Walks and Activities
They only know a country who are acquainted with its footpaths. By the roads, indeed, the outside may be seen; but the footpaths go through the heart of the land.
Richard Jefferies
Details of our upcoming walks and course are listed below. We operate flexible booking arrangements on most walks and activities - please get in touch if your preferred walk or course date is not shown and we will see what we can do!
Please ensure that you read the Need to Know page before booking.
Nature's Lore: Stories in the Plants
Nature's Lore: Stories in the Plants
A few drops of Nature’s Lore can help to lift the spirits!
We offer special Nature’s Lore themed walks throughout the year, each with a different focus depending on the season. Through these walks we discover an intimate relationship between humans and plants which has evolved over time, shaping our culture, customs, legends and folklore, and medicinal practices, etc. Join us and feel more connected with the natural world.
** This walk is available for PRIVATE BOOKING. Please contact us to agree date before booking. Minimum groups size 2 people. **
Nature’s Lore: Stories in the Plants
“In every walk with nature, one receives more than he seeks”
A few drops of botanical folklore can help to lift the spirits and feel more connected with the natural world! These special Nature’s Lore themed walks take place throughout the year. Each has a different focus depending on the season. On some walks we may cover a number of different plants (flowers/trees), while on others we may focus on only one or two, for example: Snowdrops, Mistletoe, Bluebells, Orchids.
As we walk, we discover an intimate relationship between humans and plants which has evolved over time, shaping our culture, customs, legends and folklore, and medicinal practices, etc. And, of course, there are faeries! We also welcome you to share your own ‘stories in the plants’!
Walks details:
See below. Note: All routes follow mostly good paths and tracks but may be rough and uneven in places and can be muddy after rain.
Walk Fee: £25 pp
Summer Flora in the Chilterns
Available May to September - Through late Spring and Summer, the Chiltern Hills turn a rich tapestry of green, spashed with colour. Wildflowers abound, with curious names such as Sneezewort, Traveller’s Joy, Bedstraw, and Enchanter’s-Nightshade, each has a story to tell.
**Next walk - Friday 21 August - Hambleden, Bucks**
Meet at 9.45 am | Hambleden village car park, RG9 6RP (parking charges apply) | Distance - 7km | approx. 3 hrs
Medium pace with plenty of 'flower stops' along the way | Paths and tracks generally well defined but uneven and rough, may be muddy | one long ascent/descent, steep in part (115 m total ascent) | two stiles | WC in Hambleden village
Refreshments: Stag and Huntsman Inn, Village shop/cafe
NOTE: With support from the Bucks Open Weekend, we are pleased to offer this walk free of charge - use code ‘BucksOpen’ when booking.
Autumn Delights in the Chilterns
Available September to November - In Autumn, the famous beech woods of the Chilterns, along with the hedgerows, turn rich hues of orange, red and yellow to make autumn irresistible. As the wild harvest bears fruit, there are still some flowers to be seen and there is magic in the air as fungi reveal themselves!
The Mistletoe Walk
Meet point: Binfield Heath, RG9 4DU | 10.00 am start | 6 miles (10 km) | approx. 3.5 hrs | 500 ft (152 m) total ascent | 2 x Stiles | Moderate pace
Mistletoe (Viscum album), the magical sacred plant of the Druids, has become embedded within our folklore, tradition and mythology, particularly at Christmas and New Year. On this festive themed walk we set off to discover more about this special sacred plant and to maybe find a sprig for ourselves!
An undulating route through woods and open parkland. Some minor road walking. No facilities en-route. Optional pub break half-mile from end of walk (Bottle & Glass Inn).
Snowdrop Walk
Available January to February - At this time of year the tiny humble snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis or ‘Milkflower of the snow’), symbols of hope and purity, burst in clusters of white blooms from the frozen winter soil. On this snowdrop themed walk we set off to discover more about these special ‘Fair Maids of February’.
Bluebell Walk
Available April - Taking a woodland walk among the bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is a wonder to behold and one which we look forward to with excited anticipation every Spring. The southern beechwoods which hang on the Chilterns Hills are flooded by an intoxicating sweet misty haze of shimmering azure blue. Join us on a walk among the bluebells and discover some amazing facts about this flower of St. George.
Further Information:
Please read the ‘Need to Know’ page which sets out the Terms and Conditions which you, and those you are booking on behalf of, agree to be bound by when booking and participating in our activities. You will be asked to expressly agree to the terms when you book this walk.
Children 16 yrs + welcome but must be capable of walking the distance and be supervised by parents/guardian who shall be responsible for them at all times during the walk.
Can I bring my Dog?
Sorry, we do not allow dogs on these walks.
What do I need?
A good, comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots
Comfortable outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather conditions, including waterproofs in case of rain
A small rucksack for personal provisions, including snacks and water
“A brilliant walk today with Pipsticks. Great walking companions, perfect weather plus Philippa’s talent to come up with all the interesting stories along the way!!!! ”
Spindle Berry - Nature’s Popcorn!
