This challenging 8 mile circular walk takes you through some lovely Chilterns woodland as well as some climbs to exercise your heart. It starts very near the the Fox and Hounds pub at Christmas Common (north of Henley on Thames) so you can return here to enjoy some well earned refreshment post walk. It was walked on 8 May 2024 and Bluebells were still evident in a number of places along the journey.
Parking
There is plenty of parking just past the road junction at Christmas Common on the road towards North End or alternatively if you are returning to the pub I'm sure you can use their car park.
Map
The map shows the walking route with suggested direction of travel and photo points along the route (Px).
Walk Description
The photo points are shown on the map above.
From the car, walk along Hollandridge Lane and at the end of the drivable lane take a footpath to the left into the wood (photo P1).
Car to Point 1 on Map
In the woods, as the path bends to the right make sure you carry straight on when there is an option of a path to the left (photo P2).
Continue on through the woods and at a major crossing point of paths, continue straight on (photo P3).
Walking in the valley you reach point 1 on the map when you turn steep left uphill (photo P5).
Point 1 to Point 2 on Map
As you climb the hill you can view the route you have taken (photo P6) and some fine views in the other direction (photo P7).
As you climb further up hill look out for the old metal fence on your left and don't miss the old kissing gate left turn (photo P8).
Walk across the fields, through some gates until you reach houses and the road. Turn right past the old bus shelter and look for the footpath to the left (not the wider path). You have now reached point 2 on the map (photo P9).
Point 2 to Point 3 on Map
Walk until you reach the Barn at Turville Heath which may be bookable for a half way break on the walk (photo P10). Then turn left.
Then turn right after 25m down a path. When I did the walk I could see some new lambs with their mother (photo P11).
Eventually you cross the road and proceed straight ahead. Don't miss the stile and end up walking close to parallel to the road (photo P12).
Across fields you will start to climb and eventually you will reach a lane with housing, this is the outskirts of Ibstone. Keep an eye open for the cottage in the photo P13 below as this is point 3 on the map and you need to take a footpath on the left.
Point 3 to Point 4 on Map
You soon walk quite steeply downhill until it levels out until you reach a road which you should not join. Turn immediately right on a path. Then within 500m you need to look out for a footpath crossing as per photo P14 below. You have reached point 4 on the map and need to turn left.
Point 4 to Car on Map
As you walk across fields, take a look behind you to the hill you have just come down (photo P15).
You come to a road which you should cross on a path before shortly coming to another road where you need to do a short right and left to take a path almost opposite (photo P16).
You now have a long woodland walk to enjoy. Eventually after a km or two, you will join a path running left to right, take a right turn at this point (photo P17).
Shortly afterwards take a left path (photo P18).
Within a few 100m take a left path again and you will soon reach the main road near the junction (see photo for car park) and you can return to the car or for a well earned drink at the Fox and Hounds pub.
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