The Chilterns form part of the long line of chalk hills stretching intermittently across southern and eastern England. It is an area characterised by beech woods and dry valleys, and these natural features are explored in the routes. The Thames Valley is steeped in history, from Windsor Castle and Richmond Park to Runnymede Meadows, where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215, and there are opportunities to absorb this evocative atmosphere, as well as genteel towns like Dorchester, Henley and Princes Risborough.