Chiltern Hills

We head to the rolling hinterlands west of London for a winter warmer.

It’s easy to forget, given the vast expanse of the London metropolis, that with in easy reach of the capital are some of the most fantastic areas for riding a bike, with stunning roads and scenic views. While the delights of the South Downs and the Surrey Hills are well known, this month we head west to the Chiltern Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1965.

The chalky escarpment might not have huge mountains, with the highest point at just 267m above sea level, but the area is awash with small, quiet country lanes that crisscross the land, making it easy to rack up a big ride within a relatively small area.

We start our ride from High Wycombe, which is (as you might expect) outside the AONB boundary, but just off the M4. With great rail links to London, yet at the same time very close to the countryside and hills, it’s a great starting point – especially on a crisp, cold December morning, with the temperature hovering just above freezing, when we want to get out to the interesting bits as quickly as possible.

1 Starting from High Wycombe station, head north out of town on the A4128 towards Speen, where the roads become much quieter. In Speen, turn right onto Hampden Road, then right onto Missenden Road and continue to Great Missenden.

2 From Great Missenden, take the B485 up Frith Hill and on to Chesham. Continue through the town centre and head north on Vale Road through Cholesbury to Tring.

3 As you come into Tring, turn left onto Duckmore Lane and head back south on the narrow lanes through Dancers End to St Leonards, where you turn back northwards and head towards Wendover.