Last Thursday brought scorching temperatures, and I enjoyed getting outside to make the most of it. Coombe Hill is a site owned by the National Trust, and it is 852 feet above sea level and the highest viewpoint in the Chilterns. The hill sits next to the Chequers Estate but was given to the National Trust in 1918, and Chequers House, which can be seen from the hill, is used as a retreat by the prime minister. The view extends over Aylesbury Vale, and on clear days, visitors can see the Cotswolds. On top of Coombe Hill is a monument dedicated to those from Buckinghamshire who lost their lives in the Boer War.
There is a circular walk to the monument and around the hill, and this walk takes approximately half an hour to complete. From this trail, walkers can also join other trails connected in the countryside. As I had just finished a full day of work, the weather was quite warm, and I am out of shape due to 2020, I only did the circular walk.
The walk started from the car park through a small grove of trees, which led to an expansive open space with a gentle incline.
Along the way, I saw several different types of wildflowers and plants.
The blackberries are blossoming and forming for a July and August harvest. This reminds me that my favourite time of the year is fast approaching when I see these in bloosom.
Several benches and picnic areas are set with views over the hill, each one unique and semi-secluded. I found a peaceful little spot below.
The views were amazing. The Chequers House, retreat of the prime ministers, is located in the grove of trees to the right in the below photograph. Also, notice the NHS and rainbow carved into the field below, at the early height of the 2020 coronavirus pademic.
The monument is dedicated to those in Buckinghamshire who fought in South Africa in the Boer War.
After admiring the view, I decided to finish the walk, and I followed the path.
The path soon turned direction when approaching the forest, and it followed the side of the forest down the hill and back to the parking. There were some Oak trees here.
Coombe Hill was busy when I visited it on a Thursday after work. There was not enough parking for everyone, and more people turned up and parked along the road. Have you ever visited Coombe Hill?
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