Initially an uphill walk through woodland with views across adjacent countryside, returning downhill to reach the Dashwood Mausoleum and Hell Fire caves.

Length: 2.5 miles (allow 1.5 hours)

Start: West Wycombe Car Park, Chorley Road, West Wycombe HP14 3AP. Charges apply.

Grid Ref: SU 826 947

Access Information: Easy stile free walking with, initially, a height gain of 200ft.

Refreshments: The Walled Garden Café at the start point and pubs and cafés in West Wycombe.

Route

Leave the car park and cross the road directly to a path (signpost Hill Top and Hellfire Caves) for about 50yds to a crossing path.

Waymark 1 – Turn left and follow the path, uphill through woodland, taking in the good side views to the west across countryside. On the way, do not take any diversions, side paths etc. At the top, turn left along a wide track. Go straight over a junction of major tracks and continue forward to a waymark post just in front of a field with newly planted trees.

Waymark 2 – Turn right at the waymark post for approx. 170yds and, as the path starts to descend, turn right at the next waymark post. Follow the footpath downhill through woodland for just over a ½ mile to reach an open area of grassland with views towards West Wycombe and Downley.

Waymark 3 – Continue on the path across grassland for approx. 300yds and take the second path on the right into woodland. Continue on the path to meet a road. Cross the road, climb up the steps and follow path across grassland to reach the Dashwood Mausoleum, with views towards West Wycombe House below. Note:  The chalk hillside around here can be very slippery in wet weather and diversion can be made by taking the road down to the Hell Fire caves and on to the start point of the walk.

Waymark 4 – From the Dashwood Mausoleum, walk directly downhill to near the bottom and take a path to the right which leads directly to the Hell Fire caves. Keep straight ahead past the entrance to the caves, take the path to the right across chalk grassland and to reach the start of the walk.  Cross the road to the car park.