The best walks and hikes around Little Missenden

Little Missenden is a small village with limited dedicated parking for walkers. Most visitors find on-street parking, but it's important to park considerately and be mindful of residents. For routes starting near Old Amersham, there are several pay-and-display car parks in the town, which can be a good alternative for accessing trails in the Misbourne Valley.

Yes, the area is accessible by train. The nearest stations are Amersham and Great Missenden, both of which are on the Chiltern Railways line from London Marylebone. From Amersham, you can walk to the start of several trails, including those that follow the River Misbourne into Little Missenden.

Most trails in the Chilterns are great for walking with dogs, offering a mix of woodland and open fields. However, you will likely cross fields with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead in these areas. Always check for local signage regarding dogs, especially through private estates and nature reserves.

Absolutely. The area is well-suited for family outings. A great option is the Misbourne Bridge – Shardeloes Lake loop from Little Missenden. It's a relatively short and flat walk of about 4.3 km, making it manageable for younger children while still offering lovely scenery around the lake.

Yes, combining a walk with a pub visit is very popular in the Chilterns. Little Missenden itself has historic pubs like The Red Lion and The Crown Inn, which can be the start or end point for many local circular routes. You can easily plan a walk that loops back to the village for a rewarding meal or drink.

The landscape is classic Chilterns AONB. Expect rolling chalk hills, ancient woodlands, and open farmland. A key feature is the River Misbourne, a gentle chalk stream that creates a beautiful valley. In spring, many of the woods, such as Rough Park and Mantle's Wood, are famous for their stunning bluebell displays.

There's a great variety. You'll find over 30 trails in the area, with the majority being easy to moderate. Most routes are between 4 km and 10 km and typically take from 1 to 3 hours to complete. There are gentle, flat riverside walks as well as more challenging routes with some elevation gain through the wooded hills.

For a fantastic woodland experience, the Holmer Green Common and Beamond Wood loop is an excellent choice. This easy 4.6 km trail takes you through a mix of common land and the beautiful ancient woodland of Beamond Wood, offering a peaceful and scenic hike.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the quintessential English countryside scenery, the well-maintained paths, and the beautiful mix of woodland and riverside walks. The tranquility of Shardeloes Lake is a frequently mentioned highlight.

Yes, there is a popular route connecting the two. The Shardeloes Lake – Old Amersham loop from Little Missenden is a moderate 9.3 km walk that follows the River Misbourne valley. It's a great way to experience the parkland of the Shardeloes Estate and explore the historic high street of Old Amersham.

Yes, the South Bucks Way runs through this part of the Chilterns. This 23-mile (37 km) footpath offers a chance to explore the wider landscape, connecting Coombe Hill near Wendover to Denham Country Park. You can walk sections of it as part of a day hike from Little Missenden.