The most beautiful hiking trails in Buckinghamshire: 5 routes for nature lovers
July 17, 2025
Buckinghamshire is a land of picturesque landscapes, where nature impresses with its beauty at every turn. For lovers of hiking and outdoor activities, the county offers a wealth of hiking trails to discover the most beautiful corners of the region. In this article, we'll highlight 5 of the finest trails that will provide an unforgettable experience and allow you to fully appreciate the charms of Buckinghamshire. From the picturesque hills of the Chilterns to lush forests and nature reserves, each of these routes has its own unique character and offers something special. Get ready for a fascinating journey through the region's most charming hiking trails!
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Chilterns National Landscape and Pitstone Hill - the gems of Buckinghamshire
We begin our journey with two exceptional sites that are true gems of Buckinghamshire: the Chilterns National Landscape and Pitstone Hill.
The Chilterns National Landscape is an area of outstanding natural beauty that stretches across much of the county. Hiking trails in this region offer unforgettable views of picturesque chalk hills, lush forests and charming valleys. As you hike through the Chilterns, you can enjoy a wealth of flora and fauna, including rare species of butterflies and birds. The trails are well-marked and suitable for different levels of experience, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
One of the most popular spots in the Chilterns is Pitstone Hill. This spot boasts panoramic views of the area and is an ideal hiking destination for the whole family. The trail to Pitstone Hill is not too demanding, but offers an unforgettable experience. Along the way you can admire the region's characteristic chalk hills and rich meadows full of wildflowers. At the top, a view that will take your breath away awaits - a sweeping panorama of Buckinghamshire and neighboring counties.
Comparing the two places, it is worth noting that the Chilterns National Landscape offers a greater variety of trails and landscapes, ideal for those seeking longer hikes and more adventure. Pitstone Hill, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for a shorter but very rewarding walk, especially recommended for families with children or people who want to enjoy beautiful views without having to hike challenging trails.
Both places enjoy high ratings among visitors. The Chilterns National Landscape has an average rating of 4.6, while Pitstone Hill boasts an impressive rating of 4.8. This is testament to the high quality of the experience these sites offer tourists and nature lovers.
It's worth remembering that in both the Chilterns National Landscape and Pitstone Hill, it's important to make sure you have proper footwear, especially after rain, when the chalky ground can be slippery. In addition, it's a good idea to bring water and snacks with you, as there aren't many refreshment facilities on the trails.
These two places are the perfect start to our adventure through Buckinghamshire's most beautiful hiking trails, offering unforgettable views and close contact with nature.
National Trust - Chilterns Countryside and Brush Hill Nature Reserve - a variety of landscapes
Continuing our journey through Buckinghamshire's most beautiful hiking trails, we move on to two more fascinating places: National Trust - Chilterns Countryside and Brush Hill Nature Reserve. These two areas offer a remarkable variety of landscapes and are excellent examples of the region's natural wealth.
National Trust - Chilterns Countryside is an area managed by the National Trust, a well-known British organization dedicated to preserving natural and cultural heritage. The area includes scenic hills, forests and valleys typical of the Chilterns region. Hiking trails in the area are well-maintained and offer a variety of routes for hiking. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views from vantage points, explore ancient forests and discover charming corners of nature.
One of the main attractions of the National Trust - Chilterns Countryside is the opportunity to observe wildlife. Depending on the season, a variety of birds, butterflies and other animals can be seen here. The area enjoys a high rating of 4.7 among visitors, a testament to its attractiveness and good preparation for tourism.
Brush Hill Nature Reserve, on the other hand, is a smaller but no less fascinating natural area. This nature reserve offers shorter but equally scenic trails, ideal for family walks or short hikes. It is characterized by open spaces with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Brush Hill Nature Reserve has a rating of 4.6, confirming its attractiveness to visitors.
When comparing the two sites, several aspects are worth noting. National Trust - Chilterns Countryside offers a larger area for exploration and a more extensive trail network, making it ideal for those seeking longer trails and more variety. It is also a place with better developed hiking infrastructure, including parking and restrooms. Brush Hill Nature Reserve is smaller and more intimate, which can be an advantage for those looking for a quieter place for a walk or picnic.
Admission prices to both sites are moderate, with the National Trust - Chilterns Countryside requiring a parking fee (as of 2023), while admission to Brush Hill Nature Reserve is free. However, it is worth checking current prices before visiting, as they are subject to change.
Both sites offer excellent opportunities for nature observation and landscape photography. At the National Trust - Chilterns Countryside, you'll find more diverse habitats, which increases the chances of interesting nature observations. Brush Hill Nature Reserve, on the other hand, is famous for its beautiful views and open spaces, which are particularly attractive to photographers.
Both the National Trust - Chilterns Countryside and Brush Hill Nature Reserve are accessible year-round, but each season offers different attractions. In spring and summer you can enjoy the flowering meadows and lush vegetation, in autumn the colors of the changing leaves are stunning, and in winter the landscape takes on a harsh but equally beautiful character.
These two places make the perfect addition to our list of the most beautiful hiking trails in Buckinghamshire, offering a variety of experiences and landscapes that are sure to delight any nature and outdoor enthusiast.
Bernwood Forest - a woodland adventure to top it off
To conclude our tour of Buckinghamshire's most beautiful hiking trails, we move on to Bernwood Forest, a place that offers a completely different experience than the previously discussed locations. This vast forest is the perfect crowning touch to our list, presenting yet another aspect of the region's natural wealth.
Bernwood Forest is a former royal forest that is now a valuable nature reserve and a popular recreational destination. Stretching over a considerable area, it offers a network of hiking trails through dense hardwood forests, open glades and scenic corners. It is an ideal place for those who appreciate the shade and coolness of the forest, especially on hot summer days.
One of the main assets of Bernwood Forest is its rich flora and fauna. This forest is famous for its diversity of butterflies - many rare species can be found here, making it a paradise for entomologists and nature lovers. In spring and summer, the forest is filled with birdsong and the scent of flowering forest plants, creating a magical atmosphere.
The trails in Bernwood Forest are well-marked and well-maintained, making them accessible to hikers of all levels. There are short trails ideal for family strolls, as well as longer trails for more persistent hikers. The forest also offers excellent cycling, with designated bike trails.
When comparing Bernwood Forest with the previously discussed places, several aspects are worth noting:
- landscape: unlike the open spaces of the Chilterns or the hills of Pitstone Hill, Bernwood Forest offers dense, wooded areas, which can be attractive to those seeking shade and coolness on hot days.
2 Biodiversity: This forest is notable for its particularly rich fauna, especially when it comes to butterflies and birds, making it a unique place for nature watchers.
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Accessibility: With a rating of 4.7, Bernwood Forest is highly popular with visitors. Parking is free, which can be an advantage compared to some paid parking lots in other locations.
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Infrastructure: Compared to the National Trust - Chilterns Countryside, Bernwood Forest has less extensive tourist infrastructure, which could be a plus for those seeking a more natural, less developed environment.
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Seasonality: Although the forest is beautiful year-round, it becomes especially attractive in spring and summer, when the most species of butterflies and birds can be observed.
It is worth remembering that in Bernwood Forest, as in the other places discussed, one should be careful and respectful of nature. It is advisable to stay on marked trails, not to litter and to follow the rules of nature conservation.
Bernwood Forest provides the perfect end to our journey through Buckinghamshire's most beautiful hiking trails. It offers a unique forest adventure experience that perfectly complements the panoramic views and open spaces of the other locations described. Whether you're a long hiker, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a quiet spot for a family picnic, Bernwood Forest is sure to meet your needs.
All in all, the five places featured in this article - Chilterns National Landscape, Pitstone Hill, National Trust - Chilterns Countryside, Brush Hill Nature Reserve and Bernwood Forest - form an excellent overview of the most beautiful hiking trails in Buckinghamshire. Each of these places offers unique experiences and landscapes, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural richness and diversity of this region. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just starting out on your hiking adventure, you'll find trails in Buckinghamshire that will meet your expectations and leave you with an unforgettable experience.
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