The best walks and hikes around Great Missenden
4.6
(2073)
14,205
hikers
51
hikes
Hikes around Great Missenden explore the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region is characterized by rolling hills, ancient woodlands like Angling Spring Wood and Coneybank Wood, and open farmland. The trails follow a network of footpaths with generally gentle undulations and some steeper sections, providing varied terrain for hiking.
Best hiking trails around Great Missenden
- The most popular hiking route is Coneybank Wood and The Lee loop from Great Missenden β Chiltern Hills, a 7.5 mile (12.1 km) trail that takes about 3 hours 18 minutes to complete. This route passes through some of the area's well-known woodlands.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Prestwood to Little Hampden loop β Chiltern Hills, a moderate 5.2 mile (8.4 km) path. The trail features a mix of woodland and field paths typical of the Chilterns.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Matilda's Bistro CafΓ© loop from Great Missenden, a 2.9 mile (4.6 km) trail leading through the countryside surrounding the village, often completed in about 1 hour 16 minutes.
- Hiking around Great Missenden is defined by ancient woodlands, rolling chalk hills, and paths along the Misbourne Valley. The network of trails offers routes suitable for different ability levels, from short village loops to longer countryside hikes.
- The routes in Great Missenden are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 240 reviews. More than 1,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Great Missenden's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.3
(8)
20
hikers
8.42km
02:22
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
13
hikers
24.1km
06:24
240m
240m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.2
(6)
13
hikers
12.1km
03:18
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.3
(4)
10
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(7)
29
hikers
4.65km
01:16
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Great Missenden
Tips from the Community
Lovely lake and doesnβt look like man made at all and would recommend Boots for the path and Park specially if there has been rain over last few days
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A very pleasant woodland with well-maintained paths (though it can be busy with cyclists) and some benches affording great views across the adjacent fields. Just a pleasant place to be for walkers of all varieties.
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Just west of Great Missenden's Aylesbury Road, the path here descends (very picturesque views of the rolling hills) towards Coneysbank Wood. A beautiful and gentle walk, and easy on the legs.
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The route here allows you to get some peace, away from the roads and traffic noise for a while. Between the two lanes, you will walk through and on the edge of forests, fields and paddocks; it's quite tranquil here. A little tip: the path into Mantle's Wood (south to north) can be ploughed over in the field; if that's the case, head for the gate amongst the trees on the other side of the field.
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A stretch on the South Bucks Way between Little Kingshill and Little Missenden. It's also a part of the London Green Belt Way. Straight out of Little Kingshill, it begins with a bit of woodland, but soon changes into a pleasant dry valley and some open fields. Lovely views all around and a welcome dose of peace.
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As English villages in the Chiltern Hills go, this one is one of the most attractive. This is the kind of place I tend to think of when I read Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. The village name is Anglo-Saxon and means "a woodland clearing". Another little fun fact: Sir Arthur Lasenby Liberty (1843β1917), proprietor of the famous Regent Street (London) store, Liberty & Co., lived here and built a Manor house here in 1900. He was associated with the Art Nouveau style.
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This is a small nature reserved, managed by the Chilterns Society. It's a combination of chalk grassland and scrub areas with lots of wild flowers. A small site, but a great place to visit, particularly with its picnic site and the easy car park.
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From here, just under the southern boundary of Piggot's Wood, you will get a stunning view towards Pipers Green. Chiltern Hills defined! The bright tracks running downhill here are very striking!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks around Great Missenden?
Yes, the area offers several gentle strolls perfect for families. A great option is the Matilda's Bistro CafΓ© loop from Great Missenden. It's a short, easy walk of under 3 miles (4.6 km) through the countryside that inspired the famous author, making it engaging for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on hikes in the Great Missenden area?
Absolutely. The woodlands and open fields of the Chilterns are very welcoming to dogs. However, many trails cross farmland with livestock, so be prepared to keep your dog on a lead in these areas. Always follow local signage regarding dogs.
Are most of the hiking trails circular?
Yes, many of the most popular hikes are circular routes that start and end in or near Great Missenden. This makes logistics simple, as you can easily return to your starting point without needing to arrange transport.
Is there a specific walk related to Roald Dahl?
The entire area is known as 'Roald Dahl Country'. While the Roald Dahl Museum offers its own trail leaflets, many hikes pass through landscapes that inspired his stories. For example, Angling Spring Wood, a key feature in many local walks, is said to be the inspiration for Fantastic Mr Fox.
What are the best walks for exploring the local woodlands?
The region is famous for its ancient woodlands. For a dedicated woodland experience, consider the Piggot's Wood and Nanfan Wood loop. This moderate trail takes you through some of the area's most beautiful and tranquil wooded sections.
Where is the best place to park for hikes starting in Great Missenden?
Great Missenden has a main public car park in the village center (Link Road Car Park), which is a convenient starting point for many local loops. For routes starting slightly further afield, such as near Prestwood, there is often on-street parking available, but be sure to check for any restrictions.
Can I get to the trailheads using public transport?
Yes, Great Missenden is well-connected by train, with a station on the Chiltern Main Line. Many excellent hikes can be started directly from the village, making it easy to arrive by train and head straight out onto the trails.
Are there any challenging, long-distance hikes available?
For those seeking a more strenuous challenge, the Shardeloes Lake and Mantle's Wood loop is a great choice. At around 15 miles (24 km), this difficult hike offers a full day of exploring the varied landscapes of the Misbourne Valley and surrounding hills.
Where can I find the best views in the Chilterns near Great Missenden?
For panoramic vistas, many trails lead up into the rolling Chiltern Hills. A local highlight is Coombe Hill, the highest viewpoint in the Chilterns, which offers stunning views over the Aylesbury Vale. Several routes incorporate this popular spot.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Great Missenden?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of over 4 stars. Reviewers often praise the classic Chilterns scenery, which includes a beautiful mix of ancient beech woodlands, rolling hills, and charming villages. The well-maintained and clearly marked paths are also frequently mentioned.
What kind of terrain should I expect on the trails?
The hiking around Great Missenden is typical of the Chilterns AONB. You'll encounter a mix of well-trodden footpaths through woodlands, bridleways across open farmland, and some quiet country lanes. While mostly gentle, expect some short, steep climbs as you navigate the rolling hills.
When is the best time of year to hike around Great Missenden?
Hiking here is rewarding year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and blossoming trees, summer offers lush green landscapes, and autumn is particularly spectacular when the woodlands display vibrant colours. Winter walks can be crisp and beautiful, but paths can get muddy, so proper footwear is essential.
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