Coombe Hill

Coombe Hill at 852 feet above sea level is the highest viewpoint in a range of hills called the Chilterns.

The 106 acres of the hill once belonged to the Chequers Estate but was handed to the National Trust in 1918 by Lord and Lady Lee of Fareham, the same time the Chequers House was handed to the country as a retreat for the serving prime minister.  

You get extensive views over the Aylesbury Vale and on a clear day you can see all the way to the Cotswolds. The view point is marked with a monument (not NT) dedicated to the men from Buckinghamshire who gave their lives in the Boer War.

Acid heathland at Coombe Hill
Acid heathland at Coombe Hill
Acid heathland at Coombe Hill

Wildlife

Coombe Hill is designated an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) for its chalk grassland and acid heathland. This is home to over 30 species of wildflower and 28 species of butterfly making it a really diverse habitat.  

Male adonis blue butterfly
Male adonis blue butterfly
Male adonis blue butterfly

The most notable plants to be found are rock rose, marjoram, basil and thyme. The most interesting butterflies here are small heath, meadow brown, ringlet and common blue.The grassland takes a great deal of careful management by National Trust Rangers, volunteers and contractors. This is done by carefully removing scrub and small trees through the winter months to avoid nesting birds.

Rock Rose growing on an anthill
Rock Rose growing on an anthill
Rock Rose growing on an anthill

The site is then grazed by cattle over summer to keep the grass short and allow the wild flowers to thrive.

Cattle at Coombe Hill
Cattle at Coombe Hill
Cattle at Coombe Hill

Things to do when you visit

As an introduction to the site, there is an accessible 1 mile 'Best of Coombe Hill' downloadable walk (see below) that takes in the most interesting features of Coombe Hill, including the picnic area located near the car park. There are also longer, more challenging walks that take you through the neighbouring picturesque Chilterns countryside.

View from Coombe Hill

The Best of Coombe Hill walk 

This gentle circular stroll, which takes around 40 minutes, takes in the best Coombe Hill has to offer. You can expect panoramic views across the Aylesbury Vale and rare chalk grassland filled with wildflowers and butterflies in the summer.

Coppiced Beech Trees at Coombe Hill

Coombe Hill Woodland Walk 

This gentle 3.5 mile circular walk passes mostly through sheltered woodland, from the mysterious coppiced beech of Low Scrubs to the towering beech standards of Linton’s Wood. The final section of the walk, in contrast, takes you around Coombe Hill, with its magnificent, far-reaching views.

Cattle grazing at Coombe Hill

Coombe Hill Trees, Shrubs and Grass 

This short walk around the beautiful Chilterns countryside of Coombe Hill and Low Scrubs takes you to and describes some of the notable plants that have populated this landscape. It also explains how the National Trust and its volunteers work to conserve them.

Chequers from Coombe Hill

Coombe Hill and Chequers trail 

This moderately energetic circular walk offers panoramic views across the Aylesbury Vale. You’ll see rare chalk grassland, beautiful woodlands, the pretty village of Ellesborough and the Prime Minister’s country retreat at Chequers. Feel the fascinating history of the Chiltern Hills, inhabited by people for thousands of years.

Beacon Hill from Coombe Hill

'Exploring the Chiltern Escarpment': a walk between Coombe Hill and Whiteleaf Hill 

This 10 mile walk offers a range of panoramic views across the Chiltern Escarpment and the Aylesbury Vale. See a range of historical and archaeological sites, as well as the pretty village of Ellesborough and the prime minister’s country retreat at Chequers. With several important ecological habitats, ranging from rare chalk grassland to archetypal Chiltern beech woodlands, you’ll also pass through the largest remaining area of natural box woodland in Britain.

Low scrubs in summer

Low Scrubs: A walk back in time 

This short way-marked walk takes you around Low Scrubs. The dense, dark woodland and the relics of its ancient use give the area a unique and mysterious atmosphere.

 

Planning your visit

  • Free parking is available but it does get busy at weekends so please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
  • OS Map grid reference for parking and entrance: SP851062.
  • Coombe Hill is 3 miles west of Wendover and 5 miles east of Princes Risborough. Postcode: HP17 0UR
  • The nearest railway station is Wendover, on the Chiltern line.