U is for understated
Undiscovered, unknown, unusual, unlikely, unpretentious, even unexpected are some of the words I use to describe and inspire you as we approach the summer holidays.
This week is the turn of the letter U for Understated, on our A to Z journey of the naturally outstanding Chiltern Hills. It’s a difficult letter to unpick, but as the holidays approach and schools are in their final summer term, I’ll share ideas for unusual and unexpected places to spend slow summer time.
Located in the unhurried space between the London and Oxford, amongst commuter towns, suburban Metroland, chocolate-box villages that feel as though they are untouched by time, surrounded by woodland atop the hills and rolling, undulating valleys, much of it ancient, most is understated.
Whispers, not shouts
The unpretentious Chiltern Hills are so close to London, even connected on the Metropolitan tube line to Amersham. Although public transport is encouraged, it’s not the easiest way to get around, especially if you are unfamiliar with the region. Bikes are an option, but the best is on foot, via a market town like Tring, Wendover, Princes Risborough, Amersham, Hitchin, and Beaconsfield from train to Chilterns trail. For you locals, there are bus routes connecting the high street with home and single fares still capped at £3. That’s unexpected!
I have been spending time on narrow boats this summer and have decided they are the cruising version of walking. Unruffled, the world and its swans slip by as you tour the undiscovered canal network. If that sounds uninspiring, be sure to stop off at the many hostelries along the way.
Something that is unloved and unwanted is the bloated unfinished HS2 high-speed railway that continues to over-run, be over budget, and unfortunately for us, is over here. On the other hand, take the kids to see the works in Wendover beside the station, they are interesting can be combined with a picnic on Coombe Hill by following the Ridgeway National Trail.
I have always loved walking and am fortunate to be able to walk out into the hills from my front door. No walk is the same, how can it be as we reach peak summer in a usually dry year? The birds have completed their furious cycle of nest building and fledging their chicks, the dusty downland and meadows hum with insects, chalk paths baked, rowan berries and rose hips beginning to ripen. I wonder what the blackberry crop will yield? Try the devils fruit.
Unpolished character
There are a host of unique places that makes these beautiful hills what they are today. Top of the list will be your local museum or visitor attraction, too many are unknown and overlooked but are a wealth of insider knowledge and delight by joining up local dots. In alphabetical order: Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Chalfont St Giles, Chesham, Didcot, Great Missenden, Hemel Hempstead, Henley, High Wycombe, Hitchin, Marlow, Reading, Speen and Tring even has two.
Wherever you are going this summer, have a wonderful trip and if you’re visiting us here in the Chilterns, do please let me know how you got on. And where I should be visiting next.
The next A to Z instalment is V for Chilterns Villages, many are thankfully still holding their own against the tide of development and pressure. Where do you suggest I go?
I visit every place that I recommend and these are my personal views which I hope do not raise or dampen your expectations. Naturally, if there is an un-adjective I have overlooked, please do share!
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Links to more of the unexpected Chiltern Hills
Off road cycling is recommended and if you can get to Buckmoreend Farm you’ll find Otec Bikes right on the trail and ready to hire you a bike. Contact Lee There’s always the option of a guided bike ride with Wild Cycles who also drop off and collect from your narrow boat or nearest station. Contact John.
Read about more of my discoveries in unusual places here.
Another lovely post Mary - somewhat unexpected to read mentions of summer, though springtime in the Chilterns whilst perhaps not entirely unique, is certainly uplifting beautiful 💚