This new title from Bradt forms part of its distinctive 'Slow Travel' series and is the only title available to cover the Chilterns and Thames Valley in depth. The Chilterns and the Thames Valley do not correspond to the specific boundaries of one county or region, old or new. Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire all have a share. Divided into six easily manageable sections, Bradt's The Chilterns and Thames Valley lifts the lid on what makes this area so distinctive. Chalk grasslands, beech woods, streams and wooded valleys provide a perfect landscape for walking and are easily accessible from London. About half of the area has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the closest such area to London. Rare plants such as fleawort and numerous orchid varieties, and birds including red kites, lapwings and skylark flourish. The Thames Valley follows the route of one of the world's most famous rivers. You can find key sites of monarchical and parliamentary power such as Windsor Castle and Chequers, the location of Magna Carta's sealing at Runnymede and the birthplaces of men and women who have led dissent down the ages. A host of well-loved authors has lived and written here, depicting Paradise, defining our childhoods and painting timeless images of England and its people. Eminent chefs own restaurants with national and sometimes international reputations. In short, the Chilterns and the Thames Valley together represent a wonderfully paradoxical mixture of world-famous tourist sites and lesser-known attractions full of quirkiness and character, which will repay the visitor's interest and attention many times over. From Windsor Castle to Whipsnade Zoo, Britain's oldest road - The Ridgeway - to National Trust properties such as Cliveden and Waddesdon Manor, the Henley Regatta to the Grand Union Canal, Bradt's The Chilterns and Thames Valley is the perfect companion.
This guidebook to Walking in the Chilterns offers 35 of the best walks in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Chiltern Hills is a peaceful walking destination of chalk hills and ancient woodlands within easy reach of London. The walks in this guidebook range from 4 to 12 miles and are suitable for most walkers. The walks take you on a journey through this classic Chiltern landscape that has been shaped by human activity for thousands of years, visiting interesting historic sites, colourful gardens and picture-postcard villages with thatched cottages, fascinating churches and cosy pubs. Step-by-step route directions include lots of information about all these sites along the way, and are illustrated with clear OS mapping and vibrant photographs. GPX files are available to help with navigation. There is also information on the region's rich geology, history and plantlife, as well as advice on accommodation, transport and refreshments. The Chiltern Hills follow a line of chalk from the River Thames at Goring up to the Barton Hills just west of Hitchin, boasting great views from the north west edge and, on the south east side, a more intimate undulating landscape of rounded hills and valleys, covered in a mix of broadleaved woodland and open farmland. Despite its relative proximity to London, the region abounds in peace and tranquility, making it an idyllic destination for a day's walk in the countryside.
With some of the most picturesque countryside in England, yet only a short hop from London, the Chiltern Hills are just waiting to be explored. The glorious views from high ridges, ancient woodlands brimming with wildlife and downs alive with wild flowers and butterflies make the Chilterns and the communities within them English to the core. The vast network of well-established paths provides a wonderful walking country with history and nature keeping you company at every step. If you are planning to get away from it all in the Chilterns, this collection of 40 moderate walks is your perfect guide.
This eBook has an attractive retro feel, with nostalgic line drawings and hand-drawn maps. Each of the 20 walks have been carefully selected to appeal to family walkers, most are circular and none are too strenuous. Each walk contains the following: Clear, easy-to-follow route directions Detailed hand-drawn maps Refreshments and pubs Parking information OS map references In addition, each walk contains information on wildlife, or other special attractions to watch out for while walking. The ideal gift for anyone wanting to explore the countryside within easy reach of London. Author Information Jilly Macleod studied Zoology at University College, London before joining a leading publishing company as a book editor. She worked on the successful Natural History list at HarperCollins and recently helped compile The National Trust Book of the Countryside. She is a keen walker and British countryside enthusiast and recently hiked Hadrian's Wall.
This book contains 35 walks, all with detailed Ordnance Survey-based maps, clear route directions and full descriptions of the sights passed en route, as well as stimulating background on local history and wildlife. The walks range from short strolls in inner London to extended rural hikes throughout southeast England, covering areas as far afield as the New forest, the South Downs and the fens. A number of the routes can be combined into tow-day walks, if you want to make a weekend of it. All the walks are designed to be accessible using public transport, and all feature recommended lunch stops.
The first volume of the acclaimed Time Out Country Walks has been fully revised and updated, featuring 52 walks within easy reach of London, all starting and ending at railway stations. The walks take travelers through the glorious countryside, all on scenic footpaths with a minimum of road-walking. Recommendations for the best pubs and cafés are included, while easy-to-use maps and cut-off suggestions help those who choose to shorten the walk.