Chiltern Hills Hike - Bradenham Manor & Hughenden Estate - 18.5km - Grade 2.5/5

Join us for a circular hike in the Chiltern Hills, through Bradenham & the Hughenden Estate

- Grade 2-3: Moderate to Challenging
- Distance: 11.5 miles / 18.5 km
- Elevation Gain: 1000 ft / 303 m
- Walking Time: Approx. 5.5 hours
- Start/Finish: Saunderton Station, Buckinghamshire
- Accessible by Train - Yes
- Meet Time: 9:20 AM | Start Walking: 9:30 AM | Finish: Around 3:00/3:30 PM
- Price: £12.50 per person (plus Meetup booking fee) Or pay by CARD

The Hike:
This 11.5-mile circular walk explores some of the most scenic and historic corners of the Chiltern Hills. Starting and finishing at Saunderton Station, we'll follow a varied route through Bradenham Manor, Naphill Common, the National Trust Hughenden Estate, and the ancient Bradenham Beeches. Expect peaceful woodlands, rolling farmland, sweeping views, and a few hills along the way. The Chilterns offer a classic blend of beech-topped ridges and tucked-away valleys, with rich history ranging from ancient earthworks to Second World War bunkers.

Highlights include:
- Bradenham Beeches & Naphill Common: A Site of Special Scientific Interest with ancient beech and oak trees, natural heathland, and a truly wild woodland feel.
- Hughenden Estate: Once the home of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, this historic National Trust estate offers impressive views and manicured parkland.
- Red Kites Overhead: The Chilterns are one of the best places to spot these graceful birds, reintroduced here and often seen gliding above the hills.

Where to meet:
Station Car Park Saunderton Station Slough Lane High Wycombe HP14 4BW

Grade 2-3: Moderate to Challenging
This hike is a step up from our moderate routes, ideal for women who are building stamina and looking to challenge themselves a bit more. The 18.5 km distance puts it in the challenging range, but the terrain and pace make it achievable if you're comfortable being on your feet for several hours and ready for a longer adventure. A great in-between walk for those progressing from Grade 2 to Grade 3.

What to Wear and Bring:
- Our walks go ahead in all weather, so dress appropriately. Always carry a waterproof jacket.
- Check the forecast and bring sun cream, a hat, or sunglasses for warm days, and waterproofs, a warm hat, and gloves for cold or wet days.
- Wear trousers or leggings to reduce the risk of tick bites and nettle stings. Avoid denim or cotton.
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. Open-toe shoes are unsuitable.
- Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, lunch, and snacks, as there may be no opportunities to buy food or drinks along the route.
- Public toilets may not be available on the route.

Sign-Up Form:
If you haven’t completed a form this year or your circumstances have changed, please fill out the sign up form before attending. Participation is not allowed without a completed form, as this ensures we understand your needs and can maintain group safety. (link can be found in Ts&Cs section of the website - or cut and paste below into your browser) Form link: [https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058 ](https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058)

Preparation and Fitness:
You are responsible for your own health and safety. Ensure you can hike continuously for the duration specified. Dress appropriately, please bring the required gear and carry any personal medications. Participants without proper equipment may be unable to join the walk.

Our Guides:
Our experienced, qualified leaders are skilled in navigation, first aid, and outdoor leadership. Each route is carefully planned to match the advertised grade, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience. Additional Information: Dogs are not permitted on our walks. Adventure Women UK is an all-female activity group, and participants must be over 18.

Walk Grades: For details on walk difficulty levels, visit the Walk Grades Section at[ https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1](https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1)

Important Note: By RSVPing “Yes” to any event, you agree to the group’s terms and conditions. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies, which can result in serious injury or death. By participating, you voluntarily assume all such risks. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs