With shortcut , 14.2 km (8.9 miles)
Difficulty 5 out of 10
The Chess Valley, one of the most beautiful and tranquil parts of the Chiltern Hills has a number of fine panoramic views. We're taking the short cut (option a) to Chenies. This avoids sections of lane that can be flooded after heavy rain. (Not that we get much rain in winter). And cos it gets dark early.
After a fairly early lunch in the village of Chenies, there's a pleasant walk along the valley rim on a permissive path. Then, just when you think it’s all over, there’s another hill and a descent into Chesham for tea. Should be do-able in daylight but wouldn’t hurt to bring a torch.
Trains: Get the 09:30 Metropolitan line to Chorleywood from Baker Street - Arrive at 10:19
Return from Chesham at xx:28 and xx:58
Chesham, the furthest station, is in LT zone 9. Chorleywood in 8. Freedom passes valid.
Lunch:
We usually stop at the Red Lion (01923 282 722) a smart, friendly pub with a somewhat gastro menu.
A little further on, the Bedford Arms (01923 283 301) larger than the Red Lion, has reopened after a lengthy refurb and serves food in a table service restaurant 12-4pm Sunday, with a more limited menu in its bar area.
Tea: The Drawing Room Frances Yard, Chesham (01494 791 691) is an SWC favourite, Follow your feet further towards Market Square, and you'll find a Mad Squirrel micro pub. Chesham also boasts a Caffe Nero, a Costa’s and at least one other pub, the Queen’s Head
Directions here t=swc.81.a
2 comments:
6 travelled up on the Metropolitan Line and were met by 2 who'd caught the later train from Marylebone, making #8 in all. It was a #chilly-overcast day. We all opted for the shortcut to Chenies, and arrived at the Red Lion soon after 11.30. Since most of the distance covered is in the afternoon, it's useful to have an early lunch, to make the most of the limited daylight hours in winter.however, a slightly later start (e.g. the 10.05 Amersham train from Baker Street) would have been preferable. The Chess valley walk is popular, so we met plenty of other walkers throughout the day. The conditions underfoot were good in the morning and slightly muddier in the afternoon. There's a churchyard close to the Red Lion for picnickers but, for those who want to eat later, there are a couple of benches on the Chess Valley Walk, where some of the best views can be found. Of the two walkers who chose not to have a pub lunch, one pressed on towards Chalfont and Latimer, while the other stuck to the main walk, just managing to catch the 2 pm train from Chesham back to Central London. While the 5/10 rating for the full walk is appropriate, I would rate Option a as 4/10.
There were actually n=9 as one more caught us up at the Red Lion. It was a w=cold-cloudy day. Most ordered sumptuous repasts what looked good. Mr Tiger had chips. A good range of drinks on offer. Some settled for the perry, others for the White Tail dark beer. Mmmm.
Mr Tiger got left behind near Latimer House, but don’t you worry readers, he finished OK.
In Chesham, most of the group went straight to catch the 15:28. Honestly readers, they don’t know what they were missing. When Mr Tiger arrived, he pressed on to the Mad Squirrel to join one other walker and enjoy the most exquisite pint of porter he has ever tasted. Mmmm.
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