Overview

SAT NAV. HP27 0RP. Wheatleaf cross car park Leaving Princess RISBOROUGH, a short drive took us through beautiful scenic views of countryside and then woodland (photo 1) as we approached Wheatleaf Cross. Your SAT NAV directions will take you to a cross road on Peters Lane, BUT IGNORE THEIR DIRECTIONS at this cross road, and you MUST TURN LEFT and drive a short distance to Wheatleaf Cross car park (photo 2). Then park up as and how you can find space (photo 3). The path you need to follow lies ahead at far end of car park if you want to take the walk up to Wheatleaf Hill for fantastic views over the Chiltern Hills. Wheatleaf Cross is a chalk hill carving, it’s first name in the 1800’s being known as White Cliff. It was mentioned in 1742 by a Francis Wise, but nothing is known about it before then. In an act of 23 September 1839, the Cross would have to be looked after by the Lord of the Manor, and would be responsible to see to it that it was maintained, and should thereafter remain open, and is now protected by the county. From here we now journey to the Plough Inn, at Cadsden SAT NAV. HP27 0NB. The Plough Inn, Longdown Hill, Cadsden, Princess Risborough To many, this inn is regarded as one of the most famous Inns in England, formally a staging post for London coaches, and dating back to the 1500’s. Now, because it is quite close to the Prime Ministers home at Chequers, it has been used by Harold Wilson, Edward Heath and Tony Blair, as well as David Cameron. It is actually the only pub that stands on the Ridgeway, an ancient trackway that is Britains oldest road. The walk passes right outside The Plough, so an ideal place of rest. Cherry orchards we’re common in this part of the Chilterns, and a cherry pie festival was held here for many years. It did not surprise us to learn that the lovely little inn has been used for an episode of Midsomer Murders, in the programme “Down amoung the Dead Men” when Barnaby is on the trail of the murderer of the blackmailer Martin Barret. Cadsden It is thought that Cadsden might date back to Anglo-Saxon times, when it’s name then, Catsdean, might have meant “valley of the wild cats” and it is at the bottom of a steep valley. This is the area where the home of Prime Ministers can be found, Chequers. Just less than a mile, as you arrive at Cadsden a road sign will show you have arrived, and just turn right on Upper Icknield Way (photo 4) and you quickly arrive at the sign to branch right for The Plough Inn. (Photo 5) Park the car just beyond the inn, and walk back towards it (photo 6) passing the open air seating on wooden benches (photo 7). A small problem happens now, and we hope you will be able to manage the two steps to allow you To enter this delightful inn (photo 8) give it a go if you can, or enjoy the outdoor seating area. It will be good just to be able to say you have drank at a Prime Ministers pub. It’s a long open exposed brick walled lovely little pub (photo 9) with a good old fireplace for winter use, with on both sides of the chimney breast, photos of Tony Blair and David Cameron (photo 10) so as the barman prepare your drink (photo 11) you will be able to say you drank with Prime Minister David Cameron, and Tony Blair (photos 12 and 13) who had brought the Chinese president here for fish and chips. At the far end of the bar (photo 14) you will find the toilets (photo 15) but these are basic mens (photo 16) and ladies (photo 17). A nice little alcove (photo 18) has the door for residents who are staying overnight, where they will be able to dine tonight, and take breakfast the next morning (photo 19) Now that was a nice break, with memories for another day, worth the trip, and enabled us to offer you our 200th review for Euans Guide

Transport & Parking

A pleasant easy drive to get to Wheatleaf Hill, BUT DO TURN LEFT at Peters Lane junction, so ignore sat NAV directions here, as it will take you right and waste time as you turn round to get back to car park.

Access

Having parked the car, you will need to cross car park to a path at far end, then it’s a 3/4 mile ride there and back trip, but it does allow disabled to use the path. ( To download a map of the walk ) https://chilternsociety.org.uk/our-sites/Wheatleaf-hill Then download Brush Hill and Wheatleaf hill walk

Toilets

None on site at Wheatleaf Cross, and just basic ladies and gentlemen at the plough.

Staff

We were served by a couple of helpful youngsters who willingly supported us.

Photos