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10 OF THE BEST COUNTRY WALKS WITHIN EASY REACH OF LONDON THIS AUTUMN

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London Town? Well - you're in luck.
Here's a rundown of some of the best country walks within easy reach of the big
smoke to make the most of that sweet, blustery country air.

Samuel Hopkins - Staff Writer • 29 September, 2023

Photo: Savo Ilic, Shutterstock

Sometimes the busyness of London Town can get a bit much, and there’s nothing
better to blow the cobwebs away than going on a country walk and surrounding
yourself with the rolling green hills of England – followed of course by a pit
stop in a cosy, local pub. Plus, with Spring just around the corner and the sun
shining, it won’t be long until the bluebells are out and the baby wildlife
begins to emerge. So, without further ado, here’s a rundown of the ten best
country walks and country hikes within easy reach of London that you can enjoy
now that the leaves are falling and Autumn is here:




1. EGHAM TO RUNNYMEDE COUNTRYSIDE LOOP

This picturesque ramble will take you on a journey through ancient woodlands and
wildflower meadows to explore the birthplace of the Magna Carta – an
800-year-old royal charter of rights that lays claim to being one of the most
famous documents in the world. The route itself is relatively easy – just
three-and-a-half miles in length – and dogs are more than welcome for pooch and
owner bonding time.

As you wander, you’ll get to soak up Instagrammable views of the River Thames
and Langham Pond, and may be able to spot woodpeckers, deer, kestrels and hares
along the way. Once you’ve finished your walk, grab a pint or two in the The
Crown pub which handily has a roaring fire and is just a stone’s throw away from
Egham station.

Fast trains will get you to Egham from London Waterloo in just 37 minutes –
slower trains will take around 57 minutes.


2. BRIDGEWATER MONUMENT TO IVINGHOE BEACON TRAIL

On this charming trail, you’ll get the chance to explore the Ashridge Estate –
an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) in Hertfordshire known for its
rolling chalk hills, wildlife-rich meadows and 5,000 acres of woodland.

You’ll start at the Bridgewater Monument – a Grade II* listed column built in
honour of the third Duke of Bridgewater who once lived at the Ashridge House
country estate. Continuing along The Ridgeway – Britain’s oldest road – you’ll
enjoy panoramic views of Pitstone Hill and the surrounding countryside before
you make your way to the Ivinghoe Beacon. A prominent hill and Buckinghamshire
landmark, this is a great spot to tuck into a picnic or a mug of tea before you
head back to the walk’s starting point.



The closest stations to the Ashridge Estate are Tring and Berkhamsted, and both
are served by trains from London Euston in around 30 to 60 minutes. From either
station, you can hop in a taxi which should take around 10 to 15 minutes.


3. OAK TRAIL IN EPPING FOREST

At just over 6,000 acres, Epping Forest holds the title of being the largest
open space in London, stretching from Manor Park in East London to just north of
Epping in Essex. The Oak Trail is one of the favourite walks to do here, and for
good reason.



Starting and ending at Theydon Bois tube station, you’ll follow a
six-and-a-half-mile-long undulating trail through enchanting woodland to Bell
Common in Epping, where you can grab a pint or a glass of vino at the Forest
Gate pub. Continuing to Ambresbury Banks – the remains of an Iron Age hill fort
– you’ll end up near the Deer Sanctuary where you may be able to spot rutting
fallow deer during the mating season.

The Oak Trail starts and ends at Theydon Bois, a tube stop in zone 6 which is
served by regular Central Line trains.


4. DONNINGTON CASTLE LOOP FROM NEWBURY

The market town of Newbury is famous for its racecourse, but there are also
plenty of lovely walks you can do in the surrounding Berkshire Downs. You’ll
begin with a meander along the Kennet and Avon canal, which links Newbury all
the way to Bristol. On this entry in the best country walks within easy reach of
London, you’ll pass by Newbury Lock – a Grade II listed structure constructed
all the way back in 1796 –and may be able to spot kingfishers, herons, red kites
and buzzards as you go.



You’ll then hike up to the ruins of Donnington Castle which was first built as a
military gatehouse during the late 14th century and from where you can enjoy
charming views of Newbury, Wash Common and Enbourne. Before hopping back on the
train, make sure you have a tipple or two in the Lock, Stock and Barrel which
overlooks the canal and working weir.

Direct trains will get you from London Paddington to Newbury in around 50
minutes. If direct trains aren’t running, you can easily change at Reading.

Fancy exploring some more castles? Here’s a rundown of 18 spectacular castles
near London to live out your best fairytale.



5. THE BOX HILL HIKE

A slightly more challenging walk, the views from the top of Box Hill definitely
cement this as being one of the best country walks within easy reach of London.

You’ll be walking for about eight miles and will be undertaking steep climbs,
descents into deep valleys and plenty of steps throughout the course of the
circular route. The trail covers much of the Box Hill Estate and offers some
fantastic viewpoints from where you can see much of the Surrey Hills AONB.
Post-walk, replenish your energy with a pint and a hefty burger in The Stepping
Stones gastropub, situated just a couple of minutes’ walk from Box Hill and
Westhumble station.

Box Hill and Westhumble is the closest station, which is served by two trains an
hour from London Waterloo and one train an hour from London Victoria.


6. JANE AUSTEN CIRCULAR WALK

Fans of novelist Jane Austen should look no further than this pleasant ramble
around the chocolate box village of Chawton in Hampshire. Her old stomping
ground, this was where she spent the last eight years of her life and wrote six
of her most famous novels – Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice,
Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.



The Grade II* listed house is now a quaint little museum which you can visit,
and there are plenty of pubs and cafés for you to while away the hours in
between walking through peaceful meadows, pastures and woodlands.

Alton is the closest station to the start of the walk – from London Waterloo it
will take around 75 minutes. From the station, you’ll need to walk or get a bus
to Chawton where the trail begins.


7. BODIAM CASTLE WALK

An easy five mile amble, this scenic amble starts and ends at Bodiam Castle– a
14th century moated castle constructed in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge as both
a manor house and a defensive fortress against French invasion during the
Hundred Years’ War.

It’s one of Britain’s most famous and evocative castles, characterised by
soaring turrets, beautiful grounds and an extensive moat – all ripe for the old
Instagram feed. Once you’ve sufficiently explored, you can then follow a
circular route through open fields past country farms and along the River
Rother.



Bodiam Castle is located deep within the English countryside, so you’re best
bringing your own set of wheels to get here. Depending on where you’re based in
London, a drive should take around 60–90 minutes. The 349 bus from Hawhurst is
also an option if you can’t drive.


8. CHESS VALLEY IN THE CHILTERNS

The Chess Valley has some of the most attractive scenery in the whole of the
Chilterns AONB, and this ten mile walk will give you the chance to see the
majority of it on a lovely day trip.

Throughout the duration of the route – which easily earns its place in this list
of the best country walks close to London – you’ll discover the site of a Roman
farm-villa at Latimer, the 13th century Chenies Manor – which was visited by
both King Henry VIII and his daughter Queen Elizabeth I – and the only
commercial watercress farm left in the Chilterns at Sarratt. You may also be
able to spot water voles, kingfishers and brown trout along the way.

You can reach the Chess Valley Walk from either Rickmansworth or Chesham
stations – both are served by the Metropolitan Line.

Looking for another day trip? Here’s a rundown of 101 damn good day trips from
London for a cheeky escape.


9. HEVER TO LEIGH WALK

Photo: Richard Melichar, Shutterstock

Another castle walk here – this time in the ‘Garden of England’, Kent. You’ll
start in the charming town of Hever, where you’ll be able to explore its
namesake castle. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, this magnificent spot is
famous for its manicured gardens and Tudor interior which are both well worth a
visit. Post history lesson, you can begin your walk along one of the region’s
best country walks.

As you wander along the nine mile route, you’ll pass Chiddingstone Castle – a
historic manor house which doubles as a museum of Egyptian, Stuart and Jacobean
artefacts – the Penhurst Place stately home and the National Trust-owned village
of Chiddingstone.

Trains to Hever leave London Bridge Mondays through to Saturdays and take around
45 minutes. On Sundays, you’ll need to change at East Croydon or Oxted.
Returning from Leigh, you can either take a westbound train via Edenbridge and
Redhill to London Bridge or an eastbound train via Tonbridge to Charing Cross.


10. SEAFORD TO EASTBOURNE

Photo: Paul Daniels, Shutterstock

This one is a definite contender for being one of the best country walks within
easy reach of London. Starting in the town of Seaford, you’ll traverse the 14 or
so miles to Eastbourne, soaking up magnificent views of the iconic Seven Sisters
cliffs as you go.

Along the way, you’ll hike through nature reserves and the area of Cuckmere
Haven whose beach and cottages featured in the blockbusters Robin Hood and
Atonement. Continuing along the route, you’ll walk across Beachy Head –
Britain’s highest chalk sea cliff – where you’ll be able to view its landmark
red and white striped lighthouse. If you’re feeling like you can brave the
chilly waters of the English Channel, there are numerous spots to take a dip
along the way, and once you’ve arrived in Eastbourne, there are cafés and pubs
aplenty for a drink or bite to eat.

Seaford can easily be reached by train but you’ll need to change at Lewes.
Trains from Eastbourne go direct to London Victoria – you’re best getting a Day
Saver ticket via National Rail so you can access the whole of the East Sussex
region.

So there you have it – a roundup of the best country walks and country hikes
within easy reach of London. So if you’re looking to get out of town for a
scenic ramble with mates, dates or family this Autumn, then this roundup will
hopefully have you covered!

Read more: ten of the most serene places to go camping near London.

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