Chess Valley, Bucks: 6 mile circular (dog friendly) pub walk
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Lovely, easily accessible, 6 mile walk in the Chess Valley, just outside the M25. Join me and Jet - my black labrador - for this dog friendly 6 mile circular walk through one of the most stunning areas of the Chilterns - The Chess Valley.
It's almost certainly going to be gloriously MUDDY, so wear walking boots or wellies, or trainers that you're not going to mind getting grubby.
Dogs are optional, it's a typical day walk, just that dogs can come on this one too if you have one.
On the way we will walk along the River Chess, through the Frogmore Meadow nature reserve, through woods and up to Chenies, where we will stop for a drink and bar lunch at the lovely Red Lion pub (redlionchenies.co.uk). From there, it's a gentle mile and half back to the station across fields and through the West Wood.
Total ascent on the walk is 114m, basically along the river and up and down the valley sides.
The Chess Valley has some of the most attractive countryside in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Chess itself is a 'chalk stream', fed by groundwater which forms in the layers of chalk rock below, which function like a sponge, soaking up rain water until it emerges at ground level. Chalk streams are shallow and narrow, with gravel beds and clear, warm water, facilitating the farming of watercress for example.
The wildlife of the Chess Valley is diverse, and at various times through the year it's possible to see kingfisher, water vole, brown trout or even the spectacular banded demoiselle damselfly, amongst many other species of birds, plants and animals.
This is a dog friendly walk and I'll have Jet, my black labroador with me, who, along with me, I know would love other well behaved dogs (and of course people) for company. You are very welcome to bring a dog/s on the walk. If you do, please do remember that you are also responsible for the behaviour of your dog, so be prepared to keep your dog on a lead if you are not confident that it will behave well with other dogs and walkers, or if necessary, to be considerate to anyone else on the walk who may be less confident with dogs around, and certainly in immediate proximity to any farm animals or other vulnerable wildlife we may come across. Your dog is your responsibility!
What to bring
For your comfort and safety please be prepared for the anticipated weather and the potentially wet and muddy terrain of the walk - keep in mind the following:
Boots: Hiking boots advised, wellingtons or cross trainers may suffice.
Socks: Proper walking socks keep your feet dry, and help prevent blisters.
Walking Trousers: (ideally water resistant) will be more comfortable than jeans which are heavy and cold when wet.
Waterproof Over-Trousers: worth bringing in case of heavy rain.
Layered clothing: allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature. E.g. a base layer or a cotton T-Shirt; a mid layer like a micro fleece, or a rugby type thick shirt, and a top layer fleece.
Waterproof Jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather.
Hat: useful both in mid winter to preserve heat and in summer to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
Gloves: essential in frosty weather.
Small Rucksack: One that is comfortable to wear is essential so that you can use your arms freely.
Water: even in winter one can loose a litre or more of fluid by perspiration. If you fail to make this up you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems.
Medicines: If you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments don't forget these!
Food & drink
We'll have lunch at the Red Lion pub (redlionchenies.co.uk) where walkers with clean boots are welcome (or leave them at the door).
It's a dog friendly pub (so long as they are clean and well behaved). Please keep them on a lead in the pub.
Brng some water, lunch money, and any snacks you may want on the way.
I'll also bring something homemade for us to munch on the way round, possibly some mince pies or other festive treat. It's December after all!