- On trail 17.3 mi 27.9 km
- Walking time 7–8 h
- Ascent 460 m 1,500 ft
- Descent 470 m 1,550 ft
- Difficulty Moderate
The most undulating section, through beech woods and chalk grassland.
Section 5: Watlington to Wendover map
Example stay Bel & The Dragon at The Red Lion - Wendover (opens in a new tab)
Cross-check: National Trails route description . Opened 31 October 2026. The distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends. The route page's miles stay in the answers below.
The walk
Coombe Hill looks down on Chequers, the Prime Minister's country residence, near the end of the hilliest stretch of the Ridgeway. Getting there takes several climbs in and out of valleys. A long bridleway runs along the foot of the escarpment and under the M40 at Aston Rowant. After Princes Risborough the steep pull to Whiteleaf Hill climbs about 100 m.
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Start of section
Watlington
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Nature reserve
Aston Rowant
The path passes under the M40 through Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve, chalk grassland on the escarpment.
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The climb
Whiteleaf Hill
A full 100-metre climb, the steepest one walker met that day, with the view back down over Princes Risborough.
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The view
Coombe Hill
At 260 m, one of the highest points in the Chilterns, with Chequers, the Prime Minister's country residence, in the fields below.
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End of section
Wendover
Section 5: Watlington to Wendover overview
The ground
- Woodland
- Chalk grassland
- Bridleway
Several short, steep climbs through woods and chalk grassland. The most undulating section, in the trail body's words, and on the 6-day the longest day.
Stops
Refreshments
- Watlington
- Princes Risborough
- Wendover
Toilets
- The route page does not name a public toilet on this section
Before you go
Opposite direction
Wendover to Watlington
Walked from Wendover, Coombe Hill comes within the first hour, so the big view is early. Whiteleaf Hill is steep on the way down too. After Princes Risborough the hills end, and the bridleway to Watlington runs long and straight between hedges.
End of section
Watlington
Watlington to Wendover FAQ
How long is Watlington to Wendover?
The route page lists 17 miles (27.2 km). The distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends.
Can I split it?
Yes. Our 7- and 8-day plans stop at Ridgeway Lodge near Princes Risborough, close to the path, which makes the first half a short day along the foot of the hills.
Can I download a GPX for Watlington to Wendover?
Yes. Use the GPX button at the top of this page. It is this section's line, for Garmin, Komoot, or your phone. Open the planner if you want a file built around your overnight stops.
Walk this as a day
Used as Day 5 on the 6-day. Open the planner on that preset, then export a full-trip or per-day GPX.
Open in planner Read the 6-day itinerary
Full-trip and per-day GPX files. Free, no account.
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