Chess Valley Walk

The Chess Valley has some of the most attractive countryside in the Chilterns National Landscape.

This is a landscape rich in wildlife, with a long and fascinating history. Along the way there are historic buildings and estates, water meadows, ancient field systems and nature reserves.

Details of route

Starting point Rickmansworth Station
Duration 4hrs
Distance 10 miles
OS Ref OS Explorer Maps 172 & 181

The Chess Valley Walk is a 10 mile linear walk through the Chilterns following the River Chess from Rickmansworth to Chesham. It passes through the beautiful scenery of the Chess Valley and several attractive villages and at times gets close to the clear sparkling waters of the River Chess, one of the Chilterns’ famed chalk streams. The walk is waymarked.

You’ll discover the site of a Roman farm-villa at Latimer, pass the 13th century Chenies Manor visited by Elizabeth I and see the watercress beds at Sarratt, the last watercress farm in the Chilterns (operational until 2019). And when you’re near the River Chess, keep an eye out for kingfishers, water voles, brown trout, orchids and dragonflies.

Download the Chess Valley Walk leaflet

Download

Wildlife and Points of Interest

Getting There

You can reach the Chess Valley Walk from either Rickmansworth or Chesham stations. Both are served by the London Underground Metropolitan Line. You can also reach Rickmansworth on the Chiltern Railways overground line from London Marylebone. If you would like a shorter walk, you can access the walk from Chalfont & Latimer or Chorleywood underground stations. For more information, please download a copy of the walk leaflet (below).