The best walks and hikes around Amersham

Yes, Amersham offers a great selection of trails for all abilities. There are over 45 easy-rated routes that are perfect for beginners or those looking for a gentle stroll. The terrain is generally characterized by rolling hills and well-defined paths, avoiding steep, technical climbs. A good starting point could be a walk around the picturesque Shardeloes Lake.

Absolutely. Amersham is well-connected by train, with services on the London Underground's Metropolitan line and Chiltern Railways. Many excellent walks, including routes exploring the Chess Valley and Misbourne Valley, can be started directly from the station, making it easy to plan a car-free day of hiking.

Yes, circular routes are very popular in the area. They allow you to start and end in Amersham without needing to retrace your steps. For a moderately challenging loop that takes in classic Chilterns scenery, consider the Amersham Old Town & Coleshill loop, which guides you through charming villages and lovely countryside.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the beautiful scenery of the Chilterns AONB, particularly the mix of quiet woodlands, rolling hills, and clear chalk streams like the River Chess. The well-maintained paths and variety of routes are also commonly highlighted.

The area is great for family outings. Many of the easier, shorter trails are suitable for children. A visit to the Little Chalfont Nature Park offers a peaceful environment with interesting sculptures and plenty of space for kids to explore. The paths are generally gentle and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages.

Amersham is surrounded by beautiful ancient woodlands. Penn Wood is a local favourite, known for its stunning bluebell displays in the spring and as a habitat for roe deer. For a longer, more challenging hike that passes through this area, you could try the Old Amersham, Penn Wood & Royal Standard of England loop.

Most trails in the Chilterns around Amersham are dog-friendly, offering fantastic opportunities for walks with your canine companion. The extensive network of footpaths through woodlands and open fields provides plenty of space. However, always be mindful of livestock in fields and keep your dog on a lead where required, especially near farmland and on paths like the Chess Valley Walk where wildlife is prevalent.

The walk between Old Amersham and Little Missenden is known for its gentle, picturesque scenery. The Old Amersham to Little Missendon loop follows the path of the River Misbourne, a classic Chilterns chalk stream. You can expect to see charming flint-and-brick cottages, water meadows, and quiet woodland sections, offering a quintessential English countryside experience.

While Old Amersham has pay-and-display car parks, you can often find free on-street parking in the residential areas of Amersham-on-the-Hill, particularly on weekends. From there, it's a short walk to the start of many trails. Some country pubs on the outskirts also offer parking for patrons, which can be a great option if you plan to end your hike with a meal.

Yes, several prominent walks feature water. The famous Chess Valley Walk follows the River Chess, a beautiful chalk stream. For a lake view, the Rough Park and Shardeloes Lake loop is an excellent choice, offering idyllic and picturesque scenes around the privately-owned 18th-century lake.

Hikers in Amersham are drawn to the varied landscapes of the Chilterns. Popular spots include:

• Chilterns National Landscape: A vast and highly-regarded area offering extensive trails through classic rolling hills and woodland.
• Shardeloes Lake: A picturesque and tranquil spot perfect for waterside walks and birdwatching.
• Captains Wood: A well-managed ancient woodland that is a favourite among local dog walkers and nature lovers.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Amersham serves as a great base. There are 8 difficult-rated hikes in the area. The Chess Valley loop from Amersham is a 20 km route that requires a good level of fitness and takes over 5 hours, rewarding hikers with extended views of the beautiful river valley.