"Walking is the art of lingering revelation."
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The Chiltern Hills by Les Ham Trafford Publishing
book review by Leslie Ann Webb
The Chiltern Hills, located just northwest of London, is the perfect place to stroll through England's spectacular countryside and charming picturesque villages. Designated as an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" in 1965, it has become a popular spot for walkers. Footpaths led past the Ewelme Brook that inspired Chaucer, a stately manor that once hosted King Henry VIII, and churches with histories that date back to the 14th century.
Ham's historical guidebook is the ultimate companion for walkers who want to explore The Chiltern Hills. His love of the area shines through as he intricately describes eighteen unique walks that walkers of all skill levels can complete. These circular walks, lasting between seven and ten miles, take visitors past ruins of old churches, a RAF Memorial, the Oxfordshire countryside, Warburg Nature Reserve, and many of the backdrops used in popular movies and television series.
Each walk is described with an incredible amount of detail. Ham ensures his readers will know exactly which footpaths, access lanes, and farm land need to be crossed since pre-defined trails do not always exist in the area. Detailed hand-drawn maps and pictures accompany each walk, along with transportation and refreshment information. Places of interest and local history notes help walkers decide which area to explore first. Plentiful tips provide details on where to find the best views and see the elusive Red Kites.