Chess Valley Walk
The Chess Valley Walk is an established, much-loved route, enjoyed by thousands every year.
In fact, thanks to its beautiful scenery and excellent rail connections the Chess Valley walk is the most popular promoted route in the Chilterns National Landscape. This 10 mile linear walk through the Chilterns follows the River Chess from Rickmansworth to Chesham (both served by London Underground Metropolitan Line).
It takes in the beautiful scenery of the Chess Valley, passing several attractive villages and at times gets close to the clear sparkling waters of the River Chess – home to kingfishers, water voles, brown trout, orchids and dragonflies.
Chess Valley Walk
For full details and to download the leaflet please head to the ‘visit’ section on our website.
Updating the Chess Valley Walk
High footfall has taken it’s toll on some sections of the path, and way-marking and interpretation were in need of an update.
Thanks to funding from the Green Recovery Challenge Fund, Chesham Town Council and the Smarter Water Catchment Initiative, we have been able to complete the Chess Valley Walk improvements, providing a refreshed and enjoyable walk!
Project completed!
The Chess Valley Walk improvements have now been completed including:
- 10 new information boards at various areas along the River Chess, with up to date information from local ecologists and historians, equipped with QR codes for those who want to know more.
- New waymarker signage has been installed, so those using the walk can be guided easily. Along with this, the walk also has a new logo!
- Footpath improvements have occurred at Cannon Mill and a new boardwalk at Meades Water Garden.
- Benches have been installed, so more people can sit and enjoy the wildlife while they walk along the Chess.
- The walk leaflet has been updated, and will be available to download and to pick up from your local area!
We have had some fantastic feedback so far:
Chesham Town Councillor Justine Fulford, also a local resident, said this about the project:
“So pleased that this much-loved walk has had a thorough refresh. The new interpretation boards are informing regulars like myself who know the route well, and fascinating those who have ventured in to the valley for the first time. Thanks to the new waymarkers, no longer am I rescuing bewildered walkers who have strayed off the path or reached a difficult junction – all the happy hikers are striding on confidently in the right direction. This has always been a great walk, the diligent attention to improvement has brought a new cohort who will be enlightened to both the natural and social history of the Chess Valley.”
Chesham and Buckinghamshire Council Councillor Jane MacBean, who provided match funding to the project through her fundraising while Chesham Town Mayor, said:
“I wanted to write and congratulate you and your team on the work recently carried out to revamp the Chess Valley Walk. As you know, I organised a sponsored walk event during my Mayoral term that incorporated the route, and I am delighted to see that several enhancements and upgrades have now been delivered to improve signage and to ensure walkers can make the most of key locations along the path. This is a much-loved and essential walking route through the Chilterns, and I believe that the improvements your team has delivered will sustain the Chess Valley Walk for years to come, encourage new users and entice previous users back for many repeat visits.”