Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-three-horseshoes-asthall"><a href="https://threehorseshoesasthall.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Three Horseshoes</a>, Asthall</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T125810.848.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153812" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T125810.848.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T125810.848-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T125810.848-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T125810.848-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The pretty village of Asthall is the start of this <a href="https://www.localwalks.co.uk/local-walks-blog/oxfordshire-walks-swinbrook-asthall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">8km stroll</a> around the gorgeous Windrush Valley. Literary buffs will enjoy the site of Asthall Manor, where Nancy Mitford wrote <em>The Pursuit of Love</em> and <em>Love in a Cold Climate</em>, and her sister Jessica <em>The American Way of Death</em>. Start and end at this Daylesford-owned pub, a goodie for seasonal food (with plenty of lighter dishes if you overdid the celebrations over Christmas), as well as local beers and ales, a broad wine list (why stop now?) and an open fire. Formerly the Maytime, this pub returned to its historic name after discovering the building&#8217;s past as a farriers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bull-burford"><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/bull-burford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bull</a>, Burford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="479" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/burford--720x479.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122284" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/burford--720x479.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/burford--360x239.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/burford--150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/burford--789x525.jpg 789w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/burford-.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re up for a more challenging Cotswolds romp, this <a href="https://www.cotswolds.com/dbimgs/Walk_AONB_GreatBarrBurford.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">8.5km route</a> between Burford and Great Barrington takes you along the River Windrush and includes an early pitstop at the Fox Inn if the group is waning. Waiting at the end for you is the foodie&#8217;s delight of Bull with its omakase restaurant hosted by former Nobu head chef Hiromi Wada or the less formal HORN, with seasonal food served at communal dining tables. You&#8217;ll just need to book the cab to get you back to Barrington.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-jolly-woodman-burnham-beeches"><a href="https://thejollywoodman.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Jolly Woodman</a>, Burnham Beeches</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T140853.410.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153847" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T140853.410.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T140853.410-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T140853.410-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T140853.410-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/berkshire/dorney-woods-burnham-beeches-and-egypt-woods-circular" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3km woodland walk</a> is sheltered even in the inclement December weather though it can be muddy so wellies are a must. You&#8217;ll get a warm welcome afterwards in the Jolly Woodman, which may even feel familiar &#8211; it&#8217;s often been on-screen, in Midsummer Murders, Riot Club, and more recently, Outnumbered. The crowd-pleasing menu is reasonably priced and there&#8217;s local brews on tap. What more do you need?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fox-amp-hounds-christmas-common"><a href="http://topfoxpub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Fox &amp; Hounds</a>, Christmas Common</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/bench-winter-view-watlington-hill-chilterns-1464280.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140702" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/bench-winter-view-watlington-hill-chilterns-1464280.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/bench-winter-view-watlington-hill-chilterns-1464280-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/bench-winter-view-watlington-hill-chilterns-1464280-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/bench-winter-view-watlington-hill-chilterns-1464280-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Where better to go for a festive walk than Christmas Common? There&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chilternsaonb.org/uploads/files/Walks_and_Rides/Christmas_Common_Commons_Country_Walks.pdf">are three different walking routes</a>, all of which start/finish at the National Trust car park at the top of Watlington Hill, and range from 2.5 to 6 miles, with red kites swooping above (keep snacks out of sight when you&#8217;re in the open!). The Fox &amp; Hounds, known locally as &#8216;the Top Fox&#8217; to distinguish it from the other one down the hill, is a half mile down the road. Its quirky and ancient bar is quintessential England then there&#8217;s an informal brasserie out back where pub classics are the order of the day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bull-amp-butcher-near-stowe"><a href="https://www.bullandbutcherakeley.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bull &amp; Butcher</a>, near Stowe</h2>



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<p>Just north of Buckingham, this National Trust estate is a real beauty, with its gorgeous Capability Brown gardens. You could try the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe/trails/deer-park-walk-at-stowe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">woodland and deer park walk&nbsp;</a>(2.5 miles) or a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe/trails/lakeside-walk-at-stowe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more gentle 1.2 mile one</a>&nbsp;around the lake, complete with views of the house. It’s ideal for little (and elderly!) legs with its many temples and resting spots. The Bull &amp; Butcher near Akeley isn&#8217;t superflash, but it&#8217;s one of the nearest pubs and serves dishes for every palate and appetite as well as sharing plates like the baked camembert. Otherwise stay within the Stowe grounds with the stylish double height glass café. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-russell-arms-coombe-hill"><a href="https://www.therussellarms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russell Arms</a>, Coombe Hill</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="423" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/coombe-hill-720x423.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-109960" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/coombe-hill-720x423.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/coombe-hill-300x176.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/coombe-hill-150x88.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/coombe-hill-893x525.jpg 893w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/coombe-hill.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<p>Got some energy (aka calories) to burn? This challenging <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/chilterns-countryside/coombe-hill-and-chequers-trail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7km circular</a> is right up your street. It has a steep climb but fab views from the top and you&#8217;ll amble through chalk grassland, woodlands, pretty villages and you can wave hello to Rishi at his country retreat, Chequers. Right near the start in Butler&#8217;s Cross, the relaxed <a href="https://www.therussellarms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russell Arms</a> pub welcomes walkers and dogs, and has a big menu and pizza oven so everyone should be happy and beer lovers will want to try the brew made especially for the pub by &nbsp;The Chiltern Brewery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-blow-out-gastro-in-chinnor">A blow-out gastro in Chinnor</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T144624.113.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153860" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T144624.113.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T144624.113-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T144624.113-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Untitled-design-2023-12-11T144624.113-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This undulating <a href="https://wildthinguk.co.uk/walks/village-walks/village-walks-in-oxfordshire/stokenchurch-and-radnage-walk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">8.8km walk</a> in true Chilterns country is a tour through woodland, tracks and up and down hillsides with mostly farm tracks and paths. It’s a good one for dog walkers but would be challenging for buggies and wheelchairs. Start at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sircharlesnapier.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sir Charles Napier</a>&nbsp;in Chinnor for a true blow-out though you’ll need to remove your muddy hiking boots for this refined restaurant (a favourite of Raymond Blanc fyi). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rose-amp-crown-ivinghoe-beacon"><a href="https://www.roseandcrownivinghoe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Rose &amp; Crown</a>, Ivinghoe Beacon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/03/ivinghoe-beacon-chilterns1.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<p>Get your fill of epic panoramas by marching your brood up to the top of Ivinghoe Beacon on the Bucks/Beds/Herts border, which is part of the National Trust’s Ashridge estate. There’s a <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/buckinghamshire/the-rose-and-crown-and-ivinghoe-beacon-circular" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7km trail</a> from the pub that&#8217;s challenging in places but the views are more than worth the effort.&nbsp;The trad pub is dog and kid friendly and does tasty home-cooked food. Try to bag the table by the fire for serious cosy vibes. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bottle-amp-glass-binfield-heath"><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/bottle-glass-binfield-heath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bottle &amp; Glass</a>, Binfield Heath</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/bottle-glass-fireplace-2.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<p>An <a href="https://www.chilternsaonb.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SD_Binfield_Heath.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">8km walk</a> exploring woodland, villages and part of the Chilterns Way, it&#8217;s a long but varied romp. And waiting for you at the end, this gastro beauty may be a little more fancy than your average village pub, but you can still grab a pint and (artisan) scotch egg by the fire in the bar if you don&#8217;t want the full shebang. Otherwise its beautifully cooked seasonal food, a lavish wine list and chic but unstuffy surrounds. Bliss.  </p>



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9 bracing New Year pub walks in Bucks & Oxon

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