Start & Finish: Old Amersham Market Hall, 19 Market Square, Amersham, HP7 0DG
Distance: 12.5 km (7.8 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 119m
South Bucks Way section covered: Shardeloes to Amersham Market Square: 1.2 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): South Bucks Way, Chiltern Heritage Trail, Chiltern Way
Other routes touched (cycle): Chiltern Heritage Trail Milton Route
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots in Old Amersham High Street (we like Seasons). Also: The Red Lion, Coleshill; The Plough and The Potter’s Arms, Winchmore Hill; The Squirrel, Penn
Map: OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East
Links: Amersham, Coleshill, Winchmore Hill, Penn, Penn Wood

The South Bucks Way is a 37 km (23-mile) trail that promises a delightful escape for walkers and hikers. This scenic route, often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, offers a tranquil journey through charming villages, lush countryside, and the gentle murmur of the River Misbourne. This post is part of a series of circular walks featuring the South Bucks Way. The full trail stretches from Coombe Hill near Wendover to the Grand Union Canal at Denham. Our walks take in short sections of the South Bucks Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The South Bucks Way is well sign-posted however you’ll need a map or GPX route to keep on track for the return sections of the loops. The guidance below will help but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide.

From the Market Square head south down Whielden Street, following the Chiltern Heritage Trail. Take a left onto Whielden Green and keep to the Trail as it crosses a rough field, over the A413 footbridge and into farmland. Follow the Heritage Trail in a south-westerly direction as it climbs up to Coleshill. When you reach Coleshill All Saints Church opposite the Red Lion pub, take a right onto the footpath passing down the south side of the church. You’re now following both the Chiltern Heritage Trail and The Chiltern Way. Follow these in a westerly direction to The Hill (road) in Winchmore Hill.

When you arrive at Winchmore Hill you have the choice of either The Plough or The Potter’s Arms for a rest. Alternatively you can continue to Penn for The Squirrel or, just round the corner, The Hit or Miss. This is one of the Chiltern Walks with the most pubs on the route.

From The Plough you’ll keep to the right of the Common, following the Heritage Trail (not the Chiltern Way) in a north westerly direction until you reach Penn Street. Turn left onto Penn Street then find the entrance to Penn Wood opposite the Squirrel. Follow the Heritage Trail through Penn Wood to reach Amersham Road. Cross Over Amersham Road, briefly onto Sheepcote Dell Road then take a right onto Beamond End Lane. Take the first road on the right, follow it to the end and continue along the footpath. Halfway across the next field you’ll cross Toby’s Lane, a tree enclosed footpath. At this point the Chiltern Heritage Trail takes a left onto Toby’s Lane. Don’t take this left, instead leave the Heritage Trail and continue across the fields in a north-easterly direction. Cross over Mop End Lane and keep to the footpath to the north edge of The Rough Park woods. Continue for 2km through the Shardeloes estate and A413.

When you reach the A413 you’ll meet the River Misbourne and can cross under the main road next to the river. Follow the footpath onto Amersham High Street and back to the start at Market Square.