Prestwood Local Nature Reserve

Embark on a moderate 6.1-mile (9.8 km) hike through Piggot's Wood and Nanfan Wood, offering a picturesque loop in the Chiltern Hills. This route involves a 701-foot (214 metres) elevation gain, with the main climb at the start, and typically takes around 2 hours and 47 minutes to complete. You'll experience diverse terrain, from green woodlands and open fields to footpaths and bridleways. Expect to pass a charming farm with a tree-lined avenue and enjoy pleasant, wide tracks in Nanfan Wood, which provides pretty views of the rolling Chiltern Hills. Be aware that some sections can be muddy, and chalk surfaces might be slippery after rain.

Your journey begins and ends at the Prestwood Nature Reserve, a convenient starting point with an easily accessible car park. This makes planning your visit straightforward, as you can park directly at the trailhead. The reserve also features a picnic site, perfect for a pre-hike snack or post-hike meal. Consider hiking from April through summer to witness the reserve's abundant wildflowers in full bloom.

This trail offers a unique opportunity to explore a combination of diverse natural habitats, from dense woodlands to open fields and the distinctive chalk grassland of Prestwood Nature Reserve. The reserve is a small but ecologically rich site managed by the Chilterns Society. It is home to various wildflowers, including cowslips and several orchid species, making it a special place within the Chilterns landscape.