction to carefully cross over the Buckingham Road (A413).

• Keep heading south through the fields to pick up the Cross Bucks Way, eventually reaching the road that runs east to west through the village of Addington.

• Take a left onto this road, continuing to follow the Cross Bucks Way, then take a left to join the Midshires Way near Addington Church (the Church of St Mary the Virgin).

• Continue east along the Midshires Way until you reach the equestrian centre, then take a left to follow the road to the east of the centre heading north.

• Upon reaching the Buckingham Road (A413) again, carefully cross over to the north side of the road and follow the pavement in an easterly direction.

• Take the footpath on the left to leave the A413, following this path (which is the Midshires Way and North Bucks Way) in a north-easterly direction.

• Keep following the path until you reach Winslow Road, then take a left and follow it into the village centre of Great Horwood.

• At the village centre, you will see The Swan Inn: a good halfway spot for a rest and a drink.

• Leave the Midshires Way here by taking a left off Winslow Road onto Singleborough Road, following it in a westerly direction.

• Continue as this leads onto Pilch Lane, heading in a west or north-westerly direction.

• Just after a bend and crossing a bridge over a stream, leave Pilch Lane by taking a left onto a footpath through the fields.

• Follow this footpath as it curves down to the south-west, taking you all the way to The Gardens, a small lane in Adstock.

• Keep following this down to West Street, then onto East Street, before finally returning to your starting point in the Adstock village centre.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Church of St Cecilia, Adstock: Dating back to the late 11th or early 12th century, this historic parish church boasts a remarkable Norman doorway featuring intricate zigzag and dog-tooth carvings. Its peaceful churchyard is a fantastic starting point, grounding the walk in a millennium of Buckinghamshire history.

• Addington Estate & Equestrian Centre: The Addington estate is not only steeped in Civil War history but is also renowned today for its prestigious Equestrian Centre. The surrounding parkland, with its ancient trees and well-kept bridleways, offers lovely glimpses of the 19th-century landscaping originally designed by William Andrews Nesfield.

• Great Horwood & The Swan Inn: Great Horwood is a designated conservation area characterised by a charming village green and 17th-century timber-framed cottages. The village was granted a royal charter in 1447 to hold a weekly market. Today, it hosts the historic Swan Inn, a perfect resting point that has been serving weary travellers for centuries.

• Pilch Lane & Rural Meadows: The return leg via Pilch Lane crosses vital local waterways and natural meadowlands. These fields are prime habitats for local wildlife, including grazing deer, red kites soaring overhead, and a variety of hedgerow songbirds that thrive in the undisturbed Bucks countryside.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Verney Junction and Winslow
Midshires Way next section (north): Great Horwood and Whaddon

Rapeseed field between East Claydon and Verney Junction

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Start & Finish: St Mary's Church, Church Way, East Claydon, Buckingham, MK18 2ND
Distance: 12.7 km (7.9 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 97m
Terrain: Mixed terrain including field paths, bridleways, and quiet country lanes.
Midshires Way section covered: East Claydon to Addington: 4.7 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, Cross Bucks Way, Bernwood Jubilee Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 51
Pubs / Cafes on route: None, although there are several in Winslow if you take a diversion from the main route at 7 km in.
Map: Buckingham & Milton Keynes Map | Leighton Buzzard & Woburn | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 192
Links: East Claydon, Verney Junction, Winslow, Addington, East West Rail

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This delightful circular walk takes you through the serene Buckinghamshire countryside, starting at East Claydon. The highlight is the historic site of Verney Junction. From the remnants of this once bustling railway hub, the path guides you northwards across open farmland and peaceful meadows, offering wide views of the Buckinghamshire landscape. The route gently undulates as it loops towards the charming market town of Winslow, dropping from around 124 metres in elevation down to 83 metres, making it an excellent afternoon stroll or a scenic alternative to your weekend parkrun.

Upon reaching the western edges of Winslow, the trail turns back southwest, following well-trodden bridleways and field margins. The return leg provides a contrasting perspective of the countryside, with quiet copses and the occasional glimpse of local wildlife. It is a manageable route with varied terrain, though sensible footwear is recommended during wetter months when the field paths can become muddy.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start near St Mary’s Church where there’s several spots of free on-street parking on Church Way.

• Walk along Church Way in a westerly direction, onto Sandmill Road, then take a right onto the footpath at the junction with Lacemakers Close.

• Follow the path through fields for 1.6 km to Verney Road then take a left to follow Verney Road to Verney Junction village.

• Take a moment to explore the village that was formerly the site of Verney Junction Station. The former station building is now a private house and the old rail line has now been replaced by the new East West Rail line.

• Continue along Verney Road past the village then take a right onto the bridge that takes you over the East West Rail line. After the bridge, follow the path round to the right until you reach the track that previously crossed the disused rail line to the village.

• Take a right at this track to follow the path in a north-easterly direction.

• When you reach St Mary The Virgin Church in Addington follow the road as it curves round to the east. This is the furthest point on the Midshires Way for this section. You’ll now be following the Cross Bucks Way into Winslow.

• You’ll reach a T junction where you’ll take a right then take a left to leave the road and follow a path through a field in an east / south-easterly direction.

• Follow the path as it crosses under the East West Line then runs parallel to the rail line to reach Furze Lane on the western edge of Winslow.

• Follow Gibbs Close, Featherbed Close, Selby Lane, Verney Road and Langley Close through Winslow until you reach a footpath near some stables on the southern edge of Winslow. Take a right onto this path to head east.

• Follow this path through fields, initially in a westerly direction then curving to the south to reach East Claydon Road.

• Take a right onto East Claydon Road and follow it for 600m to the East Claydon Substation. Be careful on this road as there’s no pavement but there is a grass verge to avoid cars.

• Take a left onto the footpath that starts on the service road at the western end of the substation.

• Follow the path as it zig-zags across fields to rejoin the Midshires Way then continue back to St Mary’s Church in East Claydon.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• East Claydon: An historic Buckinghamshire village with clear Anglo‑Saxon origins, its name deriving from the Old English clægig dun, meaning “clay hill.” At its heart stands the parish church of St Mary, a building that today reflects several centuries of architectural development. Although the church was largely destroyed during the English Civil War by Parliamentarian official Cornelius Holland, it was rebuilt after the Restoration and now incorporates elements from the 13th to 16th centuries, including a 14th‑century chancel. The village provides a peaceful and culturally rich backdrop as you explore the surrounding countryside.

• Claydon House and Estate: Just a stone's throw from East Claydon lies the magnificent Claydon House, a National Trust property renowned for its extraordinary 18th-century rococo interiors. For generations, it has been the ancestral home of the Verney family—the namesakes of Verney Junction. The house also boasts a deep connection to Florence Nightingale, who was a frequent visitor and had her own bedroom there, as her sister Parthenope was married to Sir Harry Verney.

• Verney Junction: Once a significant interchange on the Oxford–Cambridge Varsity Line, Verney Junction played an important role in the region’s Victorian railway network. Passenger services ceased in 1968 with the closure of the line, but the site remains a notable landmark for railway historians and enthusiasts, offering a quiet reminder of the area’s transport heritage.

• The Varsity Line Landscape: Much of the landscape you will encounter has been shaped by the former Varsity Line, the rail route that once linked Britain’s two great university cities. Though the line closed in the late 1960s, major efforts are now underway to revive parts of this historic corridor through the East West Rail project, which aims to restore modern rail services across sections of the original route.

• Addington: Set within the Buckinghamshire countryside, Addington is a secluded village with deep historical roots, recorded in the Domesday Book as Edintone. Its parish church, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, reflects a long architectural history with Norman origins. During the English Civil War, the original manor house served twice as the national headquarters for Parliamentarian forces, giving the village an important—if brief—strategic role. Today, Addington is characterised by the extensive Addington Manor estate, whose mid‑19th‑century parkland was laid out with input from the noted landscape designer William Andrews Nesfield.

• Winslow: Winslow is a historic market town known for its traditional architecture and lively high street. Its most prominent landmark is Winslow Hall, a grand mansion built in 1700. The house is traditionally attributed to Sir Christopher Wren, although the attribution remains a matter of scholarly debate. Regardless of authorship, the building stands as one of the finest examples of late 17th‑century domestic architecture in the region.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Quainton and Botolph Claydon
Midshires Way next section (north): Addington and Great Horwood

View over Quainton from the Quainton Beacon

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Start & Finish: George and Dragon pub, 32 The Green, Quainton, Aylesbury HP22 4AR
Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 144m
Terrain: The route predominantly follows public bridleways and quiet country lanes, with some muddy sections likely after heavy rain.
Midshires Way section covered: Quainton to East Claydon: 6.7 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, North Bucks Way, Outer Aylesbury Ring, Bernwood Jubilee Way
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: The George & Dragon, Quainton (at the start and end), Cafe at Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park (just off route at 9.7 km in)
OS Trig Pillar: TP5550 - Quainton Resr
Map: Buckingham & Milton Keynes Map | Leighton Buzzard & Woburn | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 192
Links: Quainton, East Claydon, Botolph Claydon

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This section of the Midshires Way offers a fantastic circular route through the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside. Starting in the village of Quainton, the path almost immediately asks you to conquer Quainton Hill, where the elevation climbs from 98 metres to over 180 metres. It is a steady ascent that rewards walkers with sweeping views of the surrounding area before the path levels out and begins a gentle descent.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Begin your walk at the village green in Quainton outside the George and Dragon Pub.

• Follow The Green in a north-easterly direction then take a right onto Church Street then take the footpath on the left to ascend Quainton Hill.

• The Midshires Way ascends along the side of the hill where Quainton Beacon stands. It’s well worth taking a small diversion to the Beacon for the views to the south over Quainton Village and across the Vale to the Waddesdon Estate.

• As you continue to climb Quainton hill in a north / north-easterly direction you’ll see the large transmitter mast and reservoir on your right. If you want to bag the OS Trig Pillar you can divert off the Midshires along a farm track to the reservoir. The Trig Pillar is on top of the reservoir and surrounded by a high fence so you can get within a few metres of it but not touch it. Follow the footpath that runs alongside the western edge of the reservoir until you rejoin the Midshires Way.

• Once you pass the summit of Conduit Hill (just north of Quainton Hill) descend in a north-easterly direction following the Midshires Way. Note that this splits here from the Outer Aylesbury Ring which follows the more obvious route of the treeline. The Midshires Way is not obvious here so you’ll either need a GPX file or good compass skills to keep on track.

• When you reach Hogshaw Road take a left to follow it for 400m then take a right to follow the footpath through fields in a north-westerly direction to Church Way in East Claydon.

• Take a left off Church Way towards the entrance of St Mary’s Church. Follow the footpath in a south-westerly direction to join St Mary’s Road.

• Follow St Mary’s Road in southerly direction, joining Botyl Road as it passes through Botolph Claydon. Cross over the junction with Orchard Way onto Weir Lane and continue walking in a southerly direction.

• When you reach the farm buildings at the end of Weir Lane continue south across farmland and across the old Bernwood Farm Airstrip (now not visible)

• When you reach the back of Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park you can either continue on the path through to Claydon Road or take a small diversion into the farm to reach the cafe. This is the only place to get food and drink on the route until you are back at Quainton.

• Cross over Claydon Road and follow the driveway towards Hill Cottage Farm, taking the footpath on the right before the farm buildings.

• Continue to follow the footpath through fields until you reach Upper Street in Quainton. Take a left onto Upper Street and follow it back to the start at The Green.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Quainton’s Village Heritage The walk begins and ends in the picturesque village of Quainton, dominated by the magnificent Quainton Windmill. Built in 1830, this towering six-storey working mill remains the tallest in Buckinghamshire and stands as a stunning monument to 19th-century agricultural engineering. Just below the turning sails sits The George & Dragon, a historic free house on the village green dating back to 1777, offering a quintessential village pub experience. As you ascend out of the village, you pass the Quainton Beacon atop Mill Hill—a ceremonial site recently lit for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, which offers elevated, sweeping views over the Waddesdon Estate.

• East Claydon: This historic Buckinghamshire village has Anglo Saxon origins, with its name deriving from the Old English term for a clay hill. The settlement is home to the parish church of St Mary, which features a 14th century chancel and was partially rebuilt following the English Civil War. It provides a picturesque and culturally rich backdrop as you navigate the local countryside.

• Botolph Claydon: A historic Buckinghamshire village that is home to a community-run bar. It would be a perfect mid-walk rest stop if it opened during the day. At time of writing the bar only opens in the evenings.

• Conservation and Countryside The return leg of the journey crosses a diverse blend of agricultural land and dedicated conservation areas. The route crosses the old unpaved Bernwood Farm Airstrip, a subtle nod to local civil aviation that has been active since the 2000s. Just beyond lies Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park, set within 44 acres of open countryside. Dedicated to protecting rare breeds and local natural habitats, this environmentally conscious farm is a haven for European wildlife and a perfect refreshment stop for walkers exploring the local nature trails.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Waddesdon and Quainton Road
Midshires Way next section (north): Verney Junction and Winslow

Approaching the Waddesdon Estate from the north-west on the Brill Tramway Walk

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*** Note that at the time of writing in March 2026, this route is not possible to complete due to the HS2 works running through the centre. Please check the status of the HS2 work before attempting this route. Scroll down to see our alternative route that avoids the works ***

Start & Finish: Waddesdon Manor Car Park, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, HP18 0JE
Distance: 11.9 km (7.4 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 96m
Terrain: A mixture of paved surfaces, grassy footpaths, and countryside tracks with rolling elevations.
Midshires Way section covered: Waddesdon to Quainton: 4.5 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, North Bucks Way, Aylesbury Ring, Windmill Hill at Waddesdon, Bernwood Jubilee Way, Brill Tramway Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): National Bridleway, Waddesdon Greenway
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Five Arrows, The Bow, The Lion, all near the start and finish at Waddesdon. The George & Dragon, Quainton (4.8 km in)
Maps:
- Chiltern Hills North Map | Aylesbury, Berkhamsted & Chesham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 181
- Buckingham & Milton Keynes Map | Leighton Buzzard & Woburn | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 192
Links: Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon National Trust, Waddesdon, Quainton, Quainton Road railway station

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This circular route offers a brilliant way to explore the Buckinghamshire countryside, taking you from the historic village of Waddesdon up towards Quainton and back. It is a lovely walk to enjoy on a weekend, whether you are looking for a relaxed hike or trying to build up your stamina for your local parkrun. The views across the Vale of Aylesbury are fantastic, making it a highly rewarding loop for walkers of all abilities.

The path itself is beautifully varied, combining well-trodden tracks with slightly more elevated sections that give you a great perspective of the surrounding landscape. You will wander past some iconic local spots and enjoy the fresh air without feeling like you are on a gruelling expedition. It is simply a great way to spend a few hours outdoors with friends or family.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start at the main Waddesdon Manor car park and take the path through it in an easterly direction.

• When you reach the junction with Midshires Way / Aylesbury Ring take a left and follow the  Midshires Way / Aylesbury Ring. It will meander through the edge of the Waddesdon Estate, alongside the overflow car park and onto Goss Avenue. At the end of Goss Avenue turn left onto the A41. 

• Take a right onto Little Britain (road) and follow it as it leads onto a footpath between garden fences and out into open fields. 

• Continue walking north along the Midshires Way until you reach The Strand (road) at Quainton. Take a left onto The Strand. Here is a good place to stop for a mid-point rest at The George and Dragon pub.

• Take a left off The Strand / Lower Road onto Station Road and follow it in a southerly direction for 3.1 km until you reach the A41. Along the way you'll pass the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre at the Old Quainton Road Station. After the station you'll be following the route of the old Brill Tramway.

• Cross over the A41 and continue to follow the Brill Tramway Walk through fields and into the Waddesdon Manor Estate. Once into the estate take a right to follow the road back to the Visitor Centre and car park where you started.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Waddesdon Manor: Built between 1874 and 1889 for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, this striking French Renaissance-style château is a spectacular place to visit. Beyond its impressive architecture, the manicured grounds and meticulously designed parterre showcase Victorian horticultural excellence, occasionally hosting vibrant light festivals that illuminate the Buckinghamshire night.

• Quainton Windmill: Dominating the picturesque village green, this towering six-storey working windmill was built in 1830 and remains the tallest in Buckinghamshire. Carefully restored by dedicated volunteers, it stands as a testament to the region's agricultural heritage, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century milling practices.

• Quainton Road Railway Station: Opened in 1899 and closed to passengers in 1936. A nostalgic stop that once served the far reaches of the Metropolitan Line, this historic station is now a beautifully preserved heritage site. It forms a central part of the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, where the legacy of the old Brill Tramway and the golden age of steam travel are kept alive for modern enthusiasts.

• The George & Dragon: Situated right on the village green in Quainton, this historic pub believed to date from 1777. It provides a quintessential village experience and a fantastic spot to grab a hearty bite to eat or a refreshing drink whilst enjoying uninterrupted views of the nearby windmill turning in the breeze.

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Alternative Route to Avoid The HS2 Works

We attempted this route in March 2026 but had to replan it on the fly when we couldn't get much further north than Waddesdon. The HS2 line runs right through the middle of the route between Waddesdon and Quainton and there was no practical route through the construction works. Instead we followed Quainton Road from Waddesdon High Street until the junction of Station Road, then took a left to rejoin the original route following the Brill Tramway Walk towards the Waddesdon Estate. As the walk was slightly shorter than planned we spent some time exploring the Waddesdon Manor grounds. Allow an extra 3 km on top of the walk route distance to explore the Waddesdon grounds.

Start & Finish: Waddesdon Manor Car Park, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, HP18 0JE
Distance: 9.7 km (6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 81m
Midshires Way section covered: Waddesdon Manor to Little Britain (road): 1.4 km

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Waddesdon and Eythrope
Midshires Way next section (north): Quainton and Boltoph Clayton

View to the River Thame and the Chilterns from Upper Winchendon

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Start & Finish: Waddesdon Manor Car Park, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, HP18 0JE
Distance: 11.1 km (6.9 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 160 m
Terrain: A mixture of paved estate roads, grassy footpaths, and woodland tracks across undulating farmland.
Midshires Way section covered: River Thame to Waddeston: 3.7 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, Thame Valley Walk, North Bucks Way, Aylesbury Ring, Windmill Hill at Waddesdon, Bernwood Jubilee Way
Other routes touched (cycle): National Bridleway, Waddesdon Greenway
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Five Arrows, Waddesdon. Near the start and finish.
OS Trig Pillar: TP6692 - Waddesdon Hill
Map: Chiltern Hills North Map | Aylesbury, Berkhamsted & Chesham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 181
Links: River Thame, Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon National Trust, Waddesdon, Eythrope

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This section of the Midshires Way offers a stunning journey through the heart of the Rothschild family's historical estates in Buckinghamshire. Starting at the Waddesdon Manor car park, the route climbs gently to provide sweeping views of the Vale of Aylesbury before descending into the more intimate, tranquil landscape of the Eythrope estate. It is a walk defined by grand architectural statements, ancient trees, and the peaceful meanderings of the River Thame.

The trail transitions from the manicured elegance of Waddesdon to the secluded charm of Eythrope’s private gardens and wilderness areas. As you loop back towards the starting point, the route follows a ridge that showcases the impressive scale of the local landscape. Whether you are interested in Victorian horticultural history or simply a quiet stroll through some of the county’s finest parkland, this route delivers a perfect blend of both.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start at the large, free Waddesdon Manor car park. Check closing times to make sure that you don’t get locked in.

• Pass by the Visitors’ Centre, where there are toilets, and walk along the main path in a westerly direction towards the manor. If you are a National Trust member you may be asked to show your membership cards but if not tell the staff that you are having a walk on the public footpaths and not entering the estate grounds.

• At 400m after the Visitors’ Centre take a road on the right to follow the Windmill at Waddesdon Walk in a southerly direction.

• After 700m you’ll reach a boulevard of trees descending from the manor down the valley to the south-east. Take a left to follow the path between the trees. Near the end of the trees, after a gate, curve to the south to reach School Lane on the hamlet of Upper Winchendon.

• Cross over Main Road to follow a driveway towards a house. Take the footpath to the left of the house, pausing at the gate to take in the views across the Thame Valley.

• Descend down the valley to reach the Bernwood Jubillee Trail before the River Thame.

• Take a left to follow the Bernwood Jubillee Trail running parallel to the River Thame on its northern bank to the gates of the Eythrope Estate. Here you’'ll take a left into the Estate but if you continue over the bridge for ~100m you’ll meet the point of the Midshires Way where you left it on Section 5. If you visit the bridge, retrace your steps back to the gates of the gates of the Eythrope Estate.

• Follow the paths along the gates of the Eythrope Estate drive, following it to the right as it curves towards the main house.

• Before the gates of the main house take a left to follow the Midshires Way in a north-westerly direction back towards Waddesdon.

• If you’re a Trig Bagger you’ll find the Waddesdon Hill Trig Pillar on a side-path just to the right of the main path approximately 2km from the where you turned left at the Eythrope House.

• Cross over Waddesdon Hill Road to take the path alongside Waddesdon Stud.

• Continue until the meet the Waddesdon Greenway then take a left to return to the Waddesdon Manor Car Park.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Waddesdon Manor: A striking Neo‑Renaissance country house built for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the late 19th century, Waddesdon Manor rises from the landscape like a French château. Its formal gardens, sweeping terraces, and historic aviary showcase the wealth, ambition, and artistic sensibilities of the Rothschild family.

• Eythrope Estate: A more secluded corner of the wider Waddesdon estate, Eythrope is renowned for its exceptional walled garden and for The Pavilion, the riverside house created by Alice de Rothschild. The estate has a distinctly intimate character, shaped by its focus on ornamental horticulture and its tranquil setting beside the River Thame.

• River Thame: Flowing quietly through the southern stretch of the route, the River Thame supports a rich mosaic of wildlife. Its meadows form a gentle contrast to the higher ground of the estate, with pollarded willows, wetland habitats, and seasonal wildflowers adding texture and colour to the landscape.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Hartwell and Stone
Midshires Way next section (north): Waddesdon and Quainton Road

Flooded River Thame

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Start & Finish: Stone Village Hall, 50 Oxford Road, Stone Aylesbury, HP17 8PB
Distance: 10.1 km (6.3 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 75 m
Terrain: A mixture of quiet village lanes and open field-edge bridleways.
Midshires Way section covered: Bishopstone Road to the River Thame: 3.5 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, Thame Valley Walk, North Bucks Way
Other routes touched (cycle): Aylesbury Pebble Way
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Bugle Horn at 6.3 km in.
Map: Chiltern Hills North Map | Aylesbury, Berkhamsted & Chesham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 181
Links: Stone, Hartwell, River Thame

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This walk explores a fascinating slice of Buckinghamshire history, linking the ancient village of Stone with the grand estate of Hartwell House. The route offers a pleasing contrast between the open, agricultural landscapes typical of the Aylesbury Vale and the manicured, historic parkland of Hartwell, where you can spot 18th-century follies and a decorative bridge.

The path is generally gentle and well-marked, following a section of the long-distance Midshires Way before looping back through the quiet fields south of the River Thame. It is a walk that combines architectural interest with rural tranquillity.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start at the Village Hall in Stone, where there’s free on-street parking and head west along A418 Oxford Road.

• Take a right onto Eythorpe Road and follow it in a north-westerly direction for 1.9 km until you cross over a tributary of the River Thame.

• After the River Thame take the footpath on the right that follows a path between the River Thame to the left and the tributary to the right.

• After ~1.5 km take a right to leave the Thame Valley Walk to stay on the North Bucks Way heading across fields in a south-easterly direction.

• When you reach the farm buildings take a right to continue along the North Bucks Way in a southerly direction.

• At Upper Hartwell Road take a left to continue along the North Bucks Way in an easterly direction to Lower Hartwell Road.

• Take a right onto Lower Hartwell Road and follow it in a southerly direction to the junction with the A418 Oxford Road. Along this road you’ll pass the Egyptian Well, an old graveyard and the fossil-encrusted outer wall of Hartwell House.

• Carefully cross over the Oxford Road and take a left to pass (or stop into) the Bugle Horn Pub.

• Follow Sedrup Lane in a south-easterly direction to the outskirts of the small village of Sedrup.

• Before the village take a right to leave the North Bucks Way and follow a path across fields that leads onto Bishopstone Road.

• Take a right onto Bishopstone Road and walk along the grass verge in a north-westerly direction all the way back to the Oxford Road at Stone.

• Take a right onto the Oxford Road to return back to the Village Hall.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Stone: This historic village sits on a ridge of limestone and sand, giving it its name. The parish church of St John the Baptist dates back to 1273 and features a remarkable Norman font with intricate carvings of humans and animals.

• Hartwell House: A magnificent Grade I listed stately home that once served as the residence of the exiled King Louis XVIII of France. The parkland is dotted with 18th-century follies and monuments, many of which are visible from the public right of way. Look out for the estate walls; they are historically notable for being encrusted with fossils and rare stones.

• The Egyptian Springs: A unique folly located near Hartwell House, commissioned by Dr John Lee in the 1850s. Designed by Joseph Bonomi the Younger, it features an Egyptian-style alcove and a Greek inscription which translates to "Water is Best"—a nod to Dr Lee's support for the temperance movement.

• The Bugle Horn: Originally a farmhouse associated with the Hartwell estate, this building was converted into a pub in the 19th century. Its curved brick wall is a distinctive local landmark, said to have been built that way to prevent coaches from clipping the corner.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Ford and Michael's Peace
Midshires Way next section (north): Waddesdon and Eythrope

Cloudy sky over the Chilterns. View from near Ford village

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Start & Finish: The Dinton Hermit, Water Lane, Ford, Aylesbury, HP17 8XH
Distance: 8.3 km (5.2 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 41 m
Terrain: Mostly level field-edge paths, quiet country lanes, and a short optional section through community woodland.
Midshires Way section covered: Michael’s Peace to Bishopstone Road: 3.8 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, The Wychert Way, Aylesbury Ring, North Bucks Way
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Dinton Hermit at the start and end of the walk
OS Trig Pillar: TP4919 - Moreton Farm
Map: Chiltern Hills North Map | Aylesbury, Berkhamsted & Chesham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 181
Links: Ford, Buckinghamshire, Midshires Way

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This walk starts in the quiet hamlet of Ford, setting off into the heart of the Aylesbury Vale. The route primarily follows a scenic section of the Midshires Way, leading you through an undulating landscape of traditional English farmland. It is a fantastic choice for those looking for a peaceful journey that avoids the steeper climbs of the nearby Chiltern ridge while still offering great views of the hills in the distance.

If you are into bagging OS Trig Pillars, there’s an optional diversion into Michael’s Peace to the Moreton Farm Pillar.. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Starting at the Dinton Hermit pub in Ford, head south-east cross over Water Lane to follow the Aylesbury Ring in a south-easterly direction for 1.8 km.

• When you reach the track that connects with the Midshires Way take a left for ~750m to take the first path on the left.

• Continue along the path for ~750m to a path junction on the boundary of Michael’s Peace. If you want to visit the Moreton Farm Trig Pillar, there’s 2 entrances on the left of this section of path.

• At the path junction take a right to continue following the Midshires Way across farmland to Bishopstone Road.

• Take a left onto Bishopstone Road then take the first path on the left at #2 Bishopstone.

• Follow this path in a south-westerly direction for 2.5 km back to Water Lane and the Dinton Hermit pub.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Ford: A picturesque hamlet whose name derives from the Anglo-Saxon for a stream crossing. It is home to several Grade II listed buildings and thatched cottages.

• The Dinton Hermit: This historic 17th-century country inn in Ford is named after John Bigg, the "Dinton Hermit," who was reputedly the executioner of King Charles I and lived in a cave nearby.

• Michael's Peace: A 90-acre woodland planted in the winter of 2001-2002 that features diverse tree species like oak, ash, and hazel. A central memorial stone dedicated to Michael Roads serves as the starting point for six radiating rides, providing panoramic views of six local churches and the Chilterns. Supported by the Forestry Commission, this high point has become a haven for wildlife, including skylarks, little owls, and butterflies, making it a popular destination for the local community.

• Moreton Farm Trig Pillar (TP4919): This concrete pillar is part of the historic Ordnance Survey triangulation network. At an elevation of roughly 92m, it provides a quiet marker in the Aylesbury Vale landscape.

• The Wychert Way: The route touches this unique local trail. "Wychert" is a traditional building material made of white decayed limestone and straw, unique to this small pocket of Buckinghamshire (the Haddenham/Dinton area).

• View of Coombe Hill: On clear days, look south-east. The Boer War Monument on top of Coombe Hill is often visible as a tiny spike on the horizon of the Chilterns.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Ford and Kemble Wick
Midshires Way next section (north): Hartwell and Stone

Between Aston Sandford and Owlswick

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Start & Finish: The Dinton Hermit, Water Lane, Ford, Aylesbury, HP17 8XH
Distance: 11.6 km (7.2 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 58m
Terrain: Predominantly level terrain consisting of field-edge footpaths, narrow country lanes, and farm tracks across the Aylesbury Vale.
Midshires Way section covered: Longwick to Michael’s Peace: 4.3 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, The Wychert Way, Aylesbury Ring, Outer Aylesbury Ring, North Bucks Way
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Dinton Hermit at the start and end of the walk
Map: Chiltern Hills North Map | Aylesbury, Berkhamsted & Chesham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 181
Links: Ford, Buckinghamshire, Midshires Way, Kimble Wick, Kimblewick bit, Aylesbury Vale

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

This third instalment of our Midshires Way series takes us deeper into the tranquil landscape of the Aylesbury Vale. Starting in the small hamlet of Ford, this circular route offers a wonderfully flat and accessible journey through the agricultural heart of Buckinghamshire. The walk is defined by its big skies and expansive views of the distant Chiltern Hills, providing a real sense of openness as you navigate the patchwork of fields between Ford, Kemble Wick, and the fringes of Dinton.

What makes this particular section so engaging is the blend of rural solitude and hidden local history. From crossing tiny tributaries of the River Thame to passing through secluded farmsteads, the route feels like a step back in time. Whether you are following the waymarked Swan Way bridleways or the narrow tracks of the Midshires Way, the walking is easy and the atmosphere is one of complete countryside peace.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start in the hamlet of Ford, with parking available at The Dinton Hermit or along Chapel Road.

• Head south-west out of the village along the Chapel Road, then take the footpath leading across the fields following The Wychert Way toward the south-west.

• When you reach a path junction with the Outer Aylesbury Ring at Aston Sandford, take a left to follow the field edge in a south-easterly direction.

• The route crosses a farm which was very muddy and in the process of construction. Be careful through this part.

• When you reach a track that cuts diagonally across the Outer Aylesbury Ring you’ll now be back on the Midshires Way at the point where you left of in Part 2. Take a left onto the Midshires Way, leaving the Outer Aylesbury Ring.

• Continue along the track to Stockwell Lane then take an right to follow Stockwell Lane. Take the next left onto Kimblewick Road.

• When you reach Kimblewick Village, take a left to follow an unnamed no-through-road in a north-westerly direction.

• The road will become a track and when it takes a sharp turn to the left, leave it to follow a footpath on the left through fields.

• Continue along the path in a north-westerly direction until you return back to the Dinton Hermit pub on Water Lane.
  

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Ford: A picturesque hamlet whose name derives from the Anglo-Saxon for a stream crossing. It is home to several Grade II listed buildings and thatched cottages.

• The Dinton Hermit: This historic pub is named after John Bigg, a legendary local recluse who lived in a cave nearby. Bigg was a Parliamentarian sympathiser during the Civil War and was famously rumoured to have been one of the executioners of King Charles I.

• Wellington Bomber Memorial: Near Ford, a poignant memorial plaque commemorates Sergeant Victor George Bailey (RAF) and Sergeant Louis Grover Martin (RCAF). Both men died when their Wellington Bomber crashed in Ford on 9th January 1944. The crash involved a larger crew, most of whom survived.

• The Aylesbury Vale Views: As you walk the level paths of the Midshires Way, keep an eye on the southern horizon. The route offers fantastic, distant views of the Chiltern Escarpment, including landmarks like Coombe Hill.

• River Thame Tributaries: The route crosses several small brooks and drainage ditches that eventually feed into the River Thame, highlighting the low-lying, fertile nature of the Vale's agricultural land.

• Kimble Wick: Part of the wider parish of Great and Little Kimble cum Marsh. It is famously the namesake of the Kimblewick bit, a type of horse bit first developed here by local farmer and showjumper Felix Oliver.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Ilmer and Longwick
Midshires Way next section (north): Ford and Michael's Peace

Farmland near Sheepridge

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Start & Finish: On street parking near The Three Horseshoes pub, Treadaway Road, Flackwell Heath, HP10 9PG
Distance: 8.1 km (5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 139m
Terrain: Field-edge paths, ancient woodland trails, quiet country lanes, and village footpaths with some moderate ascents.
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Chiltern Way
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several in Flackwell Heath at the start and end. We stopped at The Crooked Billet, Sheepridge, 3.3 km in
Map: Chiltern Hills East Map | High Wycombe, Maidenhead & Rickmansworth | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 172
Links: Flackwell Heath, Sheepridge, Little Marlow

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This is part of a series of short circular walks in the Chilterns. This is centred around Flackwell Heath, a large village perched on a ridge overlooking the Wye Valley and takes in the small villages of Sheepridge and Fern.

Walking Directions

For this walk we parked on the Treadaway Road near the Three Horseshoes pub. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start at Treadaway Road: Begin by following Treadaway Road in a north-easterly direction from near The Three Horseshoes pub until you reach the junction with Swains Lane.

• Enter the Woods: Cross the junction and take the footpath leading through the woodland in a northerly direction.

• Join the Chiltern Way: Upon reaching the M40 underpass, you have reached the Chiltern Way. Turn left to follow this trail south-west along a field edge, then through further woodland until you reach Heath End Road.

• Descent to Sheepridge: Turn right onto Heath End Road for 250m, then take the footpath on your left. Continue following the Chiltern Way as it descends along the edge of a field down to Sheepridge Lane.

• The Crooked Billet: Turn right onto Sheepridge Lane and walk south-west to reach The Crooked Billet pub, an ideal halfway stop approximately 3.3 km into the walk.

• Ascend through Woodland: After the pub, take a right off Sheepridge Lane to ascend through the woods. After roughly 800m, reach a path junction where you will turn left, leaving the Chiltern Way to descend through a mix of woodland and farmland toward Fern Lane.

• Little Marlow Cemetery: Walk through Little Marlow Cemetery to return to Sheepridge Lane. Turn left and follow the lane north until it curves; here, carefully cross over and take the footpath through the farm.

• Return to Flackwell Heath: Follow the farm path all the way back to Sedgemoor Lane. Continue north through the village via Sedgemoor Road, Hedley Road, Straight Bit, and The Common to return to the start on Treadaway Road.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Flackwell Heath: The starting and ending point of your journey. Historically known for its cherry orchards, the village sits at an elevation of approximately 111 metres, providing a high vantage point before you begin your descent. The village was once the centre of the local cherry-growing industry. Look out for remaining orchards or older trees on the boundaries of the common.

• The Crooked Billet: This historic pub in Sheepridge dates back to the 16th century. It is a quintessential timber-framed Chilterns building, famously offering a traditional atmosphere that feels worlds away from the nearby busy roads.

• Little Marlow Cemetery & Parish: While the walk passes the cemetery, the village of Little Marlow itself is just to the south. The area is notable for its film history, having been used as a location for various productions, including The Vicar of Dibley.

• Ancient Hedgerows and Wooded Paths: A significant portion of the walk follows established boundary lines and sheltered tracks. These paths are typical of the ancient agricultural landscape of the area, offering a tranquil environment and a chance to spot local wildlife.

• Rolling Countryside Views: As the trail loops back toward Flackwell Heath, the elevation changes—dropping as low as 40 metres near the valley floor—provide expansive views of the surrounding hills and the patchwork of fields that define this part of the Chilterns.

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Water Wheel on North Mill Road

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Start & Finish: Longwick Stores And Post Office, Thame Road, Longwick, Princes Risborough, HP27 9SF
Distance: 8.3 km (5.2 miles). Can be shortened by ~1 km by removing the detours. See walk description.
Elevation change: +/- 37m
Terrain: Level field-edge paths, quiet country lanes, and agricultural tracks.
Midshires Way section covered: North Mill Road to Longwick: 3.6 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, Swan Way, Outer Aylesbury Ring,
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Red Lion Longwick, just off the route at the start and end.
OS Trig Pillar: TP5612 - Red House Farm
Disused Station: Ilmer Halt
Map: Chiltern Hills North Map | Aylesbury, Berkhamsted & Chesham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 181
Links: Longwick, Ilmer, Aylesbury Vale,

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

For this walk, we set out from Longwick, a pleasant village situated in the Aylesbury Vale just north of Princes Risborough. This circular route explores the quiet, low-lying farmlands of Buckinghamshire, leading us through the small hamlet of Ilmer and offering wide, open views of the Chiltern escarpment in the distance.

The trail is largely level, making it a relaxing journey through a patchwork of fields and narrow country lanes. It captures the quintessential rural charm of this part of the county, where ancient hedgerows and slow-moving streams define the landscape. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start in Longwick, where there’s free on-street parking near the Longwick Stores and Post Office on the A4129 Thame Road.

• Take Walnut Tree Lane in a south-westerly direction toward the edge of the village.

• When you reach the open field on the right hand side, where the Lane becomes a track, you have the option of taking a 800m out-and back diversion to bag the Red House Farm Trig Pillar. You’ll need to keep to the outside of the field to avoid damaging crops.

• After passing under the railway bridge continue in a south-westerly direction for 300m then take a path on the left. Follow this path in a south-easterly direction for 220m then take a right to head south-west.

• At the corner of the field you’ll meet the Midshires Way near a kink in the Horsenden Stream. You could take a right to follow the Midshires but you’ll have missed a very small section that connects to Part 1 of this series. For completer-finishers you can continue walking south-west to the corner of North Mill Road / Sandpit Lane where you crossed over the Horsenden Stream in Part 1. Retrace your steps back to the field-corner taking a moment to admire the old wooden water-wheel.

• Follow The Midshires Way / Swan Way in a north-westerly direction along field edges until you meet Ilmer Lane. Take a right onto Ilmer Lane to cross under the railway bridge. On the right you can see a house called The Sidings, a clue that the old Ilmer Halt railway station was once located here.

• Continue along Ilmer Lane in a north-easterly direction, cross over the A4129 Thame Road and along the track to the left of the entrance to the flower nursery.

• Approximately 300m after crossing the A4129 take the first footpath on the right to leave the Midshires Way to cross open fields in an easterly direction to Bar Lane.

• Take a right onto Bar Lane to follow it back to the start at the A4129 in Longwick Village.
  

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Longwick: Our starting point is a village with a long agricultural history. Local produce from this area, including watercress and willow poles, was historically exported to London markets via the nearby railway.

• Longwick Mill: Located in Longwick, this mill was part of a thriving network of local businesses that benefited from regional freight services.

• Red House Farm Trig Pillar: Sitting at an elevation of 92m, this concrete pillar (TP5612) is part of the historic Ordnance Survey triangulation network used to map the UK.

• Ilmer: A tiny, secluded hamlet known for the Grade II* listed St Peter’s Church. The name Ilmer is thought to mean "Yewmere," referring to a lake where yew trees grew.

• The Horsenden Stream: A quiet tributary that the route follows near the Red House Farm. Its gentle flow is a key feature of the low-lying Aylesbury Vale landscape.

• Ilmer Halt (Disused Station): Opened in 1929 and closed in 1963, this was one of the smallest "halts" on the Great Western Railway. The nearby house "The Sidings" marks the spot where commuters once boarded steam trains.

• Views of the Chilterns: While the walk itself remains in the vale, the elevation changes provide a fantastic perspective of the nearby ridge, including Wain Hill.

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Midshires Way previous section (south): Hempton Wainhill & Bledlow
Midshires Way next section (north): Ford and Kemble Wick

Muswell Hill Trig Pillar

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Start & Finish: Brill Windmill, South Hills, Brill, Aylesbury, HP18 9TQ
Distance: 7.6 km (4.7 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 125m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Terrain: Rolling hilltop ridges, open common land, geological SSSI sites, and village footpaths.
Other routes touched (walk): Bernwood Jubilee Way, Piddington Circular Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): National Byway
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Pointer, The Pheasant, both in Brill at the start and end of the walk.
OS Trig Pillars: TP0728 - Muswell Hill and (just off route) TP1632 - Brill House
Map: Oxford Map | Witney & Woodstock | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 180
Links: Brill, Brill Windmill, Muswell Hill (Buckinghamshire), Brill Tramway, Bernwood Forest.

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This is part of a series of short circular walks in the Buckinghamshire based around bagging an Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar. If you’ve searched for or stumbled across this page then you probably already know what an OS Trig Pillar is. If you don’t then this article from the Ordnance Survey is a good place to start.

The Muswell Hill Trig Pillar is right on the route but the Brill House Pillar is just off the rout to the south-east of Brill just off the Thame Road. We bagged it as a drive-by after the main walk but you could add it into the walk by walking to it, and back, when you get to Church Street. This will add an extra 800m to the total route length.

Note that Muswell Hill shouldn’t be confused with the place in London of the same name. The two places named Muswell Hill, one in London and one in Buckinghamshire, share a similar name but not a proven shared origin. London’s Muswell Hill is well documented as taking its name from a medieval healing spring known as the “Mus Well,” which attracted pilgrims. The Buckinghamshire Muswell Hill, near Brill, is historically associated with a hermitage and chapel, giving it its own religious significance, though no clear evidence links its name to a well or to the London site. While both locations have medieval religious associations, the connection between them appears to be coincidental rather than a direct naming relationship.

Walking Directions

For this walk we parked at Brill in the free parking spaces outside the historic Windmill. This circular route begins at the iconic 17th-century post mill, leading you through an undulating landscape with expansive vistas across the Vale of Aylesbury. It was Christmas Day, and we were very lucky to have a bright, sunny day for our stroll.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Start at Brill Common: Begin at the historic Brill Windmill. Walk south-west across the undulating mounds of the common, which were formed by ancient clay workings.

• Brill Village: Walk down Windmil Street in a south-easterly direction towards the village centre. Take a left onto Temple Street then a right on to a footpath that joins the Bernwood Jubilee Way. Keep on the Bernwood Jubilee Way as it traces a circle of the village, passing All Saints Church and onto The Square. After 1.4 km into the walk you’ll reach South Hills (road) where you’ll get another view of the Windmill.

• The Jubilee Way: Keep following the Bernwood Jubilee Way in a westerly direction to the B4011.

• Busy Road. Take a right onto this road to follow it in a northerly direction. Please note that there is no pavement here, so you need to be very careful of any approaching cars. Continue until you pass the signs marking the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border. Just past these, take a right onto a footpath that also forms part of the Piddington circular walk.

• Muswell Hill Ascent: Follow the path north-west to begin the steady climb up Muswell Hill (Buckinghamshire). As you reach the top, you will enter the geological SSSI area.

• Private Drive: At the top of the hill, cross over the road and take the footpath on the left that follows a private drive. As you walk along the drive, look to your right and you will be able to see the trig pillar poking up over the top of the hill. When you turn the corner on the private drive, look out for the footpath on the right: there is a stile to climb over the fence.

• Panoramic Views: Take time at the summit of Muswell Hill to enjoy the 360-degree views across the Vale of Aylesbury and toward the Oxfordshire border.

• Return to Brill: After the trig pillar, keep walking in the same direction diagonally across the field to the stile in the corner. Earlier, take a left and follow the road all the way back to the Windmill to complete the loop.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Brill Windmill: Built around 1685, this is one of the best-preserved examples of a "post mill" in the UK. Its timber frame is Grade II* listed and offers a direct link to the village's agricultural past.

• Muswell Hill (Buckinghamshire): A 0.2-hectare geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is significant for its early Cretaceous sandstones and ironstones, providing a window into the area’s prehistoric environment.

• The Brill Tramway Terminus: The route passes the site of Brill’s former tramway terminus. Remarkably, until 1935 this quiet hilltop was linked by the Metropolitan Railway all the way to Baker Street in central London.

• Tolkien Connection: Scholars note that Tolkien drew inspiration for the village of Bree from Brill—both linguistically (“hill‑hill”) and from his familiarity with the area during his Oxford years.

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Road junction at Bledlow

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Start & Finish: Lions Of Bledlow, Church End, Bledlow, Princes Risborough, HP27 9PE
Distance: 10.2 km (6.4 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 121m
Terrain: Elevated ridge-top bridleways, sheltered woodland trails, and level field-edge paths following the old railway line.
Midshires Way section covered: The Ridgeway at Wainhill to North Mill Road: 3.7 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Midshires Way, The Swan Way, Chiltern Way, The Ridgeway, Risborough Pink Route, Risborough Green Route
Other routes touched (cycle): Phoenix Trail, NCN 57
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lions Of Bledlow at start and end
Disused Stations: Bledlow, Bledlow Bridge Halt
Map: Chiltern Hills North Map | Aylesbury, Berkhamsted & Chesham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 181
Links: Bledlow, The Ridgeway, Midshires Way, Horsenden

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This is part of a series of short circular walks following the length of the Midshires Way in Buckinghamshire. The Midshires Way is a 225-mile (362 km) trail that journeys through the rural heart of Middle England, linking the Ridgeway National Trail at Bledlow in the south to the Trans Pennine Trail at Stockport in the north. Opened in 1994, this route traverses several counties, including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, following a scenic tapestry of ancient bridleways, quiet country lanes, and historic canals. In Buckinghamshire, the Midshires Way has a significant connection with the Swan's Way (often referred to as the Swan Way), a 65-mile long-distance bridleway. Essentially, the Swan's Way forms the backbone of the Buckinghamshire section of the Midshires Way, with the two routes being broadly coincident for approximately 50 miles between Salcey Forest and Bledlow. While the Swan's Way strictly adheres to bridleways to accommodate horse riders and cyclists, the Midshires Way sometimes offers alternative waymarked footpaths for walkers to avoid on-road sections.

Walking Directions

For this first section of the Midshires Way we parked near the Lions of Bledlow Pub. The route is a figure of 8, returning to the Lions at th3 3.6 km mark. The reason for this figure of 8 shape is to use the Chiltern Way and Ridgeway to get to the start of the Midshires Way then follow the Midshires Way in a northerly direction. This northerly direction will be consistent for all walks in this series. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

• Starting from The Lions Of Bledlow walk along Church End (road) in a north-easterly direction then take the first footpath on the right to join the Chiltern Way. Follow the Chiltern Way in a south-easterly direction until the Upper Icknield Way.

• Take a right and follow the Upper Icknield Way in a westerly direction, connecting to the Ridgeway before entering the woods. When you reach the house at the top of the hill you are now at the start of the Midshires Way.

• Take a right to leave the Ridgeway and follow the Midshires Way down the hill back to the Lions of Bledlow. Here you’ll get a great view of the Vale of Aylesbury to the north of the Chilterns.

• Pass the Lions of Bledlow to follow Church Lane again. This time continue past the Chiltern Way footpath that you took earlier and continue to the junction with Bledlow Ridge Road and Perry Lane.

• Take a left onto Perry Lane and follow it in a northerly direction to the junction with Chinnor Road and Lower Icknield Way, Half way along Perry Road you’ll pass under a railway bridge that carries the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Heritage Railway. The old Bledlow Bridge Halt was near this bridge.

• Cross over the junction to Chapel Lane then take a right to follow Sandpit Lane. Follow Sandpit Lane in a northerly direction, crossing over the Phoenix trail, another disused railway. As you cross the Phoenix Trail look to your left to see the old Bledlow Station building.

• Continue north up Sandpit Lane to North Mill Road where you’ll cross a small bridge over the Lyde Brook. Take a right to continue along North Mill Road keeping the Lyde Brook on your right.

• Take the first footpath on the right, leaving the Midshires Way to cross over the Lyde Brook / Horsenden Stream. Follow the path across the fields to Lower Icknield Way.

• Take a right onto Lower Icknield Way, passing under the old railway bridge that carries the Phoenix Trail. On the southern side of the bridge take a left to follow the Risborough Pink Route to Horsenden. Along the way you’ll pass over the level crossing for the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Heritage Railway.

• When you reach the small village of Horsenden take a right to continue along the Risborough Pink Route back to Perry Lane. Take a left onto Perry Lane the a right onto Church End to return back to the start at the Lions of Bledlow.

Points of Interest along or near to the Route

• Bledlow Village: A quintessential Buckinghamshire village featuring flint and brick cottages and the beautiful church of the Holy Trinity.

• The Lyde Garden: Located just past the Holy Trinity Church, this "secret" water garden was created in a deep chalk sunken garden where natural springs surface.

• Holy Trinity Church: A 12th-century church that has remained largely unchanged since the 13th century. It features a prominent tower with a peal of eight bells and a nave with columns dating back to approximately 1200.

• Bledlow Cross: A large cross cut into the chalk turf on the north slope of Wain Hill. Although often overgrown, it is a significant local landmark dating back to at least the late 1700s.

• Bledlow Station: Now a private residence, this station was built in 1863 by the Wycombe and District Railway Company and absorbed into Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Great Western Railway in 1867. At its peak, it was a vital hub for local industries: importing rags for paper production at Bledlow Lower Mill and exporting finished goods, watercress, and willow poles to London markets. Though closed to passengers in 1967 due to the Beeching Act, the line served a freight depot in Thame until 1991.

• Bledlow Lower Mill: Formerly known as Saunderton Lower Mill, this site harnessed the power of the Horsenden Stream to produce paper from linen and cotton rag. The mill's overshot waterwheel can still be seen today.

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Midshires Way next section (north): Ilmer and Longwick