Aylesbury is well placed for walking, with flat canal and parkland routes close to the town and the hills of the Chilterns a short drive to the south. This guide covers the most popular options for all abilities. Wear suitable footwear, check the weather, and follow the Countryside Code on rural paths.
Easy walks in and around town
The Grand Union Canal towpath is the easiest walk from Aylesbury, flat and traffic free, and you can turn back whenever you like. Vale Park and the recreation grounds give short, pushchair friendly loops. These routes suit families, older walkers and anyone wanting a gentle stroll.
Chiltern hill walks
South of Aylesbury, the Chilterns offer the best hill walking in the county. Coombe Hill, near Wendover, is one of the highest points in the range and gives panoramic views across the Vale. Wendover Woods has waymarked forest trails of varying lengths, with a car park that usually charges a fee. These walks involve gradients and can be muddy after rain.
Nature reserves and quiet routes
College Lake near Tring is a former chalk quarry turned nature reserve, with level paths and hides for birdwatching. Other local reserves and country parks across the Vale offer quiet, wildlife rich walking away from roads. Browse parks, gardens and green spaces in the directory.
Make a day of it
Many walks pair well with a country pub or a village cafe at the halfway point or the end. The villages around Aylesbury have traditional pubs that welcome walkers. See pubs and bars and cafes, and our guide to days out in Buckinghamshire for longer trips.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you walk near Aylesbury?
Popular walks include the flat Grand Union Canal towpath and Vale Park close to town, and the Chiltern hills to the south, such as Coombe Hill near Wendover and the trails at Wendover Woods. College Lake near Tring is good for level nature walks.
Are there flat, easy walks around Aylesbury?
Yes. The canal towpath, Vale Park and local recreation grounds offer flat, pushchair friendly walking close to the town centre, with no hills to climb.
Where are the best views near Aylesbury?
Coombe Hill near Wendover is one of the highest points in the Chilterns and gives wide views across the Vale of Aylesbury on a clear day. It is a short but uphill walk from the nearest car park.