The River Where It All Began : walking a Chilterns chalk stream (4K)

A walk following the River Wye in Buckinghamshire, which runs through the area where I grew up.
Here are some more High Wycombe videos: • Back to my Roots - Hig...
• Chilterns Walk from Wy...
Remapping High Wycombe
• High Wycombe - psychog...
Our walk actually starts in Saunderton and we stroll across the Chiltern hills to West Wycombe where the River Wye rises before flowing through the grounds of West Wycombe House. Our route takes us through the village and along the A40 before picking up the stream in West Wycombe Park and following it through the industrial fringe of Wycombe around Desborough Avenue and Desborough Road.
After a break in the Eden Centre we take a look at Wycombe High Street and follow the river as it flows underground through a culvert before it re-emerges near Buckinghamshire New University. Our walk takes us across the Rye and then out through Wycombe Marsh, Loudwater and Wooburn Green to Wooburn Park.
The final leg of this epic River Wye Chilterns walk goes through the village of Bourne to where the Wye makes its confluence with the Thames at Hedsor.
Music
Little Drunk, Quiet Floats - Puddle of Infinity
Nevada City - Huma-Huma
Fresh Fallen Snow - Chris Haugen
The Sun is Scheduled to Come Out Tomorrow by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: chriszabriskie.com/honor/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/
Ambiment - The Ambient by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
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[@bradbel]

Thank you for this. From the US, this feels the quality of a BBC documentary. Thanks again John.

[@mozdickson]

chortle, John!

[@lindahaswell8976]

What a beautiful place, the gorgeous river and town with it's all its history. Great walk as always with your child hood memories to share. Thank you for all your walks through out these difficult years. Thanks you ;)

[@KOTDM1988]

Awesome! As a Wycombe resident, I've been waiting for you to come back over this way for an episode

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Hope you enjoyed it BW

[@lindasueanderson8024]

Chalk streams and verdant green and swan attacks…a practically perfect episode

[@martincannon1078]

My father was based at RAF Bomber Command Daws Hill in 1942. The Americans had already come in to the war and took over the base. I never got much information from him. It was a tendency with that generation not to talk about the war. Thanks John for this wonderful video as I'm learning a lot.

[@john07973]

I think your Dad would have been at RAF High Wycombe located in Walters Ash to the North West of High Wycombe formerly HQ of Bomber Command in WW2 and still used by the RAF today. I believe Daws Hill was always US first air force then navy with as John said a huge cold war bunker.

[@martincannon1078]

@@john07973 Thank you for that info. That sounds good. He was ground staff and I think was involved in maintenance of the bombers. But we never got much info from him.

[@BN-hk6wf]

What an engaging and wonderful walk. John has opened my eyes to many happy days on new walks in London, and beyond! A gentleman who shares his passion with humility for the physical and natural environment. Thank you Mr Rogers.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thank you so much B N

[@mozdickson]

flattery will get you everywhere!

[@grovevilla]

Fantastic, as usual. Sitting here with a glass of beer, dog asleep at my feet. What a wonderful end to a busy weekend. Thank you ❤

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for sharing that lovely image

[@hpengwyn]

Funnily enough we watched this today having been to the chair making museum today, definitely recommended (essentially it is one room and you get everything explained to you). One of my great grandfathers was reputedly a bodger

[@Mouxbar]

Every childhood deserves a great river. You had a chalk stream, I had The Roding. Mawkishness definitely allowed 🙂

[@john80c]

A wonderful video John thank you for sharing. My ex back in England has 2 Ercol chairs which were bought for us back in 1974, they are still going strong after almost 50 years, That is High Wycombe craftsmanship,

[@JohnRogersWalks]

ah brilliant John - I completely forgot to mention Ercol and G-Plan

[@TheVellas666]

This is EXACTLY why I saw so grateful for the Wandle walk

[@bt5080]

One of your best walks! You were raised in such a beautiful place in England. As said, this walk is worthy of a BBC documentary. Since I live in New England, USA, the segment about the Quakers meeting before they colonized the new world was a real eye-opener and connected our countries in a natural way. Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse into your childhood memories. I do look forward every weekend to seeing where you end up in your journeys. Take Care.

[@philroberts7238]

My childhood was also spent relatively close by and, as far as I can recall from family cycling trips, William Penn was one of the regulars at that particular meeting house. From John Milton's Cottage (? in Stoke Poges?) to the Hellfire Club those trips would take in both the Saints and the Sinners!

[@luapnosboh7421]

A quaker from ballifield set up his home on the delaware River and built the first church in ballifield I believe after ballifield Hall where he grew up great video John 👍

[@luapnosboh7421]

Oh yea its now known as trenton

[@nathanlacey9222]

Awesome to meet u, hope u enjoyed the beer! Great video

[@mostlyindica]

Thank you John for bringing us along on your wonderful journey.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure

[@heidismit5261]

A whole hour! John. You must know by now that your epic racontres can not be long enough for moi. This is to be savoured.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

So glad you enjoyed it Heidi, it would’ve been longer if my mic hadn’t cut out

[@heidismit5261]

@@JohnRogersWalks next time...next time :)

[@TXMEDRGR]

A wonderful walk, I enjoyed the reminiscences of your childhood along the river. Thank you.

[@debb4809]

Hi John. I love watching your videos. I suffer from CFS/ME and can no longer do the walks I used to, which can be heartbreaking sometimes. I used to be the type of person who could walk forever and rarely get tired. However, you make me feel like I'm there with you on your walks as you manage to convey what you're seeing and feeling so beautifully. I know some of the areas you've walked in and have learnt so much about them that I never knew. Thanks from a very grateful viewer 😊

[@avs4365]

From a fellow X-walker know how you feel - mine is cancer - still good times but Oh to have that energy & pace to roam.

[@debb4809]

@@avs4365 I know that feeling so well. Wishing you all the best x

[@avs4365]

And to you

[@debb4809]

Thank you x

[@martynlockhart4386]

I love how long this video is. Can sit and relax for an hour. Great stuff.

[@seanjamescameron]

That Enid Blyton certainly got around. My friend owns a house in Beckenham where she lived as a child for many years. Seeing Titanic on the theatre sign made me google and I’ve just booked tickets to see it in Dartford next month. That’s the power of your video. Thoroughly enjoyed that.

[@andrewhulson4000]

Thank you John for allowing us to come with you on your pilgrimage to the sacred Wye river and your childhood memories. Really enjoyed watching this one John......Best.

[@chennellproductions6538]

Wonderful walk! As someone who grew up in this area namely Flackwell Heath. I know this area very well. At least I thought I did! Thank you for the history of the area. Memories of getting the bus to Wycombe and also the College.

[@yvonnegillman5095]

I remember the bus ride all along the West Wycombe Rd when the river ran along the road, completely open in front of all the house's . I also remember going to the open air swimming pool on the Rye. It was always FREEZING cold !!!! 60 years ago 😊 Wycombe has changed such a lot in that time.

[@danieladams9950]

Sense of pride of where it all began shines through.

[@kskssxoxskskss2189]

A real gem, this one. And TWO (almost) Jane Austen names: Dashwood (Sense and Sensibility) and Wyccomb (Wickham in Pride and Prejudice). That is the purest water I believe I have ever seen, either in life or on film. Reminds me of my childhood in the Colorado Rockies, before Denver and Boulder got so built up.

[@westernnut8407]

How wonderful for us to tag along while you walk through your childhood stomping grounds. I've loved hearing you reminisce. And I'm surprised at how clean and clear the river looks even though it moves through industrial areas.

[@BravoManUK]

There is nothing wrong with being a bit nostalgic whilst walking around where you grew up. It would have been odd if you weren't. One of the reasons I enjoy your channel is hearing about all the different people who have inhabited the landscape that you traverse. This time the story was about you, which was really lovely to see. Great job.

[@philroberts7238]

Indeed, not all sentiment has to be mawkish, and this one was noted for its resolute unmawkability!

[@maureenstott5142]

That was the best yet Could of watched that again and again feel sure I will.A place I knew very little about .Also a trip down memory lane for you.That was truly great

[@gparry42]

What a wonderful walk, thankyou John!

[@kimbarnetson3297]

I enjoy all your walks but this one was just lovely, since I began following your channel I find myself looking at things differently and I thank you for that.

[@RichardHipgrave]

Thanks John! Ron Watts was a legend. The Nags Head was an amazing, groundbreaking venue in its early years (1968-1970) offering an eclectic mix of visiting American bluesmen, leading English folkies and emerging psychedelic and rockaboogie groups. BTW In the new arcade you also probably walked over the ghost of Percy Pryor's record shop. Both shrines to my generation, now sadly degenerating..

[@johnmorris679]

Thoroughly enjoyable video and full of reminiscences for me. Although I never lived in High Wycombe (I lived in Amersham, Little MIssenden & Little Kingshill) I worked in Wycomber for many years and have fond memories of those times. Having moved to the Netherlands in 1986 I have not really visited the town since so to watch your walk was a joy. Thank you.

[@TheDutchman92000]

A fascinating walk John through your childhood. I could feel the enthusiasm and affection you have for that area, I felt it with you. Many thanks.

[@margaretgreenwood4243]

Magical indeed John. I sit here and watch and listen and am enveloped in peace. Thank you so much

[@gaylereid8264]

I will never get to see Wycombe & the river, & i agree that was an epic walk !!! Thank You Mr John Rogers for showing me there are still such verdant places in England !!! Luvs me some walks w/ John !!!

[@J_PhD]

Thank you for taking us along with you, John.

[@fleurg1]

What a wonderful walk hearing all about the history of the area and your memories of living there

[@mark_lhr3]

The house is well worth visiting. The walks around W Wycombe and Piddington and well beyond are beautiful. So many varied walks, hardly see anyone.

[@barrycoppock]

What a great nostalgic walk this was. Such memories for you, and sharing with us.

[@jenniferlevine5406]

An epic walk! Thanks for taking us with you!

[@tessacornercube]

We enjoyed this, having lived in both ends of Wycombe, growing up by Park Farm and now living near the Rye. A trip down memory lane!

[@michaeldillon3113]

Really enjoyed that John - dont know that part of the world . Those Chalk rivers are very rare with only 200 in the world ( mostly in southern england ) . Credit to ( fly fisherman ) Feargal Sharkey for his long term campaign to protect these rare eco systems . I think Feargal is the late Steve Marriott's perfect cousin . You should do a walk in Itchycoo Park John ✌️

[@grahamsmith8448]

Thank you John I enjoyed this walk along with many you have posted. I was born in West Wycombe and moved to Flackwell Heath when I was three. My father's brother worked in Fords paper mill. On your walk from High Wycombe to Wooburn you talked about your gradmother living near the Crooked Billet as did mine, her father worked at Hard to Find Farm. My grandmother's brother worked at the Roberts farm in Flackwell and delivered the milk by horse and cart. Back to this walk along the Wye, my mother was born in Back Lane near Loudwater school so many memories, thank you.

[@Slycockney]

Absolutely enthralling, thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@michaelmiller641]

You deserved your beer at the end of that wonderful walk, so interesting! Even if my only experience of high Wickham is at a model railway exhibition last year!

[@darrenstrange9374]

Your channel has been one of my very favourites of recent years. Thank you for your posts, I wish I knew you! 🍺

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Darren

[@ianmaddams9577]

Wow . What a beautiful picturesque and historical walk I was in saunderton on Monday with work. I remember seeing the sign for the Hell fire caves and thinking I’ve always wanted visited them. My brother lives in wooburn and it’s a beautiful little village One of my favourite walks you have done this yr 👍🏻

[@michaelwyatt1143]

I grew up in a village just below the Chilterns. We had no water supply, so had a well, supplied by the Chilterns. The water was so fresh and cold. Well presented video. A beautiful area

[@milobell5525]

That was a superb walk. Your worries about "Mawkish sentimentality" were unfounded. Your personal memories only added to the whole experience and made this chap quite tearful. Wonderful stuff.

[@heleneburgess7674]

Simply enchanting...thank you John 🙏

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks very much Helene

[@sianwarwick633]

What a great and historic walk John. Thankyou for describing what your town and your river mean to you. Beauty, industry such variety

[@AndrewDickson-bb1jl]

Fantastic. Walked right past my house. An hour video too, a real treat. 👏

[@Ben_Mdws]

As a former student at their University (31:26), some 25 years ago, I love your Wycombe videos John. I always like to try and spot areas I remember.

[@Greybeard1957]

Great video, I wish I'd known I'd have come and met you with my wife, you almost walked past our house.

[@mungmungie]

You dropped so many wonderful clues about the history of the area. I had no idea about the industrial past: I shall have to see if there is anything in common with what some of my ancestors did for a living. It suddenly makes sense to me that the pilgrims that went to the Americas came from the Chilterns. Several people have contacted me to ask if I was related to the Finch family that arrived on one of the first ships (not as far as I know). The question perplexed me because I wasn't looking for Finch ancestors, but rather for Style ancestors, who apparently did quite well for themselves while they lived in the Chilterns. Who knows? Maybe one of your comments will unlock some mystery that I didn't know I was looking for. That possibility will have me reviewing the old videos you left a link to.....

[@angelenoof206]

Love it dude and thanks for the shout out (London Central High School -Daws Hill USAFB - Class of ‘85) had our commencement at the Town Hall by the old market to the left of camera. Notable Wycombe music you might not know because it happened back in the States after graduating was the 70s LCHS alumni band America (‘Ventura Highway’, ‘Horse With No Name’). Everything us punks tried to get off our necks but there it is. We might have even seen each other on Wooburn Green summer of 80 or 81 when they had that festival with the agricultural machines and old coins. I rarely feel so much at home as when I watch your videos ESPECIALLY this one

[@williamrobinson7435]

Wonderful! I believe that the geography/topography of our home countryside informs our outlook in a much deeper and more mysterious way than is obvious. Chalk streams flecked with flint are by no means unfamiliar to me, as I was raised in Beverley in E. Yorks, and almost every shot in this lovely film could be of my own stomping ground as a child.. Of course there are differences, but the more natural the setting, the more similar.. The concept of psychometry rears its head. I would be curious to see what Mr Wilson says on this. A long walk! You are v stoical in resisting the beer. Nice one John! 🌟👍

[@whitlaw1395]

It certainly affects what feels like home for the rest of our lives. We may live elsewhere for long, but are drawn to return or to move to landscapes similar to those of our childhood. As John once said, his wife from Sydney longs for the coast, and John looks for rivers wherever he can. As a Dane, we never have more than 1/2 hour to a coast, and I felt suffocating living in countries with no coast at all. In Dublin for a few years, I would check the tide calendar so I could go miles out into Dublin Bay like the summers visiting my grandparents on the western south coast of Jutland. Wonder how it is for someone who grew up in a slum somewhere....

[@AMcF54]

Thank you, John, for a truly stunning walk along the Wye. I used to cycle out to these parts, when I was a young lad of old Uxbridge town. Never a dull moment in the magnificent Chilterns. And later on visited High Wycombe itself many times in the late '60s and early '70s for gigs at the Town Hall and college. I look forward to your next walk, wherever that may be.

[@victoriawakefield6747]

Thank you for this fantastic walk John, It was particularly interesting as I am a third generation to have been born and bred in Marlow (Marla to the locals), although technically at Wycombe Shrubbery. You filled in gaps in my knowledge in an entertaining way.

[@robbojax2025]

Runnibg water, your soothing narration and atmospheric music made this a very relaxing video. Well done.

[@robertgarvey5652]

What a lovely video. It was so nice of you to share with us where your journey started. Good walks often unlock good stories. Whether they are stories of historical figures, myths and legends attached to those places, or our own memories.

[@michaelessig6376]

An hour with John!!! What a treat.

[@hawkclan9677]

Mate, have to say that this has to be one of your best videos ever. Felt your nostaglia all the way towards the end.

[@highwaycode778]

Love joining you, via internet , on your amazing, breathtaking, informative, historical walks. Thanks you so much .

[@amandanicholls7990]

I’ve just found out about this fascinating video of the river Wye. What a wonderful watch this was. I was born in Wycombe and lived in Terriers until I married then lived very near the train station in Wycombe until 20 years ago when I moved to Wooburn Green. The river has also been a feature in my life for the majority of it. We live just a stone’s throw from the river on the Glory Mill estate. Thank you for sharing your wonderful epic walk.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks so much Amanda - glad you found the video and enjoyed it

[@paddyharvey6101]

This took me back 50 years ,so many great memories of living in and around wooburn green , also working in the Mills ,no3 machine great times Cheers John

[@RubbishGimpy]

Quality Stuff. It was quite good hearing where you grew up. I could of watched a video of you walking around town reminiscing about your child no bother. I have some distant family in High Wycombe, as in, I live in the Far East of London and they live in Wycombe and I've never met them or being there. You're subscribers are increasing too which is nice to sea.

[@lizstevenson7801]

That was a terrific walk John, well done. So much history and beautiful scenery, I really enjoyed it. This is an area I knew nothing about, so now I have learned so much. I can relate to being transported back to childhood and teenage years on some of your walks in the past, plus when married with a young family. Its an amazing, happy emotional feeling of something very special. Great video 💕🇦🇺

[@andrewstubbings5628]

Cheers for that John, I have lived and farmed in Bradenham all my life now 59 so near where you started, found this really interesting, thank you! When the water table is high we get flooded from a natural spring, and we found a Roman iron furnace so would imagine all those years ago a chalk river probably ran through the valley in Bradenham !!

[@stevegasparutti8341]

A lovely walk John. Im not too familiar with this part of the South East as I live on the opposite side of London in Kent. We are very lucky to live in this country as it has so much history and beauty.

[@gabriellaclarke9834]

Absolutely delightful video John, as a wooburn resident who works in Loudwater, I walk these paths every day and often stop at the falcon for a cheeky Guinness or 2, love the story of the lovely river Wye and read the silt road by Charles Langley wilson which is absolutely enchanting , am obsessed with chalk streams , this was an absolute delight to watch, thanks John

[@barneykennett9282]

Superb, beautiful photography John...👍.

[@mamnisel4815]

Outstanding walk John through the Chilterns following the Wye to Bourne End.Glad you managed to get a train and enjoyed your beer on the way.Really marvellous video!!!

[@daveconyard8946]

Thank's John . Stay safe .

[@lindaruljancich8291]

Great walk and good that you were able to "go down memory lane". Such a pretty river still flowing cleanly. Linda, Australia

[@MICHAELMONAGHAN-sk7ql]

John, lovely clog, done exactly the same with an old lorry inner tube, just a bit further up stream,Wycombe Marsh, from the little church you mentioned pass the King George and to the end of the mead. Some big trout in the river now. Good to see you again, talk to your Dad on a regular basis

[@2Sugarbears]

I am delighted with you walk down memory lane. The little childhood stories were lovely. Thanks John it was a good long walk.

[@markriley4665]

So great to be out of London John. I love the personal relationships with landscape (I am working on a project on Meon Hill in Warwickshire which is close to where I grew up and was a hill fort and has an association with witchcraft). I enjoyed a trip to the Hellfire Caves last year so this is a fantastic reminder.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for that Mark. Best of luck with the project

[@thomasmurray3212]

John: I always look forward to our Sunday walks. This one was especially good. Many Thanks.

[@AFCManUk]

What a delightful walk, John, and on the perfect day too. Not too hot, but also not raining. It's always fun to follow your walks on Google Maps while watching. All sorts of interesting local things pop up that I may not have known about beforehand :)

[@robkearney5089]

Absolutely brilliant, thank you John.

[@gregpodmore2850]

Thanks John, ( North west resident, but love your work mate) 👍🫶

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Greg

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

GREAT TO VIEW.

[@apc108]

Lovely walk. There is something quite magical about our chalk streams. I'm familiar with the Ver, the Mimran, the Chess and the Gade. The rivers and their surrounds are always very photogenic. There is an operating flour mill at Redbournebury on the Ver. I only recently understood that chalk streams are globally very rare and most are in England.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Alan - I really need to walk the Ver

[@apc108]

@@JohnRogersWalks I don't think there's a lot of Ver above Redbournebury in the summer, although the official source is near Markyate. That would be a 5km hike from Luton Airport Parkway station I reckon. I'm sure you are aware that much closer to that station are some interesting upper reaches of the Lea, including a man-made lake. The lake is in the grounds of Luton Hoo. I helped a colleague with some research on that place at one time when she was an artist-in-residence for the walled garden project. A lot of Russian/English history there. Did you ever read of Lady Zia Wernher?

[@The3Kosmos3]

What amazing landscapes!

[@lesliegprice6652]

I think this is the best video you've ever made , it's like a movie, it's so relaxing but also a real education, I never associated Wickham with chairs, also the river is wonderful in such a beautiful part of the countryside, chalk stream so pure and clean , it really soothes thesoul to watch and hear it's waters flowing thank you John , I've watched it twice now and I suspect I will keep returning too it in days to come , all the best Simon L Price ☯️☮️🌈🌸

[@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse]

Wickham* Wycombe

[@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse]

Ercol, Gomme brothers, Parker Knoll…and many many more.

[@martystacey4429]

Wonderful John....Thank you👌🖤

[@stephenoliver1437]

Lovely to see the river so fresh and clean great vid

[@CthulhuInc]

wow, that was a terrific adventure! as usual, there is so much to absorb - i'll be re-watching this tomorrow - hill-forts, the hellfire club, crowley, sex pistols - this has it all! well, almost haha! thanks once again john - love from canada!

[@greghavers821]

another fantastic river walk!! thanks for this John!!!!

[@ashleysgaze]

E P I C indeed, John! 💥❤️

[@ianpick3218]

Lovely!

[@johnfoster7996]

One of your best John - thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks John

[@kazzam8514]

Loved this. Fantastic walk! Thank you JR

[@mark_lhr3]

Kings of Leon played their first Uk gig at the Bird in Hand in Wycombe.

[@philipgoulden2583]

Wonderful relaxing watch they are all great thanks john

[@guitarbrad]

How lovely it was to come along with you on this walk. Great way to spend an hour on a Sunday afternoon. Thanks for sharing this with us; I smiled a lot. Beautiful.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Wonderful- thanks Brad

[@user-ol9gz1wp1b]

Fabulous!

[@Steveoaudioandstuff]

Awesome!

[@philwickham6944]

Where did that hour go! Thank you John, just love your walks. They remind me of my life in the uk. Many thanks from Australia.

[@gr1ff1ngton]

Thanks for posting this👍 Learnt a few interesting things about the town that’s been my home for almost a decade now. Would love to explore that bunker!