Whiteleaf Hill London South East Social Walk | 18th July

Join us on the historic Ridgeway trail, often referred to as Britain’s oldest road!

You’re invited to join a walk on the historic Ridgeway trail (often referred to as “Britain’s oldest road”), led by BMC London and South East Area volunteers Holly Haldane and Oliver Hicks-Pattison. This social walk starts in the town of Wendover and heads out through farmland, forest and rolling chalk escarpments in the Chilterns, an area of outstanding natural beauty. We’ll climb Coombe Hill, then follow the Ridgeway trail up to the peak of Whiteleaf Hill, before returning via Little Hampden and the surrounding forest. Coombe Hill is the highest point in the Chilterns at 260m, offering stunning views across the countryside as well as Chequers House. Whiteleaf Hill (247m) has five ancient monuments, including some dating to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, and the Whiteleaf Cross, a chalk carving thought to date to the eighteenth century.

During our previous London and South East area meetings, we heard from our members that they were interesting in learning some new skills on our guided walks. We will therefore use this walk as an opportunity to demonstrate using poles on uphills. If you own a pair, please do feel free to bring your own, but Holly will also bring a couple of pairs to demonstrate with and let you try. The walk is open to anyone, whether you’re a BMC member or not. It’s ideal for anyone interested in hiking and hill walking, or any climbers and mountaineers who want to get out and meet like-minded people within the local area.

We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

Holly is passionate advocate for the positive effect the outdoors, especially mountains, can have on mental wellbeing as well as physical. In addition to being the secretary for BMC London and South East, she is a regular feature writer for a Scottish mountain festival company, and is a competitive trail and mountain runner both in the UK and abroad.

Walk Details

Walk Grading: Moderate

Distance: Approx 17 km (10.5 miles)

Ascent: 425 m (1,395 ft)

Duration: Approximately 5 hours

If you or anyone in your party can’t attend after booking, please let us know so we can offer the place to others

Meeting Details

Time: Saturday 18th July, 09:50 am for a 10:00 am start

Location: Wendover Station, Station Approach, Pound Street, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6BN

OS Grid Ref: SP 86546 07746

Google map pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pm9en2TZvkNeVNTr7

Parking: Pay & Display parking available in the Wendover Station car park. Free parking available in Wendover

Please check out the BMC Liftshare service

Facilities: Wendover has shops and pubs. There will be no other facilities on the walk

Public Transport: Train from London Marylebone arrives into Wendover at 09.45am, and trains out are at 3.57pm, 4.27pm, 4.54pm and approximately every 30 minutes thereafter. (Please check train timetable as Chiltern Railways are subject to change. No engineering works currently planned.)

What to Bring

We’ll cover a range of terrains, so please ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear

Footwear: Sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots or shoes with good grip

Clothing: Dress in layers, including a warm layer and waterproofs, as conditions can vary; if the weather is hot, bring a hat, as the Ridgeway is exposed in areas

Food and Drink: Bring enough food and water for a full day’s walk; there will be no places to purchase refreshments en route

Other Essentials: Although we plan to finish within daylight hours, carrying a small torch or head torch is advisable for emergencies. Sun cream is advisable on warmer days

Who Can Attend

Anyone, under 18's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Well behaved dogs are welcome but must be always kept under close control, please indicate on your booking if you will be bringing a dog. Please also bear in mind that not everyone is comfortable around dogs, even if they are being friendly! The Ridgeway Trail is popular with families, walkers, and runners. We will also be crossing fields with livestock, therefore please keep your dog on a short fixed lead

Health Precautions: If you have any health conditions that might impact your participation, please inform us in advance. Carry any required medications, and let the walk leader know if assistance may be needed in accessing them

If you are unsure of your ability or would like advice regarding kit and suitability for this walk, please email the leader in advance

This walk incurs a £2 donation fee towards the Access & Conservation Trust. If you are unable to pay this fee, please contact us in advance, and we will anonymously include you for free

BMC Participation Statement

The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement

Photographs may be taken by the leader for future communications about the programme. If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken please let the leader know in advance or at the start of the walk

By participating in this walk you agree to act in a kind and inclusive manner. Bullying, discrimination or the use of foul language will not be tolerated

Questions

Feel free to contact BMC Walk Leader, Holly Haldane: holly.haldane@gmail.com