High Wycombe walks to enjoy without breaking lockdown rules

Being holed up inside can really take its toll on both your physical and mental health so getting out, even just for a quick walk, has arguably never been more important. 

From elevating your mood to releasing stress-reducing endorphins, the benefits of exercising daily are priceless. 

However it can be difficult to feel motivated to get outside especially at the moment when there are lots of rules to follow. 

But really it's simple. The latest Government rules state: 

- You are allowed to leave the house once daily for exercise alone or with a member of your household or support bubble.

You can exercise in a public outdoor space: 

- by yourself

- with the people you live with

- with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)

- in a childcare bubble where providing childcare

- or, when on your own, with one person from another household

You don't need to start running marathons or doing circuits, but a gentle 30-minute walk is enough to see positive changes in both your mind and body whilst adhering to lockdown rules.

Here are some of our favourite walks to enjoy in and around High Wycombe:

Hughenden Park:

Cows at Hughenden - Bucks Free Press

Luckily the grounds of this National Trust park are still open, in line with government guidance, allowing us all to take in the stunning scenery surrounding this epic Victorian Manor. 

With 1,500 acres of parkland there is plenty of space to wander freely without feeling too worried about being around other people. 

Go for a short 1.5km walk, taking around 30 minutes, or push yourself and walk for a couple of hours.

With manicured gardens and well-cared for land, Hughenden Park is great for all. 

To remain open the Park has had to limit visitor numbers so booking in advance is essential on the National Trust website. 

West Wycombe Hill: 

Sitting in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty in the Chilterns, West Wycombe Hill is an absolute treat on our doorstep - stick to government guidelines and do not visit if it is outside of your locality. 

Boasting incredible views across open countryside there are 55 acres of grassland, scrub and woodland to explore in and around the hill.

OverlookingWest Wycombe the steep and imposing hill was once home to an Iron Age settlement.

Standing on the edge of this prehistoric structure is the imposing hexagonal Dashwood Mausoleum which contains urns and plaques that commemorate members of the Dashwood family.

Close by is the medieval St. Lawrence Church that received a substantial makeover in the 18th century by Sir Francis Dashwood, the owner of West Wycombe Park.

Bradenham Circular Walk:

Bradenham - Google Maps

Just 10-minutes outside of High Wycombe is the Bradenham circular walk which takes you through woodland and countryside in the Chilterns.

The easy two mile walk includes two gentle uphill climbs which are rewarded by beautiful views across Bradenham village, and towards West Wycombe and Bledlow Ridge.

The landscape is a  blend of hills topped with beech woodlands, and gently rolling valleys with a mixture of grazed and ploughed fields divided by hedgerows.

Taking around 40 minutes to complete, the circular walk is families and weekend ramblers. 

Chiltern Way Berkshire Loop: 

Now, this is most definitely not a short walk if you were to complete the entire loop. 

However this trail is home to abundant beauty and can be altered to suit any time and distance - why not set yourself the challenge of completing the whole walk section by section? 

In total the trail is 28 miles long, taking approximately 10 hours to complete. This can be separated up into 30 minute or one hour trails to set every walker - we recommend walking 1.5km per day. 

It starts from the Chiltern Way south of Penn in Buckinghamshire crossing the Thames at Cookham Bridge and taking in Winter Hill, Ashley Hill and Remenham Hill before re-crossing the Thames at Henley Bridge and joining the Chiltern Way in Harpsden Bottom.

The route includes two short sections of the Thames Path.

Rye Park: 

Rye Park - Google Maps.

Heralded by one rave TripAdvisor reviewer as "one of the best parks in the county", Rye Park is a gorgeous space for everyone in the local area to enjoy. 

With tranquil and well-maintained gardens its the ideal spot for people to ramble with views of the stream and forest as well as ample seating for anyone with mobility issues. 

A spot for all the family, the lake and waterfall is home to plenty of wildlife including some friendly ducks, famous with the little ones. 

Right in the town centre the park is great for High Wycombe residents to enjoy without breaking the rules and sticking to their own locality.

It covers 53 acres so there's plenty of space for all to roam - to visit follow the postcode HP11 1QX.

Let us know how exercise has benefitted you during lockdown in the comments.