Wendover to Dancersend loop — Chiltern Hills

Embark on the difficult Wendover to Dancersend loop, a 9.9-mile (15.9 km) jogging route through the Chiltern Hills that typically takes 1 hour and 44 minutes to complete, gaining 602 feet (183 metres) in elevation. This trail offers a diverse journey through dense woodlands, rolling hills, and open countryside, featuring ancient beech, oak, ash, and maple trees. You will jog on a mix of unpaved paths, gravel, and natural trails, with stunning views from Boddington Hill, Aston Hill, and Haddington Hill across the Aylesbury Vale. Keep an eye out for the Dancersend Nature Reserve, which bursts with bluebells and primroses in spring and is home to various butterflies in summer.

Be prepared for challenging ascents and some sections that can become muddy after rain, so sturdy shoes with good grip are advisable. The route also includes chalky paths that can be slippery on descents, and you may encounter uneven ground due to forestry work. Since Wendover Woods, part of this loop, can get busy on weekends, an early start is recommended to avoid crowds, especially near the Go Ape facility. This difficult route requires very good fitness.

This trail is notable for its passage through Dancersend Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with a rich history, having inspired the formation of The Wildlife Trusts. The reserve boasts over 390 species of flowering plants and ferns, and more than 770 species of moths and butterflies. You can also discover archaeological features like old woodland and parish boundary banks, sunken trackways, and deep marl pits along the way. Look up for red kites soaring over areas like Beacon Hill.