SE500 Challenge: Wanderlust in Watlington

What is the SE500 Challenge?

The SE500 is a proposed series of challenging hill walks in the South East. They include 500 meters of ascent and a distance of around 20km (12.5 miles). Sometimes paths may be steep; other walks may include ups and downs. That’s more than the average lowland and hill walk, and great practice for a mountain! An average man can expect to burn 2000 calories on one of these walks. Why not build up your fitness and gain a sense of achievement? Along the way, see some of the South East’s most beautiful countryside, dramatic hills and natural panoramas along the way. Look out for more of these walks around the South East over the coming months.

This route definitely plays into the ascent and decent aspect of the challenge, with two thirds of the route either ascending or descending the Watlington SE500 is up there when it comes to calorie burning!

We start the walk in the charming town of Watlington which is nestled in the scenic Chiltern Hills. The town boasts a history dating back to the 6th century, with medieval streets and historic buildings creating a unique atmosphere. Watlington Hill is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts, offering stunning views and ideal walking paths. The town has a growing reputation as a creative centre with a lively community of artists and musicians, hosting a range of annual events celebrating the arts, music, TV, and film, including Midsomer Murders, Inspector Morse, Poirot, Great Expectations, Sherlock Holmes, Philomena, and many more. Watlington is one of the few remaining market towns to have its own award-winning butchers, artisan chocolatiers, fresh fruit and vegetable market, florists, and boutique shops. This walk offers beautiful views and a variety of landscapes, including woodlands and open fields. The area is rich in history and natural beauty.

The route

Is it dog friendly? 

Dogs are welcome on this walk, there will be livestock on route. Please abide by the Countryside Code (https://tinyurl.com/rlqvp3h). Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.

New Members

Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the My First Event section under "About Us".

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.

Image / photo credits:  All images taken by the event leader (April 2025) with permission for ODL use.