Wycombe Wanderers

Date: Saturday 10th March 2012
Route: Saunderton Circular via West Wycombe
Distance: 9.9 miles

This walk isn't for anyone who is deterred by hills or mud, but it is one that we keep coming back to, as it has a lot going for it - just the right amount of fields, hillsides and woodland, some interesting sights (Disraeli's house Hughenden Manor, the Dashwood Mausoleum and the Hellfire Caves), a good lunch stop and great views across the countryside.

This is the 3rd walk from the Time Out Book of Country Walks Volume 2 and starts off from the station at Saunderton, on the road between High Wycombe and Princes Risborough. The initial section is across and alongside fields and very popular with ramblers and dog walkers.

After passing Bradenham Manor the route leads you uphill into the first of many woodland sections and follows an easy grassy path through trees. Once past the houses on the outskirts of Naphill, it's more woodland, this time on a bridleway that is the muddiest section of the walk (see photo above!). We've done this walk a few times and it has only been dry underfoot once (later in the year).

There is more (less muddy) woodland to follow, crossing Flagmore Wood and Woodcock Wood, to arrive at the car park for Hughenden Manor. This National Trust property is the former home of Benjamin Disraeli and has its own second-hand bookshop, as well as a cafe serving good food made from locally sourced ingredients, with seating both inside and in the courtyard (definitely a nice place to take a break on a sunny day).

After lunch the walk continues through more woodland and then across rolling hillsides with great views across to the Dashwood Mausoleum on the hillside, which provides the last climb of the walk. From the Mausoleum there is a straight and easy-to-follow downhill path back through wooded areas and along the road back into Saunderton.

Although we started walking in a slight mist, the sun broke through and made this one of the finest walking days of the year. With lots of bird life, including skylarks, partridges, pheasants and (unseen but definitely audible) woodpeckers, plus squirrels and even a tiny mouse curled up on the path, it definitely felt as though spring was in the air.

A highly recommended walk (though possibly with a pair of gaiters unless you want to end up with very muddy trousers!).