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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
303 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
21.1 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4.5-6.5h
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk

Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk
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Table of contents

The Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk may be long, but the sweet smell of fresh air swirling in the countryside and the aromas drifting off the wildflowers will send you into a blissful daze, forcing you to forget that you’re on a 13.1mi. This walk takes you to three different groups of hills, where views of the countryside bleeding into the horizon await! You’ll spend some time meandering along Icknield Way, a path steeped in history.

Route Description for Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk

The Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk is a lovely meander through the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Like most walks in the Chilterns, this hike's parking lot tends to fill up fast due to its small size and proximity to London.

This walk takes you through England's stunning countryside, where views of the never-ending countryside stretch deep into the horizon and wildflowers grow alongside the path! The 21.1 km distance may seem daunting, but the scenery will force you to forget all about the length.

The Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk begins from Hexton car park. You'll start by heading right as if you're going towards Barton-le-Clay. When you reach a signpost indicating "Higham Goblon & Recreation Ground," take a left before veering right to follow a narrow path. A few metres after, you'll see a waymarked path, follow this trail—the John Bunyan Trail. The track will continue to head towards Barton-le-Clay. When you reach the road in Barton-le-Clay, take a left to go towards the main road and cross over it to get to the lane on the other side.

Continue walking past the church, turning left onto the bridleway. When you reach the Nature Reserve, get off the bridle path and follow the left path through the reserve towards the top of Barton Hills. There are wooden steps to help lead you up in some sections! Keep looking back to marvel at the stunning views.

Feel free to pause at the wooden bench to admire the scenery. From here, take a left to return to the bridleway, where you'll take a right. Go towards the road by Barton Hill Farm. Turn right here and follow the road for 300 m before crossing the road to get to the path on the other side, which will take you to the golf course. You're now heading towards Lilley!

Once you're on Icknield Way, you'll go straight before taking the John Bunyan Trail on the right. Keep walking towards Lilley. When you get to the main road, take a left and 200 m later, and then take a right to follow a marked bridleway. Upon arrival at a junction, go straight towards the wood. At the wood, head left to follow a bridleway along Lilley Hoo. Soon, you'll meet up again with Icknield Way by taking a left, keeping Telegraph Hill to your right, and another right turn will follow.

Continue along Icknield Way until you reach Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve. You can choose between a few paths here to help you reach the top of Deacon Hill. The easiest is to your right! Get ready for stunning views at the summit. Some would argue these are the best views on this entire walk.

Leaving the hill, take a left to go on the path beside Hitchin Road. This will take you out of the Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve! Cross the road when you reach the junction and follow the path north towards Green End and Bury Farms. Take a left to pass between the farms and continue walking along the lane. Don't take the bridleway to your right! When you get to the intersection, take a left to go towards the car park (and towards Raven pub!).

Trail Highlights

Icknield Way

Dubbed as England’s oldest road, walking along the Icknield Way will have you thinking about the ancient footprints embedded along this path. People even walked this path before Roman times! Icknield Way spans 166.0 km, running between Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire to Knettishall Heath. You may encounter archaeological remains scattered across this historic road.

Other amazing walks in Chiltern Hills

Check out our guides to Wendover Loop, Wendover Woods, Dunstable Downs, Hurley Loop or The Rose and Crown Ivinghoe Beacon Walk. Or see all of our Chiltern Hills walks on 10Adventures.

Insider Hints for Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk

  • Head to Hexton car park for parking, but do note that spots are limited, so aim to get here early.
  • Stop at the Raven Public House for a pint after your walk!
  • If you feel like stopping for a drink or food during your walk, you’ll find some excellent options in Lilley.

Getting to the Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk Trailhead

To get to the start of the Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk, head to Barton-le-Clay, follow Bedford Road before turning left onto Hexton Road/B655. Continue to follow this road until you reach Hexton car park. Your walk begins here!

Route Information

  • When to do:

    April - October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Circuit

Barton-le-Clay, Lilley and Hexton Circular Walk Elevation Graph

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