thinking about giving it ago as I live in the chilterns so the area is pretty good I think for this type of cycling , I thought I could plan a route out with a mixture of road and off road . Also whats it like to ride a cyclo x bike offroad ? I know it wont be like my full suss , do you take a beating ???

Bit of a beating at first, then it gets to be fun.
Great form of cycling – I bet you use it more than your MTB where you are.

I live out in the ayots and I haven’t found many trails that I can’t ride on my cross bike. First proper off road ride will be sketchy until you get used to the rigidity and lack of functioning brakes, I guarantee you will come back with an enormous grin!