The Chiltern Hills | Discovering My Backyard

... Ditch your sofa, or you won't see what's all around you.

What is the most underrated travel destination that you've discovered? 

Wherever you are.

Your own backyard is quite often taken for granted.

Taking a step back and slow down... or you will miss the beauty on your doorstep.

After visiting far countries, I am discovering my own Motherland - Being a tourist in my own neck of the woods. 

Just as Rewarding as Going Abroad

A tremendous sense of reward -To gain a greater connection and understanding of local history and culture.

Wander around and feel you are discovering an area for the first time.

Just a stone's throw away from the chaos of the city

The Chiltern Hills are only an hour by train from London. A place to get away from it all, to get a different point of view from the city, to think in different ways, seeing different opportunities and rethink your life - To get a fresh perspective.

Time to slowdown is a time of transformation and we are fully alive.  More potentially being ourselves.

Time spent in nature, where time seems to go on forever and we are not part of the daily march to work, we become part of the singing of the birds and the silent speech of the trees - In another space and in another time. It's healing time.

It is possible to get off the beaten track and explore the real beauty in solitude. I am lucky to cycle just a few miles from my home and be away from it all, to get lost for a few hours or for days at a time.

Your backyard means connecting with the land and the people in a much more intimate way, building ties and relationships that you can pass onto future generations. 

You will find the locals friendly and welcoming...

Ecotourism

Visiting local and small authentic independent businesses, to put the soul back into communities. Keeping a community existing; With linking small businesses with tourists and opening up society by meeting the locals.

The term 'Travelling' Is a journey of self discovery; learning, perseverance, no fixed plans and you are not intent on arriving.  While places we discover and wander around that give us positive energy, we can learn to embrace the good and bad as experiences, as we continue our journey enjoying life as we go. 

Time to rediscover the beauty around us, by removing the distractions and refocusing. You need to take the time and step out into the great outdoors that awaits - Start to see the abundance in everything.

The Chiltern Hills An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We live in a beautiful place. We really do. The Chiltern Hills is an amazing part of our countryside.

Get out there and exspireance it.

Sometimes the place you were meant to visit was in front of you the whole time…

Soaking up the wonders of The Chilterns



What are you waiting for? "A place waiting for you to discover it's beauty"

Anytime of the year and any time of day you can visit. Dawn and sunset are the magical time (The golden hour) And is the perfect time for spotting wildlife. It's an impressive exspireance to see the landscape and skies changing throughout the seasons, and as the light changes through each day, that does not go unnoticed or ever get board seeing. 

A cyclists and hikers utopia - Offering an idyllic setting for a day of rustic outdoor fun.

Hiking or cycling the famous Ridgway, you will find Red Kites flying over Whiteleaf Cross that is drawn in the chalk. Discover ancient history, bluebells in spring time, villages, ancient churches, market towns, great country pubs, woods, and rolling hills...

"Getting Lost is to discover new places and yourself" - Self discovery. 

Even the best laid out plans can go out the window - Adapting to your surroundings is part of life, as a traveller you soon discover you can do more with less planning - More doing less thinking! 

Strength of character 

To someone who travels for love, knowing no time or distance allows you to enjoy the journey, by adapting to a different environment and releasing you don't need much to truly appreciate life.

"Live life to your own freewill, that makes sense to you." - You have to do it, to realise it works.

A place I have been taking for granted. 

I have always felt lucky to live in this area. But had taken it all for granted, my perspective has changed as now I can see the real beauty of the countryside. "See the wood for the trees" 

I want to rediscover; the woods, forests, green fields, villages, and the lanes that link it all together and see it change through the 4-seasons.

Without further ado; I set off from High Wycombe, almost at the centre of The Chiltern Hills, close to the River Thames, to explore my backyard. 

• What to explore in my neck of the woods: 
  The Chiltern Hills stretches 46 miles and 11 miles wide, with a total area of 660 square miles. The highest point Haddington Hill 267m It's a mecker for cyclists and walkers looking to get out in the great outdoors.
  The Chilterns Cycleway is a 170 mile circular route passing right around the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• The Ridgeway (& Icknield way) - Britain's oldest roads stretches the spine of the Chilterns. 87 miles long and starts in the World Heritage Site of Avebury.
• Red Kites - Persecution of the Red Kite as vermin during the 17th and 18th Centuries resulted in its complete extermination in England. Since its reintroduction to the Chilterns in 1992.
• Hambleden Valley, where the film makers come to this picturesque little gem of an area and fans of Midsomer Murders. Incorporating pretty villages, historic churches, cosy pubs, abundant wildlife, amazing walking and riding.

You don't need to go far to experience the feeling of being miles away, in a different time, and a much slower pace of life to soak up the beauty all around.

Possibly the best place to immerse yourself in the bluebells

A time to remember your purpose

Leave all your issues you have with anybody back in the city. They have no business in nature - You will soon change to an open heart and open mind to learn and listen.

‘We are all related. And when you become aware of that, you realise how important it is to take care of your sisters and brothers.’ - Jay Bowen, Upper Skagit Tribe.

Unconstricted to have the ability to see things from a wider perspective, and keep a firm grip on reality.

When you go into nature, you naturally feel high energy - Mother Earth is an abundance, fruitful and loving energy.

Surround yourself in the great outdoors and feel the warmth, peace, and calm the pure bliss that life offers when you take time out and slow down to reflect on what's really important.

Animals and nature that don’t have an agenda or judge you - You can be your true self.

The more time you spend in nature, you soon come to realise we are all interconnected and we are all part of the one divine source that is love.

For a real experience leave your phone at home and discover that God has created an amazing world, and understand nothing is more important than nothing. You may like to Read: From The Founder >

Keep it simple to enjoy the small wonders that mean so much and you will really appreciate these moments of joy...

Video - Hambleden Valley & picturesque village of Turville, beautiful cottages dating from the 16th to the 18th century.

The windmill which stands above the village is the one used in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Other films include 'Father Came Too' and 'Goodnight Mr Tom'.



Remember - "Enjoy the ride"



Come along for the ride - Mini Adventures With Soul



Meetup - Spending time in the great outdoors not only takes away the stress, but opens new doors to amazing experiences.

You are in good company. Get away from deadlines and distractions and come join us for a ride or walk...

I can personally show you parts of The Chilterns to get a real feel of what its beauty can offer as a guide and for you to discover for yourself - Wild walks and offbeat adventures by foot and bicycle.

Use maps from my Strava

If you like more information or If you're lacking in any life skills or wish to share your knowledge, consider joining us on a mini adventure; from a small walk, build a fire to make a cupper, local experiences, cooking, to 3-day hike, tailored to all abilities.

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View and download the full hiking checklist: HERE