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From Buckinghamshire in the north, down to Kent, Sussex and Hampshire in the south, the South East covers a huge area. Kent has always been my home, so I am biased, but you cannot beat the green areas of the Garden of England, although it is far too populated for my liking.
Home to the dreaded M25 motorway, but also contains beauty in the North and South Downs and the New Forest. It also has great landmarks – the White Cliffs of Dover, Blenheim Palace, Windsor Castle to name but three.
Of course you can’t forget the capital city of London, and the fact that the River Thames offers a great walk from the North Sea right the way into Gloucestershire – at 215 miles long, it is the longest river wholly in England, and second longest in the United Kingdom.
Last updated 22nd May 2019
Walks in Buckinghamshire
Steeple Claydon
If history, and Oliver Cromwell in particular, interests you, then this is the walk for you. Heading west from Steeple Claydon, near Buckingham, you will come across an old railway before reaching Hillesden House, which was stormed by Cromwell’s troops. After this you pass the manor house at Addington, which was used as the headquarters during the Civil War.
Distance – 12 miles
Time – 6 hours
Difficulty – Challenging, with plenty of stiles
Country Walking magazine, April 2019
Walks in Essex
Thaxted
I remember seeing Thaxted on Location, Location, Location a while back – very pretty town. You head cross country and pass farm buildings, wooded paths and ponds and streams before reaching the remains of Tilty Abbey. From there you head back to Thaxted.
Distance – 8.5 miles
Time – 4 hours
Difficulty – Moderate, a few stiles but reasonably flat
Country Walking magazine, April 2019
Walks in Hampshire
Danebury Hill
Starting in the village of Longstock, this walk takes in the Iron Age site of Danebury Hill Fort. You will walk along gently rolling hills, parkland and through the valley of the River Test. Note that there is a stretch along a busyish country road.
Distance – 8.5 miles
Time – 4.5 miles
Difficulty – Medium, but with the busy road not suitable for small children
Country Walking magazine, April 2019
Stockbridge & The Test Valley
Stockbridge is one of the smallest towns in the United Kingdom – in the 2011 census there was just 592 people living there. But it is picturesque, and sits on the River Test. You will walk on Stockbridge Down, go along the valley, and finish off with a stretch alongside the river.
Distance – 8 miles
Time – 4 hours
Difficulty – Medium, most of it on good paths
Country Walking magazine, April 2019
Walks in Hertfordshire
Albury & Patmore Heath
This is a circular walk starting at Patmore Heath, one of teh few remaining acid grass heathland left in the South East. one for the nature lovers, as well as the heath, you’ll come across newt-filled ponds, as well as beautiful cottages, mansions and churches.
Distance – 5.5 miles
Time – 2.5 hours
Difficulty – Easy and flat
Country Walking magazine, December 2018
Walks in Kent
Chartham to Canterbury
Setting out from the beautiful village of Chartham, you take the North Downs Way out to Canterbury. Time can be spent exploring this historic city before setting off along the Stour Valley Walk back to Chartham. Watch our for cyclists as this is part of the National Cycle Network, but you can expect orchards, woodland and the valley of the River Stour.
Distance – 7.5 miles
Time – 4 hours
Difficulty – Medium, and very flat
Country Walking magazine, December 2018
Chartham to Chilham
Take the Stour Valley Walk to the pretty village of Chilham. Returning via the North Downs Way, you’ll come across orchards and woodland before arriving at Chartham, which has been used for filming Miss Marple, Poirot and Emma.
Distance – 7.5 miles
Time – 4 hours
Difficulty – Medium, a few slopes on the second half but not too steep
Country Walking magazine, December 2018
Walks in London
The Square Mile
Starting at The Royal Exchange, explore the history and new architecture of The Square Mile. Luxury shopping, film locations, new famous landmarks, historic buildings. Full description here.
Distance – 1 mile
Time – 1 hour
Difficulty – Easy, apart from dodging people
Ordnance Survey London City Walks
Walks in Oxfordshire
Oxford to Wolvercote
The World famous city of Oxford boasts fantastic architecture. This walk starts in Oxford and travels along the River Cherwell, where Lewis Carroll would row Alice Liddell and her sisters whilst recounting stories to them. This walk takes in some great sights, along the Thames, and ends in Wolvercote. Enjoy a pint in one of it’s great pubs before catching the bus back to Oxford.
Distance – 6.25 miles
Time – 3 hours
Difficulty – Medium, very flat, riverside walks. Can be muddy in places in winter.
Country Walking magazine, December 2018
Walks in Surrey
Walks in Sussex
Burpham
Starting from Amberley station, this long walk includes a long stretch along the beautiful South Downs. Situated a couple of miles from Arundel it boasts views over the Arun valley.
Distance – 12 miles
Time – 6 hours
Difficulty – Hard, mainly due to reaching the peak of the South Downs
Country Walking magazine, December 2018
Burwash and Batemans
This walk starts in the beautiful village of Burwash, and is mainly off road. If you are a fan of walking through woodland tracks, orchards and fields, with beautiful views, then this walk is for you. And at the end you pass by the National Trust house Batemans – why not pop in and treat yourself to a look round this 17th century house, former home of Rudyard Kipling.
Distance – 5 miles
Time – 2.5 hours
Difficulty – easy, long shaded woodland path and a few hills
Pathfinder Guides, East Sussex & the South Downs
Storrington
The South Downs is one of my favourite places to walk, offering perfect views across Sussex. Starting at Storrington, near Arundel, you’ll walk along the Downs passing Harrow and Blackpatch Hills. The area is marked by old Iron Age enclosures and hill forts.
Distance – 9 miles
Time – 4 hours
Difficulty – medium, with some steep hills obviously
Country Walking magazine, April 2019
Firle and the South Downs
One of my favourite walks, with outstanding views over the Sussex coast and North over the Weald to Surrey. Steep hills, but beautiful countryside and a great pub at the end. Read in more detail here.
Eastbourne
Check out this post on walks I did when I went to Eastbourne for the weekend.
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