Hockeridge and Pancake Woods

The woods around Hockeridge and Pancake are proper walking country - the sort of place where you'll actually want to leave the tent and stretch your legs properly. These Buckinghamshire woodlands sit just outside Chesham and offer a genuine escape without needing to trek for hours. You're looking at mixed woodland with decent paths, the kind that feel properly wild without being difficult underfoot. The trees do their job keeping things green and cool even when the rest of the county's baking.

This is fundamentally a walker's spot. Families with kids who are past the "carry me" stage will get a few hours of good rambling in. History buffs less so - there's woodland and that's about it. The beauty here is simplicity. No visitor centres, no interpretation boards, just trees and paths. Allow a couple of hours for a solid loop, though you could stretch it to three if you're meandering.

The proximity to Norcott Campsite and Highridge Farm makes this a natural add-on to a camping holiday in the area. You're genuinely close enough to base yourself at Hill Farm Camping up in the hills and still access these woods without a drive. Free to roam as far as I can tell - no gates or fees stopping you. Spring and autumn are best; summer gets sticky and crowded with midges, winter can be boggy. It's worth the detour if you're already in Chesham, but don't rearrange your whole trip around it. Solid walking, nothing more.