Explore the Northern Chilterns: 4 Wonderful Walks

Date: 03rd May 2023

If you’ve been reading our article, “Sweeping hills and Big Skies” in Outstanding Chilterns Magazine 2023, these are the links to the 4 walks that we recommend, to help you explore the chalk grasslands, villages and nature reserves of the northern Chilterns.

Happy walking and exploring, everyone!

1. Pegsdon Hills and Hoo Bit Nature Reserve

Enjoy spectacular views, with sweeping grass hills and strip lynchets (medieval cultivation terraces).

Try the 3.5 mile Pegsdon and Deacon Hill walk where you can see rare chalkland plants and butterflies, and enjoy some of the best views in the north Chilterns. View the Pegsdon and Deacon Hill walk and map

Alternatively, try a longer 4.5 mile route, which takes in Knocking Hoe Nature Reserve: Pegsdon and Deacon Hill Walk: full route. This steadily climbing walk takes in Deacon Hill’s ancient earthworks, an ancient beech wood and the Knocking Hoe reserve is great for butterflies and wildflowers. Deacon Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

2: Lilley and Warden Hill loop

This 4.8 mile stile-free walk starts from the historic village of Lilley and passes through farmland and chalk downland to the summit of Warden Hill. You’ll be rewarded with far reaching views, wildflowers and butterflies.

View the Lilley and Warden Hill walk route and map

3: Sewell Greenway

Following the old railway line between Dunstable and Stanbridgeford, the Sewell Greenway is rich in wildlife and provides a wonderful escape into nature for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, wheelchair ramblers and families with pushchairs in tow.

View the Sewell Greenway route

Grassland and heathland wildlife

While you’re en route, read more about the grassland and heathland plants and wildlife that you might encounter on these walks. These special Chilterns habitats are bursting with wildlife, some of which is incredibly specialist or rare. Read what to look for season by season.

Grass and heathland wildlife

Chilterns Walking Festival

Find out about our twice-yearly walking festival, or see our suggestions of wonderful walks to do at other times.

Chilterns Walking Festival

Featured walks

A selection of some of the best walks in the Chilterns, from short easy strolls to all day walks, and all through beautiful scenery. The best way to shake off the cobwebs, enjoy tranquil surroundings and burn a few calories!

Featured walks

Plan your trip to the Chilterns!

Search the interactive map: select from a list of categories to bring up icons showing the location and information of walks, bike rides, places to visit, tasty local products and plenty more across the Chilterns area

Explore our map

Follow the Countryside Code

Help us to protect the Chilterns AONB when you’re out and about by following the Countryside Code and the rules for the site you are visiting. Please respect others around you and those who care for and work in this special landscape.