Alford Arms and Chiltern Hills Walk

The Alford Arms and Chiltern Hills Walk is a fantastic family-friendly stroll. However, despite the low elevation gain, you will still embark on some long, steady climbs! Some sections are considered steep as well. The water meadows on this route can also get muddy and wet (go figure) during winter and after rain. It’s recommended to wear good boots! You will also navigate some kissing gates and walk along sections of country roads. If you’re planning on bringing your pup, two fields on this walk may have livestock, so keep this in mind.

A great thing about the Alford Arms and Chiltern Hills Walk is that you can end your walk with a local ale at the Alford Arms pub—you can even bring your dog and kid here! This walk also unveils storied views of the English countryside, including scenic meadows and woodland and glimpses of history peppered along the path, such as the Gaddesden Estate and Ashridge House.

The Alford Arms and Chiltern Hills Walk begins from Alford Arms pub and loops through the countryside. From in front of the pub, you’ll take a right to meet up with the Icknield Way. Notice the Little Manor, which harks back to the 1500s, to your left! Continue along the country lane, looking out for the occasional car. Follow the path into the trees—this is a steeper section. From the brow of the hill, you’ll be able to spot Ashridge House. Continue straight along the narrow path, ignoring the footpath to the left. When you reach a fork, stay left to keep on the main path. You’re now on Roman Lane! Continue until you’re walking beside Nettleden Farm.

Cross the road at the junction with Nettleden’s main road, and take a left. Walk for a few yards before turning right to meet up with a footpath with a sign indicating St Margarets. Go through the barrier and go along the path steadily ascending through hedgerows. Enjoy walking under canopies of trees! Continue walking straight, passing by a campsite. Walk through woodland before reaching a gravel driveway, which you’ll continue along until you get to a T-junction.

At the T-junction, situated along the main road, take a left, passing the Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. Look for a wooden gate and pass through it—ignoring the track to the right en route. Walk through the fenced footpath as it descends until arriving upon a kissing gate. Go through it to emerge onto an open pasture. Continue into the field and navigate another kissing gate at the far end of it to enter another pasture. Walk across it diagonally towards the opposite side, coming across two kissing gates. Take the one to the right to go into a church graveyard. Follow the path until you get to the main churchyard gate. Go through it to follow the stone path. At the front of the church, you’ll take a left, passing the war memorial and leaving the churchyard.

You will start walking along tarmac road from the churchyard—notice the school on your left to make sure you’re on track! This road will swerve right to meet up with the main road, which you’ll have to cross before turning right for a few metres. You’ll see a stile on your left—ignore it. Right after the stile, you’ll reach a footpath indicating Nettleden Road. Take this path! When you reach a crop field, continue along, following the left-side boundary. And at the corner of the field, you’ll encounter a network of paths. Take a left to pass through the kissing gate, entering the Water End water meadows.

Go straight through the meadows towards a footbridge, but don’t take this bridge. Do pause to admire the views! Before you reach the footbridge, take a right to walk along the river, which should be on your left. Another bridge will take you over a gentle stream towards the telegraph pole. Beside the pole, there will be a yellow arrow indicating the Chiltern Way footpath, which you’ll follow. Follow the grass path as it leads you across the water meadows. When you get to the far right corner, you’ll pass through two gates to get to Nettleden Road. Take a right to follow the grass verge before turning left, navigating a kissing gate, and meeting up with Potten End Hill path, which is still a part of the Chiltern Way. The stone path will lead you straight towards the woodland.

Enter the woodland and follow the path navigating through the middle of it. Admire the old beech trees towering above you, and if you’re here in spring, you’ll fall in love with the bluebells sweeping the ground. When you reach a marker on a post to your right, you’ll follow it, heading right to meet up with a smaller path that winds through the trees. Following the path marked with yellow arrows will lead you to an open field. Continue straight through the field! At the fenced horse paddock, take a left before turning right at the corner to meet up with the fenced path. The horse paddock should be on your right. Shortly after, you’ll reach a T-junction. Take a left, being cautious of traffic as you walk. Continue winding along the road until you get to a small road, marked as Frithsden. Take this road until you arrive back at the Alford Arms pub, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink!

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.