Circular walk around Saunderton Valley

Muntjac Deer, near Bradenham, Bucks.

Today I did a 13-mile circular walk around the Saunderton Valley - this is a broad gap in the northern escarpment of the Chiltern Hills, immediately south of Princes Risborough. I started at the village of Bledlow Ridge, on top of the hills west of the valley, and followed a footpath that headed north, gradually descending into the valley. I then joined part of the Ridgeway national trail, and headed up and over Lodge Hill, before crossing the broad valley and climbing up the eastern side, passing through the adjoining vilages of Loosley Row and Lacey Green. I headed eastwards into the hills for about a mile, before turning south on a path just inside the edge of a beech wood. I then headed back west, touching on Lacey Green again. I then turned south for a couple of miles to reach the attractive village of Bradenham, before recrossing the valley and heading back to Bledlow Ridge.

Red Kite, Bradenham, Bucks.

As usual, I saw several Red Kites in and around Bledlow Ridge, and saw at least one Buzzard too. I saw many more kites throughout the walk, and a couple more buzzards near the end. I saw a Jay and a Green Woodpecker too. I also came across a Muntjac deer as I walked towards Bradenham, and saw another one cross my path as I was heading back to Bledlow Ridge.