Hambleden to Medmenham Walk.
Hambleden to Medmenham – circular walking route overview.
Hambleden to Medmenham Photowalk
If you were to picture a classic English countryside walk, this one comes very close. Hambleden has that proper Old English village feel — flint cottages, a village green, quiet lanes, and the church at the centre of it all — and it makes a great starting point for a relaxed circular walk.
I parked in the village car park (Pay & Display) beside the Stag & Huntsman, which is always a solid choice for food afterwards.
Heading Out
The walk starts by slipping out behind the village and into the Hambleden Estate, gradually climbing along steady woodland paths and wide tracks. It’s peaceful right from the beginning — that calm Chilterns atmosphere where everything feels unhurried.
Elvis trotted on ahead doing his usual checks of gateways and verges while I wandered behind with the camera.
Above the Valley
A little further on, the route opens out above the valley with your first clear view across to the Thames. It’s the kind of spot you naturally pause at for a moment, just to take things in. From here the walk drops back towards Medmenham, passing the old chalk quarry — now overgrown but still easy to recognise from the path.
Medmenham & The Thames
Medmenham is quiet and easy to wander through. Down by the river you can look left towards the remains of the Cistercian abbey, later turned into a large house with plenty of history tied to it. It’s a good point to catch your breath before heading back.
Former Cistercian abbey at Medmenham, now a private house beside the Thames.
The Thames Path Return
The Thames Path carries you all the way back towards Hambleden. It’s level, calm, and one of those stretches where you naturally slow down. You’ll pass open fields on the opposite bank and get a view across to Culham Court — nothing dramatic, just a really comfortable few miles beside the water.
Eventually the route turns away from the river and heads back across fields towards Hambleden, passing Hamble Brook and bringing you out near the church and the pub. By this point, the idea of a sit down and something to eat at the Stag & Huntsman is usually very welcome.
Culham Court viewed from the Thames Path — a Georgian manor once visited by George III, who was particularly fond of the place.
Final Thoughts
For me, this was a really enjoyable photowalk: a mix of woodland, village lanes, open fields and riverbank, with plenty of simple moments along the way. A good distance, never rushed, and one I’ll happily walk again at different times of year.
Walk Notes
Approx. 5.6 miles / 9 km • Moderate
Start/Finish: Hambleden Village Car Park (RG9 6RP)
Food & drink: Stag & Huntsman • Hambleden Stores & Post Office
Full turn-by-turn directions & GPX: Click the button below to open the route in OS Maps.
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Happy walking and hiking — Mark