Where We Walk
The chalk hills of the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs where we walk are renowned as some of England’s finest landscapes and are designated ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. A meandering companion to the hills, and to our walks, is the River Thames - the "golden thread of our nation's history".
At Pipsticks Walks we believe in giving you 'more than just a walk'! All of our walks feature their own special interest and are carefully chosen for your enjoyment, and we can usually find a welcoming pub or cafe too! To help you choose, take a stroll through some of our favourite special walk themes below.
The Chilterns
The Chilterns are famous for their cathedral like beech woods, cherry trees and bluebells, rich chalk grassland, winding lanes and unspoilt, picturesque villages with brick and flint cottages. No wonder this is a favourite area for TV and film producers.
The Thames
The Thames meanders majestically from Oxford through the Goring Gap to hug the southern edge of the Chilterns before sweeping away towards Royal Windsor. Walk the Thames Path National Trail, with the River as your peaceful companion, through a soft benevolent landscape and discover why Churchill described the River as “the golden thread of our nation's history”.
North Wessex Downs
The landscape of North Wessex Downs (Berkshire Downs) is characterised by open rolling farmland and horse gallops. The humps and bumps in the landscape of pre-history are evident everywhere and under the broad blue skies the panoramic views are awesome.
A Walk for All Seasons
As the cherry trees bust into blossom, the exuberance of Spring is impossible to ignore. The English Summer brings long days and a warm rich tapestry of greens, colourful flowers and butterflies. Autumn offers a truly spectacular backdrop as the famous beech woods of the Chilterns turn rich shades of gold. Winter has a dramatic beauty and excitement all of its own.
Midsomer Rambles
The long running TV detective series Midsomer Murders may be shown in over 200 countries but it is filmed right here in the Chilterns! Come and discover it for yourself. Meander in the footsteps of DCI Barnaby through the heart of Midsomer and explore Midsomer filming locations in quintessential English countryside. We may even chance upon Miss Marple or Poirot!
Art Inspired Walks
Walk through a landscape which has inspired many an artist. Climb The Clumps and discover 'a beautiful legendary country' immortalised by Paul Nash. Feel the sweeping form and contours of the Downs as captured by Anna Dillon. Discover sculptures in the woods. Explore intimate village churches and marvel at John Piper's colourful stained glass windows. Stroll through Stanley Spencer's 'Village in Heaven'.
Literary Hitchhiking
"Nobody can’t stop ‘ee. It’s a footpath right enough" (Edward Thomas). For literary walks we are spoilt for choice. The land has been captured in the writings of Richard Jefferies, John Betjeman, Thomas Hardy and George Orwell. It has been loved by poets - John Milton, Lawrence Binyon, Edward Thomas, John Maysfield, Alfred Tennyson, Percy Bysshe Shelley and more. There are children’s favourites by Kenneth Grahame and Roald Dahl and tales of murder from Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie.
Wells and Ponds
Wells were once the life blood of the Chilterns hill communities. Our Well Walks take us on a journey through pretty villages and hamlets, all linked by an ancient network of paths, to discover these ornate covered wells and their history. The magnificent Maharajah's Well at Stoke Row, complete with golden elephant, is particularly handsome. And as walking can be thirsty work, a welcoming village pub awaits us.
Bluebell Walks
… and other flowers! The underlying geology of the area provides for a rich tapestry of wildlife habitats and there are many nature reserves to be explored on foot. In spring the woods are famously carpeted with bluebells. In summer, the species-rich chalk grasslands are a particular favourite providing a nationally important habitat for flowers and butterflies, including many orchid species. We always find time to pause a while and marvel at their wonder.
Britain’s Oldest Road
Walk in the footsteps of ancient wayfarers along The Ridgeway and Icknield Way, Britain's Oldest Road, and one of our National Trails. Explore parts of this old drover’s route, which once extended from Dorset to East Anglia. It is rich with archaeology along its length, from Stone Age and Bronze Age barrows and the White Horse of Uffington to Iron Age hillforts, Roman temples and a battlefield where King Alfred defeated the Danes. And the wide sweeping views are awesome.
Goring Gap
Experience the Chiltern Hills, North Wessex Downs and the River Thames all in one! Take in the special landscape and rich history of the Goring Gap, forged by nature and man over thousands of years. A river crossing since prehistoric times, three ancient trading routes - the Ridgeway, Icknield Way and River Thames – intersect here. We have some great walk options from here.
Ghostly Tales
...from the River Bank. Explore the lovely stretch of the River Thames between Henley and Marlow and discover some ghostly tales along the way! Encounter Black Monks, Grey Ladies, The Phantom of Regatta Island, Frankenstein and more. Enjoy a pint in the Old Bell Inn, said to be the oldest pub in the country and haunted, of course!
Ready to Book?
All walks and activities can all be booked as a private guided walk and they occasionally feature on our Group Walks programme.
