Coombe Hill and Great Widmoor Wood loop from Wendover

The trail conveniently starts from Wendover, offering various parking options within the town. Specific parking details are not provided in the trail data, but you can typically find public car parks in Wendover suitable for accessing the trailhead.

This moderate 16.9 km (approximately 10.5 miles) loop is estimated to take around 4 hours and 44 minutes to complete. This duration accounts for the 339 meters of elevation gain.

The full loop is considered a moderate hike, requiring good fitness due to its length and significant elevation changes. While some shorter walks around Coombe Hill are easier, this specific route includes a notably steep climb up the north face of Coombe Hill from Wendover, which is one of the steepest paths in the Chiltern Hills. Beginners with good fitness might manage, but it's not an easy stroll.

The terrain is varied, featuring mostly footpaths that can become muddy and slippery in wet or winter weather. There's a short section on a quiet road. You'll traverse diverse landscapes, including rare chalk grassland, acid heathland, and various woodlands like ancient coppiced beech and towering beech standards.

You'll experience several significant features. The route passes the Coombe Hill Viewpoint and Boer War Memorial, which offers panoramic views over the Aylesbury Vale and beyond. You'll also walk through beautiful woodlands such as Goodmerhill Wood and Chisley Wood, and pass a Triangulation Pillar in Great Widmoor Wood. From Coombe Hill, you can also spot Chequers, the Prime Minister's country retreat.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, as it passes through varied terrain including woodlands and potentially areas with livestock or sensitive wildlife, it's always best to keep dogs under control, preferably on a leash, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all users.

The trail offers beauty year-round. In summer, the rare chalk grassland bursts with wildflowers and butterflies. Autumn provides stunning foliage in the beech woodlands. However, be aware that paths can become very muddy and slippery in wet or winter weather, so appropriate footwear is essential during those seasons.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike this trail. Coombe Hill is part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is freely accessible to the public for recreation.

Yes, hikers should be prepared for a significant challenge: the climb up the north face of Coombe Hill from Wendover. This section is noted as the steepest path in the Chiltern Hills, requiring good stamina and sure-footedness.

Yes, this route intersects with several other well-known paths. Significant portions of the loop follow sections of The Ridgeway and The Chiltern Way. You'll also find it overlaps with parts of the South Bucks Way, Chiltern Link, and the Outer Aylesbury Ring, among others.

The diverse habitats along the trail support a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds such as red kites, yellowhammers, and firecrests. The chalk grassland and woodlands are also home to numerous butterfly species, especially during warmer months.