I loved this walk so much that I did it twice on the same weekend! No two footsteps are the same as you navigate fields, meadows, woodland, narrow footpaths, hills and gorgeous villages – with two gorgeous village pubs!
Start off in the village of Skirmett then a steep climb will take you through fields and woodland. This initial uphill is a bit challenging route but don’t give up! My three boys dealt with the gradient no problem, and I was only a bit puffed out and there are benches along the way for a rest. The reward you get at the top is worth it with far reaching views over the Chiltern Hills and village of Fingest. Continuing down into the village you will complete a short walk on the road and pass the local pub before crossing to follow a narrow footpath up to woodland again then another narrow path that skirts it before it opens into fields and you can see the Turville (Cobstone) windmill! It’s worth the short deviation from the route to scamper up hill to the windmill (it’s surrounded by a high fence as it’s on private property) and more stunning views!
If you are familiar with Turville then you will know that it’s home of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang windmill, as well as the Vicar of Dibley church and various scenes from Midsommer Murders, Killling Eve (random!) and Goodnight Mr Tom. The gorgeously quaint cottages and charming local pub – The Bull and Butcher – definitely has star quality and the steady stream of families up and down the hill to see the windmill cement this as a bit of a hotspot. The village is worth a mooch around before heading back to complete the loop.
There is some road walking on this route but I was confident with my children and the cars go slowly as there is such a steady stream of walkers.
I absolutely love this walk and saw loads of families doing it. I am planning to return with friends soon and enjoy a cracking Sunday roast at one of the pubs. Tidy.
