Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk

The Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk is a lovely meander through the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Like most walks in the Chilterns, this hike’s parking lot tends to fill up fast due to its small size and proximity to London.

This walk takes you through England’s stunning countryside, where views of the never-ending countryside stretch deep into the horizon and wildflowers grow alongside the path! The 13.1mi distance may seem daunting, but the scenery will force you to forget all about the length.

The Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk begins from Hexton car park. You’ll start by heading right as if you’re going towards Barton-le-Clay. When you reach a signpost indicating “Higham Goblon & Recreation Ground,” take a left before veering right to follow a narrow path. A few metres after, you’ll see a waymarked path, follow this trail—the John Bunyan Trail. The track will continue to head towards Barton-le-Clay. When you reach the road in Barton-le-Clay, take a left to go towards the main road and cross over it to get to the lane on the other side.

Continue walking past the church, turning left onto the bridleway. When you reach the Nature Reserve, get off the bridle path and follow the left path through the reserve towards the top of Barton Hills. There are wooden steps to help lead you up in some sections! Keep looking back to marvel at the stunning views.

Feel free to pause at the wooden bench to admire the scenery. From here, take a left to return to the bridleway, where you’ll take a right. Go towards the road by Barton Hill Farm. Turn right here and follow the road for 984ft before crossing the road to get to the path on the other side, which will take you to the golf course. You’re now heading towards Lilley!

Once you’re on Icknield Way, you’ll go straight before taking the John Bunyan Trail on the right. Keep walking towards Lilley. When you get to the main road, take a left and 656ft later, and then take a right to follow a marked bridleway. Upon arrival at a junction, go straight towards the wood. At the wood, head left to follow a bridleway along Lilley Hoo. Soon, you’ll meet up again with Icknield Way by taking a left, keeping Telegraph Hill to your right, and another right turn will follow.

Continue along Icknield Way until you reach Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve. You can choose between a few paths here to help you reach the top of Deacon Hill. The easiest is to your right! Get ready for stunning views at the summit. Some would argue these are the best views on this entire walk.

Leaving the hill, take a left to go on the path beside Hitchin Road. This will take you out of the Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve! Cross the road when you reach the junction and follow the path north towards Green End and Bury Farms. Take a left to pass between the farms and continue walking along the lane. Don’t take the bridleway to your right! When you get to the intersection, take a left to go towards the car park (and towards Raven pub!).

Trail Highlights

Icknield Way

Dubbed as England’s oldest road, walking along the Icknield Way will have you thinking about the ancient footprints embedded along this path. People even walked this path before Roman times! Icknield Way spans 103.1mi, running between Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire to Knettishall Heath. You may encounter archaeological remains scattered across this historic road.

Other amazing walks in Chiltern Hills

Check out our guides to Wendover Loop, Wendover Woods, Dunstable Downs, Hurley Loop or The Rose and Crown Ivinghoe Beacon Walk. Or see all of our Chiltern Hills walks on 10Adventures.