The best walks and hikes around Sydenham
4.6
(955)
5,545
hikers
453
hikes
Hikes around Sydenham explore the gentle landscapes of South East England. The region is characterized by low-lying hills, wetlands, and farmland, with many routes following former railway lines converted into recreational paths. The network of trails offers accessible walking opportunities across varied, but not strenuous, terrain.
Best hiking trails around Sydenham
- The most popular hiking route is The Six Bells loop from Thame, a 3.1 mile (5.0 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 17 minutes to complete. This is an easy walk with minimal elevation change.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Artistic Wooden Shelter – Phoenis Trail loop from Thame, a moderate 7.0 mile (11.3 km) path. The route follows a section of the Phoenix Trail, a traffic-free path on a former railway line.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat loop from Chinnor, a 3.5 mile (5.7 km) trail leading through a wetland habitat, often completed in about 1 hour 28 minutes.
- Hiking around Sydenham is defined by converted railway paths, wetland habitats, and gentle farmland trails. The trail network provides options suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
- The routes in Sydenham are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 870 reviews. More than 5,300 hikers have used komoot to explore Sydenham's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
4.5
(2)
14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
19
hikers
6.55km
01:40
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
12
hikers
5.06km
01:26
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
5.10km
01:20
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
22
hikers
5.14km
01:19
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Take a detour and have a drink at Thame. Well worth it.
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A lovely little church, didn't get a chance to go inside by was nice to take a stop at
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Boasting magnificent views over the Vale of Aylesbury, Chinnor Hill is a patchwork of calcareous wildflower grassland, scrub and woodland. A network of bridleways including stretches of the ancient Ridgeway National Trail offer many miles of outstanding riding.
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This is one of the quarries here, a part of the former Chinnor Chalk Pit, now flooded and known as Old Kiln Lakes. The lakes are freshwater, but very alkaline, and there was a warning to the public issued in 2012 to not swim in there. It's a striking and moon-like place, looking very dramatic and slightly out-of-this-world. A definite must!
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The beautiful town of Thame is allowed to play the film location 'Causton' in the TV series "Inspector Barnaby". Causton Town Hall is Thame Town Hall in real life. The production team for the TV series 'Inspector Barnaby' have been to Thame on so many occasions and walking down the High Street and the Cormarket you're constantly confronted with buildings you've seen before in the crime series. One of the most prominent residents of Thame, Oxfordshire, was Robin Gibb, whose grave is also here in St Mary's Church graveyard.
4
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The local weekly market attracts tourists and locals with its regional products. The Town Hall worth seeing is Causton Town Hall in the TV series "Inspector Barnaby".
4
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Quaint British pub as you would imagine. Here there is no painted sign in front of the entrance, but six bells have been placed here, three at the top, two in the middle and one at the bottom.
4
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Best Indian food and dog friendly on the patio
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0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there around Sydenham?
There are over 400 trails to explore around Sydenham. The majority are easy or moderate, making the area very accessible, but there are also over 30 difficult routes for those seeking a greater challenge.
What do other people enjoy about hiking in Sydenham?
The trails around Sydenham are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the gentle, rolling landscapes, the peaceful wetland habitats, and the well-maintained paths along former railway lines.
Are there any good family-friendly walks near Sydenham?
Yes, the region is great for families. Many routes are flat and easy, like the Phoenis Trail – Artistic Wooden Shelter loop from Thame. It follows a traffic-free path on a former railway line, making it a safe and enjoyable option for walkers of all ages.
Can I take my dog on the trails?
Most trails in the countryside around Sydenham are dog-friendly, but it's best to keep your dog on a lead, especially when walking through farmland with livestock or near wetland nature reserves to protect wildlife.
Are there any circular walks available?
Absolutely. The majority of the popular routes in the area are loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. A great example is the The Six Bells loop from Thame, which offers a pleasant circuit through the local countryside.
What is the terrain like on the hikes?
The terrain is generally gentle and not overly strenuous. You can expect to walk across low-lying hills, open farmland, and through wetland areas. Many popular routes follow the flat, accessible paths of converted railway lines like the Phoenix Trail.
Are there any trails that feature water or wetlands?
Yes, several routes explore the region's wetland habitats. For a walk focused on this type of scenery, consider the Old Kiln Lakes Wetland Habitat loop from Chinnor, which takes you through a beautiful nature area.
What are the parking options for the trails?
Many walks start from nearby towns like Thame or Chinnor, where public car parks are available. For routes starting in smaller villages, you can often find on-street parking, but please park considerately and check for any local restrictions.
Can I get to the trailheads using public transport?
Yes, towns like Thame and Chinnor have bus services connecting them to larger hubs like Oxford and Aylesbury. From there, you can easily access the start of many popular trails, including those along the Phoenix Trail.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes in the area?
While the area is known for gentle walks, there are more challenging options. For a longer day out, you could try the Phoenis Trail – Artistic Wooden Shelter loop from Chinnor, which is a moderate hike of over 15 km.
Are there any pubs or cafes along the walking routes?
Many trails start, finish, or pass through villages with traditional pubs, which are perfect for a post-hike meal or drink. For example, Thame has several options conveniently located near the start of popular local loops.
Most popular attractions around Sydenham
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