Hundred Hills North Section

Route Overview & Local Insights

Tackling the Hundred Hills North Section offers a quintessential Chilterns trail experience, packing 583m of elevation into a challenging 23.9km loop. Starting near the picturesque village of Fingest, runners will navigate a blend of technical chalky climbs, sweeping ridgelines, and fast-flowing singletrack through ancient woodland. With only 5km of paved surfaces, this is a true off-road adventure—expect heavy mud in winter and firm, undulating tracks in the summer. The "hilly" rating of 3 is well-earned, as the route relentlessly tests your climbing legs before rewarding you with expansive views across the rolling English countryside.

The area surrounding Fingest and the Hambleden Valley is steeped in history and frequently serves as a backdrop for cinematic productions due to its timeless charm. As you run, look out for the iconic Norman tower of St Bartholomew’s Church and the red kites circling above, a species successfully reintroduced to this specific landscape. This terrain was historically shaped by the timber industry and flint mining, and today it form part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This route captures the spirit of the famous Hundred Hills race course, offering a rugged and scenic training ground for any serious trail runner.