Cosy pubs with log fires

After a bracing walk, a glass of good cheer by a blazing pub fire is just what’s needed on a chilly or grey day. Chesham and its villages offer an excellent choice of cosy pubs with welcoming fires and inviting walks,

All pubs mentioned have a real fire for winter walkers to warm their fingers and toast their toes.

In Chesham itself, The Queen’s Head is perfectly placed for exploring historic Church Street and the rest of the Old Town. On the edge of town, The Black Cat in the hamlet of Lye Green is reopening after five years. Restored to glory, it welcomes customers with a roaring fire and walks in neighbouring fields. Head up through Chartridge to discover Cock and Rabbit at The Lee, beside the picturesque village green. Its charm owes much to Arthur Liberty, founder of Liberty of London, who shaped the village he made his home.

Woods and commons

For open spaces visit The Full Moon in the hilltop village of Hawridge. The pub overlooks expansive Commons noted for their flora and fauna and wonderful network of walks. Don’t miss St Lawrence Church, hidden inside an Iron Age hillfort. The Blue BallThe Blue Ball in the hamlet of Asheridge serves food, and real ales with wood burning fires and a large garden. Try a two-mile walk between the Blue Ball and the Full Moon with one of the Chiltern Society’s pub to pub walks.

The Crown at Ley Hill enjoys another lovely hilltop location. It sits between an 80-acre common and Tylers Hill and Cowcroft Wood, a designated Country Wildlife Site and Nature Reserve.

The Chess Valley

Down in the valley The River Chess winds through Chesham and onwards to the Chess Valley Walk. The 10-mile linear walk is easily accessed from stations at Chesham or Chalfont and Latimer. The Bedford Arms pub and hotel at Chenies is a popular stop, handily placed for a particularly beautiful stretch of the Chess.

History comes full circle

Stretch your legs on all or part of the circular walk created by Chesham Walkers are Welcome, ‘Ashley Green Farms, Forts and Fighters’. Currently available online as a downloadable pdf; or pick up a printed copy from local pubs, Chesham Town Hall, or The Good Earth Gallery in Chesham town centre. The Golden Eagle at Ashley Green and The White Hart at Whelpley Hill are linked by this 8 ½ mile route from Chesham which offers shorter options. The full circuit touches on an Iron Age fort and the American airfield used for bombing raids in World War II.

Pubs in Chesham and surrounding villages and hamlets

Some of the above pubs are on the Chiltern Society’s pub to pub walks.
Pub to pub walks by Chiltern Society

Our round up of walks around Chesham and villages