Britha one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Walked from Brill
I found this to be quite a tricky route with minimal signage and field paths not reinstated by farmers or heavily overgrown.
GPX track accurate but could be issues with map and compass unless you are competent.
At 1 field cows were very curious (I was with with my dog) but managed to keep them distant by shouting loudly!!!!
Looks as though many paths are rarely used.
I enjoyed the walk but navigation was challenging.

We walked this route from Thame to Brill in late August 2022, after a long period without rain, so the terrain was invariably firm under foot. The remarks made by the previous reviewer were all accurate, and the scenery as we approached Brill was particularly beautiful. Navigation was mostly straightforward, though some of the paths were a little overgrown - with thistles rather higher than my 4’ 11” wife!! The farmyard near Chilton was occupied by 250 recently sheared sheep, but we found our way through satisfactorily. All in all, a very enjoyable walk.

Firstly - this route is not suitable for anything with wheels. There are frequent stiles, and significant parts are across fields, rather than around the edges of them, and the ground is consequently quite soft.

Walking in either direction, the route is undulating. Brill is a local high point, so there are plenty of views to be had at that end. It passes through both arable and livestock farmland, and at one point, a slightly incongruous industrial estate. The path is well marked with red tarmac or bricks through this area.

The loop through the village of Long Crendon takes you past shops, and gives access to buses if you are starting or ending here (check times!). The High Street is also quite picturesque, but if none of those things appeal you can cut across the neck of the loop past the church.

Overall, an enjoyable 9 mile walk.

Large parts of the route are pretty straight, and go across fields, so there aren't too many tricky turns. But there are a few:

Tricky turns - Brill to Thame

1. After leaving Chilton via Chapel Lane, take the path through the gate. Continue with the hedge on your left. When you get to a gate with roundels indicating that paths go both straight and right, take the one to your right.
2. After crossing the Chilton-Chearsley road, the route skirts round Wombwell Farm. It rises and the field you are in narrows. The farmer has erected quite a few terse signs saying 'No Footpath', but these are correct; head to the corner with a stile and cross it. The signs, some saying 'Footpath' with arrows, steer you through the farm buildings.

Tricky turns - Thame to Brill

1. Leaving Long Crendon northwards, the path entrance is between a gap in the hedge, and isn't easy to spot until you're on top of it.
2. The path after you leave the road at Chilton heads northwestward. Chiltonpark Farm perches on the next hill and you'll pass right by it; this is a useful landmark.

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