Chilterns Weekend Walkers

CWW's favourite Frenchman has brought the spirit of Alpine adventure to Chilterns walking.

Pierre Roche says his Grand Huit, Grand Neuf and Grand Dix walks pack in the maximum possible ascent, providing the perfect formula for those who like to test themselves on a bracing hike:

"The first walk of the series was named Grand Huit which means rollercoaster in French and, moreover, the walk includes eight ascents, the number eight being huit in French. 

Rollercoaster ride: The ups and downs of the Grand Huit

Due to walkers’ demand, a series was created to offer the highest ascent possible within the shortest distance.  It is now composed of three walks starting from Ibstone: Grand Huit, Grand Neuf and Grand Dix. 

How Pierre's walks might look on a French footpath sign

The walk distances are 19km (12 miles), 21km (13 miles) and 23km (14 miles).  They include 8, 9 and 10 hills, providing 640 metres, 740 metres and 820 metres of ascent with the added challenge of completing the walks within a set time. 

As a rule of thumb, the undulating landscape of the Chilterns offers walkers one hill every mile, each with about 80 metres of ascent. 

Turville Hill provides the pinnacle climb of the series with its famous landmark, the Cobstone Windmill. 

Ending these challenging walks at the Chilterns Fox in Ibstone or having tea and cakes at one of the lovely churches is also part of the treat!

Anyone who has completed all the Grand walks since 2019 will have climbed 7320 metres - comfortably higher than Western Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc (4808m). 

So the series has been a good way to prepare for walking holidays such as the Valley of Wonders trip in the very southern part of the French Alps which was done in the summer of 2022. 

Walks there offered daily ascents of 1000 metres. They were above the treeline (2000m) and below mountain peaks (3500m).

As in the UK, walking is very popular in France.  Walking routes are usually well signposted.

Le guide de Pierre sur le balisage des sentiers français

Different colours are used for these three types of walks: red and white for Grandes Randonnées (long-distance routes), red and yellow for GRPs (regional/area tracks) and yellow for Petites Randonnées (shorter day walks), and there are three symbols to keep you on track: straight ahead, turn and go back.

Of course, there is no place for these signs on the Grand walks, as there is no turning back!"