Coombe Hill
Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & BerkshireHighest point in the Chilterns with far-reaching views and wildflower-rich chalk grassland.
Chilterns Countryside, Hughenden estate, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4LA
Important notice
- Car park
- Dogs allowed
- Picnic area
Surfaced paths suitable for wheelchairs.
- Accessible route and/or map
- Level access/terrain
- Seating available
- Steps/uneven terrain
- By train
- The nearest railway station is Wendover, on the Chiltern line. Follow the ridge way long distance footpath to Coombe Hill (west of Wendover)
- By road
- Free parking is available but it does get busy at weekends so please arrive early to avoid disappointment. Nearest postcode is HP17 0UR.
Chilterns Countryside, Hughenden estate, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4LA
Highlights
Distant views
Coombe Hill is the highest point in the Chiltern Hills. With extensive views over the Aylesbury Vale, on a clear day you can also see all the way to the Cotswolds.
Picnic area
There's a picnic area with tables and benches set in a woodland scene near the car park.
Walking
There’s an accessible 1 mile route that takes in the most interesting features of Coombe Hill. There are also longer, more challenging walks through neighbouring countryside.
Wildflowers
Coombe Hill is a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) for its chalk grassland and acid heathland. The diverse habitat is home to over 30 species of wildflower.
Birds, bees and butterflies
Look out for buzzards and red kites, butterflies like the chalkhill blue and the yellow meadow ant hills that help the grassland ecosystem.
Pulpit Hill
Near to Coombe Hill, tucked away in tranquil woodland on the edge of the Chiltern escarpment is the small Iron Age hillfort at Pulpit Hill. Take a walk back in time as you explore this atmospheric site.
Low Scrubs
Accessible from the car park at Coombe Hill, Low Scrubs is a unique woodland with a fascinating atmosphere. The beech trees were coppiced for firewood, making the wood feel very dark and mysterious.
Things to see and do
Visiting Coombe Hill in the Chilterns Countryside
Explore the walking trails, play area and wildlife of Coombe Hill, the highest point in the Chiltern Hills.
Things to see at Pulpit Hill Iron Age fort in the Chilterns Countryside
Explore the ancient remains of a hidden Iron Age hillfort in this atmospheric woodland.
Top trails
Coombe Hill Woodland Walk
Follow this gentle circular trail in the Chilterns through beech woodland to the top of Coombe Hill, with far-reaching views from its summit.
The best of Coombe Hill walk
Take a gentle circular stroll to see Coombe Hill highlights on rare chalk grassland, with panoramic views across Aylesbury Vale and Chequers, the prime minister’s retreat.
Low Scrubs: A walk back in time
Explore the atmospheric woodland of Low Scrubs, encountering relics of its ancient past from as far back as the early Iron Age, on this short waymarked walk.
Pulpit Hill fort and nature reserves circular walk
Take in panoramic views across the Chiltern Escarpment and Aylesbury Vale, explore an Iron Age hillfort and stroll through beautiful beech woods and the Grangelands and Rifle Butts Nature Reserve.
Exploring the Chiltern Escarpment
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.
Coombe Hill and Chequers trail
Enjoy a moderately energetic circular walk from Coombe Hill, taking in views across the Aylesbury Vale. You'll wander through woodlands, past rare chalk grassland and the pretty village of Ellesborough.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Coombe Hill
Coombe Hill is the highest point in the Chilterns with panoramic views across the Aylesbury Vale. Once part of the Chequers Estate, it is now a wildlife site with 30 species of wildflower and 28 species of butterfly. The viewpoint on the hill is marked with a monument dedicated to those who gave their lives in the Boer War.
History
History of Coombe Hill
Once part of the Chequers Estate, Coombe Hill was given to the National Trust in 1918 by Lord & Lady Lee of Fareham. It features earthworks from prehistoric times and a Boer War Memorial.
Our work
Our work in the Chilterns countryside
Find out more about our work to manage ancient woodlands, hedgerows and meadows to create a diverse habitat that enables a wide variety of wildlife to thrive.
