V is for Villages

In spite of urban sprawl and HS2, many villages retain their charm and identity. As you travel from south west to north east, you will notice a change of character and local distinctiveness in each.

Not a town, never a hamlet, what defines a village? You can blink and miss them for sure, coming upon them as you ease your way around a tight corner with wall-to-wall hedgerow, a village sign most likely, so best be prepared. They are remnants of settlements in what would have been isolated, hard to reach locations, nestled around a village green, church, pub, a duckpond - even stocks that can still be seen in Aldbury in Hertfordshire.

The reasons they were settled may be long gone; lumber from the forest, flint and chalk extraction, agriculture or access to water. Jordans village clusters around the historic Quaker chapel, adding to their utopian ideals. If you are a local, I hope that Chilterns Treasures adds to your appreciation, and if you are thinking about visiting, you are in for a treat. There are links below to other A - Z locations with plenty of ideas for spending time here. Located in the unhurried space between the London and Oxford, amongst commuter towns, suburban Metroland, chocolate-box villages that feel as though they are untouched by time, surrounded by woodland atop the hills and rolling, undulating valleys, much of it ancient, most is understated. I have many books about the region, most are from the 1950s - 70’s and I think some of those authors would still recognise the villages and hamlets they once travelled through on their motoring holidays!

The countryside is for living in

In spite of the urban sprawl and HS2, many villages retain their charm and identity. As you travel through from south west to north east, you will notice the change of character from South Oxfordshire with its distinctive flint, red brick and roses, to Buckinghamshire with its functional settlements that too contrast with Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire which can be all big chimney stacks and Tudor-themed. I have excluded some of the obvious places due to visitor pressure and a lack of facilities that doesn’t offer the visitor a warm welcome and annoys the locals who respond with “Gerroff my land” notices.

With permission from Hambleden Village Store

Fingest

One of my favourite hamlets that I pass through on my way to Henley typically and am determined to stop this summer and explore the Hambleden Valley with its hills, woodland and many pubs. There has been a settlement here for over 1,000 years with the collection of houses and pub dominated by the unusual 60-foot tower of the Norman church. Some of the best views are just along the road past the pub and on the footpath towards Mousell’s Wood. Here’s a four mile easy-going circular walk on good paths with lovely views.

West Wycombe

Once an important stop for weary travellers heading to and from London by stagecoach along pitted and muddy roads - we know how they felt! The high street was packed with hospitality options, although chances are you’d have had to share your bed with a stranger. And lots of fleas! In 1767 there were 17 public houses listed in the village, and today you can stop to enjoy a pint of something local, or cuppa and cake in the one of the tea shops. At least that hasn’t changed! Find out where to park and where to walk.

West Wycombe Village

Radnage

A tumble of houses, a pub and church is why I love Radnage, it feels so remote and is quite hard to reach, although West Wycombe is not that far away. Lovely walks straight from Home Farm campsite, we used to camp there a lot back in the day. Why not give it a go?

Princes and Monks Risbourgh

Princes Risbourgh is not going to win any prizes for rose-covered cottages, but it is next door to the charming Monks Risborough in Buckinghamshire and a convenient base to explore the mysterious Whiteleaf Hill. I recommend a longer seven-mile circular walk following sections of The Ridgeway National Trail and the Chiltern Way, through wooded hills and nature reserves, pubs, a windmill far-reaching views - you will know the ingredients by now that go into to making a very special destination to spend valuable time in with family and friends.

The Hampdens

Not the Hamptons, but a tucked-away Buckinghamshire parish about three miles south east of Princes Risborough. It incorporates the villages of Great Hampden and Little Hampden and hamlets of Green Valley and Hampden Row. Due to difficult geography, no major roads or rail links have ripped through this countryside. You’ll find instead deer, the tips of hares, countless butterflies, dozing horses and dappled footpaths through beech woods in an historic landscape. Churches, farms, a manor house and memorials to old family names and their legends. Read about here and try this brilliant, but challenging walk that takes in all the above, but pack a picnic as there is very little in the way of services.

Use them or loose them!

Whilst you are out and about this summer, please support the many local businesses serving excellent refreshments, take your friends and families and discover who is making all these tasty goodies and buy buy buy! Many are now online too. Here are some of my favourites.

Ewelme

Ewelme is located north east of the market town of Wallingford, but is best approached from Swyncombe and Cookley Green. The village is nestled in a green dip, with narrow lanes and pretty cottages tumbling down the hillside to congregate along now defunct watercress beds that are fed by the Ewelme Brook, eventually making its meandering way to the River Thames. Go for your own meander.

Many of these villages are watched over by the community who take great pride in their heritage, I have no doubt they will cope with the pressures and fancies of the next 600 years. Please be a considerate visitor and if you are in your car, park with care. You may have to park outside the village and walk, or make another plan to visit on foot or bicycle.

I have too many books about the region, most are from the 1950s - 70’s and I think some of those authors would still recognise the villages and hamlets they once travelled through on their motoring holidays!

I visit every place that I recommend and these are my personal views which I hope do not raise or dampen your expectations. The content is copyright of Mary Tebje and may not be reproduced without permission. If you enjoyed this post, please share and give it a ❤️ If you wish to purchase any photographic prints, do get in touch.