Adventure Women - Buckinghamshire

Area: Essex Distance: 18.7 km
Elevation Gain: 189 m
Grade: Grade 3 / Challenging
Start/Finish: Benfleet Station (circular route)
Terrain: Foot paths, grassy tracks, woodland trails, and coastal marshland. Some short steep ascents/descents and potentially muddy sections after rain.
Estimated Duration: 6 - 6.5 hours (including breaks)
Start Time: 9.30 AM (Please arrive ready to start)
Finish Time: Around 3.30-4 PM
Accessible by train: Yes
Price: £12.50 per person - plus meetup fee OR pay by CARD

The Hike:
This varied and scenic circular walk begins at Benfleet Station and takes you through some of Essex's most beautiful and historic landscapes. We start by heading through Benfleet Downs, where you're rewarded early on with sweeping views over the Thames Estuary. As we descend into Hadleigh Country Park, the terrain softens into rolling hills and wooded paths. We'll make a stop at the iconic Hadleigh Castle, a dramatic 13th-century ruin perched high above the marshes perfect for photos and a snack break with a view.

From there, we descend toward the coast, entering the open expanse of Two Tree Island, rich with birdlife and big skies. Depending on the tide, we may spot wading birds and hear the calls of curlew and redshank as we cross the island. The route loops back via the Hadleigh Marshes and alongside Benfleet Creek, offering peaceful waterside walking and more chances for wildlife spotting. We return to Benfleet Station by late afternoon.

Why This Walk is Grade 3 - Challenging:
Distance: At 18.7 km, it falls within the Grade 3 range, a longer walk that requires stamina.
Elevation: With 189 m of elevation, it's modest within the Grade 2 range however, combined with the distance and terrain, it bumps the challenge up.
Pace & Terrain:
The route includes a few short climbs (e.g., Benfleet Downs, Hadleigh Castle ridge), coastal paths, grassy and uneven terrain, and potentially muddy sections through the marshes and Two Tree Island, requiring decent fitness, balance, and endurance.

Suitability:
For walkers with a good base level of fitness who are comfortable being out for 6+ hours, carrying water and snacks, and navigating varied terrain. This hike is ideal for those who want to push themselves a little further while still having time to appreciate the scenery and wildlife.

Meeting Point:
Benfleet Station Car Park South Benfleet, Benfleet SS7 1ND

What to Wear and Bring:
- Our walks go ahead in all weather, so dress appropriately. Always carry a waterproof jacket.
- Check the forecast and bring sun cream, a hat, or sunglasses for warm days, and waterproofs, a warm hat, and gloves for cold or wet days.
- Wear trousers or leggings to reduce the risk of tick bites and nettle stings. Avoid denim or cotton.
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. Open-toe shoes are unsuitable.
- Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, lunch, and snacks, as there may be no opportunities to buy food or drinks along the route.
- Public toilets may not be available on the route.

Sign-Up Form:
If you haven’t completed a form this year or your circumstances have changed, please fill out the sign up form before attending. Participation is not allowed without a completed form, as this ensures we understand your needs and can maintain group safety. (link can be found in Ts&Cs section of the website - or cut and paste below into your browser) Form link: https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058

Preparation and Fitness:
You are responsible for your own health and safety. Ensure you can hike continuously for the duration specified. Dress appropriately, please bring the required gear and carry any personal medications. Participants without proper equipment may be unable to join the walk.

Our Guides:
Our experienced, qualified leaders are skilled in navigation, first aid, and outdoor leadership. Each route is carefully planned to match the advertised grade, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience. Additional Information: Dogs are not permitted on our walks. Adventure Women UK is an all-female activity group, and participants must be over 18.

Walk Grades: For details on walk difficulty levels, visit the Walk Grades Section at https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1

Important Note: By RSVPing “Yes” to any event, you agree to the group’s terms and conditions. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies, which can result in serious injury or death. By participating, you voluntarily assume all such risks. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

- Grade 2-3: Moderate to Challenging
- Distance: 11.5 miles / 18.5 km
- Elevation Gain: 1000 ft / 303 m
- Walking Time: Approx. 5.5 hours
- Start/Finish: Saunderton Station, Buckinghamshire
- Accessible by Train - Yes
- Meet Time: 9:20 AM | Start Walking: 9:30 AM | Finish: Around 3:00/3:30 PM
- Price: £12.50 per person (plus Meetup booking fee) Or pay by CARD

The Hike:
This 11.5-mile circular walk explores some of the most scenic and historic corners of the Chiltern Hills. Starting and finishing at Saunderton Station, we'll follow a varied route through Bradenham Manor, Naphill Common, the National Trust Hughenden Estate, and the ancient Bradenham Beeches. Expect peaceful woodlands, rolling farmland, sweeping views, and a few hills along the way. The Chilterns offer a classic blend of beech-topped ridges and tucked-away valleys, with rich history ranging from ancient earthworks to Second World War bunkers.

Highlights include:
- Bradenham Beeches & Naphill Common: A Site of Special Scientific Interest with ancient beech and oak trees, natural heathland, and a truly wild woodland feel.
- Hughenden Estate: Once the home of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, this historic National Trust estate offers impressive views and manicured parkland.
- Red Kites Overhead: The Chilterns are one of the best places to spot these graceful birds, reintroduced here and often seen gliding above the hills.

Where to meet:
Station Car Park Saunderton Station Slough Lane High Wycombe HP14 4BW

Grade 2-3: Moderate to Challenging
This hike is a step up from our moderate routes, ideal for women who are building stamina and looking to challenge themselves a bit more. The 18.5 km distance puts it in the challenging range, but the terrain and pace make it achievable if you're comfortable being on your feet for several hours and ready for a longer adventure. A great in-between walk for those progressing from Grade 2 to Grade 3.

What to Wear and Bring:
- Our walks go ahead in all weather, so dress appropriately. Always carry a waterproof jacket.
- Check the forecast and bring sun cream, a hat, or sunglasses for warm days, and waterproofs, a warm hat, and gloves for cold or wet days.
- Wear trousers or leggings to reduce the risk of tick bites and nettle stings. Avoid denim or cotton.
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. Open-toe shoes are unsuitable.
- Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, lunch, and snacks, as there may be no opportunities to buy food or drinks along the route.
- Public toilets may not be available on the route.

Sign-Up Form:
If you haven’t completed a form this year or your circumstances have changed, please fill out the sign up form before attending. Participation is not allowed without a completed form, as this ensures we understand your needs and can maintain group safety. (link can be found in Ts&Cs section of the website - or cut and paste below into your browser) Form link: https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058

Preparation and Fitness:
You are responsible for your own health and safety. Ensure you can hike continuously for the duration specified. Dress appropriately, please bring the required gear and carry any personal medications. Participants without proper equipment may be unable to join the walk.

Our Guides:
Our experienced, qualified leaders are skilled in navigation, first aid, and outdoor leadership. Each route is carefully planned to match the advertised grade, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience. Additional Information: Dogs are not permitted on our walks. Adventure Women UK is an all-female activity group, and participants must be over 18.

Walk Grades: For details on walk difficulty levels, visit the Walk Grades Section at https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1

Important Note: By RSVPing “Yes” to any event, you agree to the group’s terms and conditions. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies, which can result in serious injury or death. By participating, you voluntarily assume all such risks. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

Sign-Up Form:
If you haven’t completed a form this year or your circumstances have changed, please fill out the sign up form before attending. Participation is not allowed without a completed form, as this ensures we understand your needs and can maintain group safety. (link can be found in Ts&Cs section of the website - or cut and paste below into your browser) Form link: https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058

Preparation and Fitness:
You are responsible for your own health and safety. Ensure you can hike continuously for the duration specified. Dress appropriately, please bring the required gear and carry any personal medications. Participants without proper equipment may be unable to join the walk.

Our Guides:
Our experienced, qualified leaders are skilled in navigation, first aid, and outdoor leadership. Each route is carefully planned to match the advertised grade, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience. Additional Information: Dogs are not permitted on our walks. Adventure Women UK is an all-female activity group, and participants must be over 18.

Walk Grades: For details on walk difficulty levels, visit the Walk Grades Section at https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1

Important Note: By RSVPing “Yes” to any event, you agree to the group’s terms and conditions. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies, which can result in serious injury or death. By participating, you voluntarily assume all such risks. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

Cost: £269 per person
Deposit: £90 (non-refundable, due upon booking) (Plus Meetups Booking Fee - OR Pay by CARD)
Balance: £179 (due by April 12, 2025)

What’s Included?
• 2 nights of accommodation
• 3 guided hikes
• 1 guided kayak/ canoe tour (including equipment hire and guide)
• Qualified guide and outdoor first aider for all activities • Pre-trip Zoom call
• Detailed trip pack
• Dedicated WhatsApp group for questions and updates
• All activity planning and coordination

What’s Not Included?
• Meals/ Drinks: Evening meals will be at local pubs/restaurants or self-catered at the Hostel. Please bring your own food for breakfasts and packed lunches.
• Transportation: Participants must arrange their own transport to and from activities. Lift shares will be coordinated wherever possible.

Preparation and Level:
The hikes are Easy / Moderate in difficulty, featuring some gradients and uneven ground. You need to be physically capable of hiking for up to 5 hours. To join the hike, make sure you're dressed appropriately, as inappropriate attire will result in non-participation. Safety and Guidelines: Walks and activities are led by qualified guides. All activities will have a first aider.

How we grade our walks:

Grade 1: Easy
Distance: Up to 10 km
Elevation: Up to 150 m
Pace: Gentle Suitable
For: Beginners, leisurely walkers, or those seeking a relaxed experience.

Grade 2: Moderate
Distance: 10–16 km
Elevation: 150–400 m
Pace: Gentle to Medium Suitable
For: Walkers with basic fitness looking for manageable but enjoyable walks.

Grade 3: Hard
Distance: 16–25 km
Elevation: 400–600 m Pace: Medium
Suitable For: Those with good fitness, ready for longer distances or moderate elevation gain.

Grade 4: Tough
Distance: 20–30 km
Elevation: 600–800 m
Pace: Medium to Brisk
Suitable For: Fit walkers who are comfortable with sustained effort and steeper terrain.

Grade 5: Extreme
Distance: 25+ km
Elevation: 800+ m
Pace: Medium to Brisk
Suitable For: Experienced and very fit walkers seeking a full-day or highly strenuous adventure.

Important Note: By RSVPing "yes" to any event, you agree to the group's terms and conditions and payment policies. All payments are non-refundable, and any deposit and reserved spaces will be forfeited if the full balance is not paid on time.

Visit Adventure Women T&Cs: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs for more details. Min 8 people needed to run this trip. You will need to complete a waiver and provide a UK based emergency contact details before joining.

Note: The itinerary and activities are subject to change for the overall safety of the group due to weather, group competence, or other circumstances.

FAQ - You can find answers to commonly ask questions here: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/faqs