Iron age fort and wildlife havens

Hawridge and Cholesbury are two of four villages that make up the parish of Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards. They meet on a ridge approached from Chesham via the fields and hedgerows of a pretty Chiltern vale.

Visitors are greeted by open views of magnificent Hawridge and Cholesbury Commons, overlooked by The Full Moon pub. Behind the pub is an iconic whitewashed windmill, built in 1883 and now a private home.

The historic heart of Hawridge lies further down the hill in Church Lane, where 19th-century St Mary’s Church stands on the site of its Norman predecessor. Neighbouring Hawridge Court, former home of the Lords of the Manor, is also thought to date back to the Norman Conquest. It preserves a dry moat and ringwork which are now Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Cholesbury boasts many attractive houses with interesting histories, many dating back to the 16th century. From Cholesbury, footpaths and lanes lead on to the hamlet of Buckland Common and to St Leonards and the White Lion pub.

Cholesbury and Hawridge Commons

The 105 acres of woodland and grassland which make up the Commons are a designated Country Wildlife Site rich in a wonderful variety of flora and fauna. Still privately owned by the Lord of the Manor, they offer excellent access for walkers on a network of paths.

Together with their neighbours, the Commons host a variety of events to welcome visitors. These range from the Village Fete on August Bank Holiday Monday to Villages Teas on Summer Sundays; and walks and study sessions on the Commons, led by experts.
In summer its an idyllic spot for Cholesbury and Hawridge Cricket Club’s matches.

Hawridge & Cholesbury Commons website

Historical sites

Cholesbury Camp

The impressive remains of this Iron Age hillfort are a designated Scheduled Monument. The 10-acre hillfort functioned intermittently as a place of refuge for 400 years, until the Roman invasion of circa 50AD. The beech-clad earthworks are an unbroken circle, save for a section on the southern side. To find it from Parrotts Lane head down the gravel track to St Lawrence Church. Then go through the wooden gates and turn immediately left through a kissing gate. Go up the slope ahead and walk along the top of the bank of Cholesbury Camp to a crossing path. Turn right through the opposite bank to an information board and gate.

St Lawrence at Cholesbury

Hidden within the Iron Age earthworks, Cholesbury’s 19th-century church is built on the 13th-century foundations of an earlier church. A headstone in the churchyard commemorates David Newton, who served on HMS Revenge at The Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Café and pubs

The Chiltern Velo café and Bike Workshop in Hawridge serves walkers, cyclists and coffee lovers alike. The outdoor seating has peaceful country views.

The old-established The Full Moon pub in Cholesbury has open fires and a spacious garden, and lovely views across to the common.

The White Lion pub in St Leonards is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The car park includes ‘Parking for Horses’ and the garden has gorgeous valley views.

Walks

Cholesbury Camp Walk

Starting from The Full Moon, this 6.2km (3.9-mile) walk follows a circular route which takes in Cholesbury and Hawridge Commons, St Mary’s Church and Hawridge Court, and Cholesbury Camp Iron Age Fort.

Cholesbury Camp walk pdf

Pub to pub walks

• Old Swan, Swan Bottom to the White Lion, St Leonards
• The White Lion to The Full Moon, Cholesbury