a festival of walking to help people explore the great countryside in Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire Walking Festival
Programme as at 25th June 2010.
Saturday 4th September to Sunday 12th September 2010 inclusive.
Saturday 4th
10-30am Harlington Village Hall OS193. GR TL037304. Following parts of the John Bunyan Trail over the delectable mountain’s and mount caution, past hill lucre (in Pilgrim’s Progress), Bunyans Oak, Harlington Manor & Church. 10 miles walk bring lunch.
A Ramblers member will meet people travelling by First Capital Connect at Harlington Station for the 0.25mile walk to Harlington Village Hall. Trains run every 15 minutes from London St Pancras to Bedford with Harlington 2 stops before Bedford. Bedford Journey time approx 45 minutes. Ramblers 75th Anniversary Baton Walk
10-00am & 2-15pm Silsoe Church. OS193 TL082356. 2 separate walks with a combined total of 12 miles. (Morning Walk 7 miles. Afternoon Walk 5 miles).Both starting from the same place. Come for the Morning or the Afternoon or come for the morning and stay all day. Walks include Flitton Moor & Flitwick Moor with Pulloxhill in the afternoon. Bring Lunch if staying all day. Pub at Silsoe.
1-00pm Meet at Bedford Bus Station catch 1-15pm V1 service to Cranfield. 6 or 8 Mile walk back along a section of the John Bunyan Trail to Kempston Mill (6 miles) and along the River back into Bedford. (It is possible to catch the V1 Cranfield bus from Hillgrounds Road opp Sainsburys Kempston at 1-28. and to leave the walk at Kempston on return)
Bedford/Bletchley Rail Users Walk. Travel on the marston vale line 12-55 from Bedford and 13.00from Bletchley to Millbrook amble along to Stewartby. This easy walk ends with refreshments (small charge) at Stewarby enabling you to catch a train back to your original start point. (walk usually finishes by 16-30 hours)
N.B. Participants are encouraged to travel by Train as parking at both ends is extremely limited. For more details contact Richard Crane T 01234 351771 or www.bbrua.org.uk
2-15pm Silsoe Church. OS193 TL082356 5 miles Visiting the interesting hilltop village of Pulloxhill. John Bunyan described the climb up to the village as Hill Lucre in Pilgrims Progress because of mining in the area.
Day 1 Greensand Ridge Path 3 day Long Distance walk.
Sunday 5th
10-00am Wingfield Just off A5120 Nr Toddington OS explorer 193 GR 002262
Park on Road side nr Plough Inn.. The Chalgrave Heritage Trail 8 miles. On Footpaths & Bridleways across attractive countryside taking in Wingfield, Hockcliffe, Toddington & Tebworth .Approx 4 hours duration. Bring food..
10-00am Bromham Mill OS208. TL010507. 6 miles Meet in the Car Park for a circular walk taking in an ancient ridge and furrow fields with some excellent views Not suitable for young Children as the walk crosses busy A428 twice. Refreshments available at the mill.
10-00am Haynes Village Hall. OS208 GRTL102420 Park in overflow car park. 2 Separate walks with a combined total of 12 miles. 7 miles morning and 5 miles afternoon. Come for the Morning or the the afternoon or stay all day. Pub available at lunch time. Bring lunch if staying for both walks. Haynes village is located just off on the A600 approximately 3 miles north of Shefford surrounded by attractive woodland and open space with extensive views to the north and south
10-00am Sundon Hills Car Park OS193 TL046285. 7.5 miles. Enjoy the countryside of John Bunyan’s “Delectable Mountains” in Pilgrim’s Progress and more besides.
11-00am Bedford Tourist Information Centre St Pauls Square Bedford. 2 hours walk “ The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle” Interest walk led by Bedford TIC Guide. Booking essential 01234 221712 or via email touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk
2-00pm Prior Country Park. Located off Barkers Lane Bedford. OS208 GRTL073494.
“A Wildlife Walk Around the Park”. Bring the family. Parking Free Toilets available.No charge but must be pre booked as numbers limited Tel: 01234 211182 No answerphone. Email prioryrangers@bedford.gov.uk
2-00pm Bromham Mill OS208. TL010507. Bromham Park and the village. A heritage trail
approx 2 hours duration. Refreshments & Toilets available at the mill.
2-00pm Haynes Village Hall. OS208 GRTL102420 .Park in overflow Car park. 5 miles. Haynes village is located just off on the A600 approximately 3 miles north of Shefford surrounded by attractive woodland and open space with extensive views to the north and south
Day 2 Greensand Ridge 3 Day Long Distance Walk
Monday 6th
10-00am Beeston Green OS208. TL168481. 7 miles morning walk. Open fields, interesting villages, a special village green and a church where time is famous.
10-00am Stopsley Luton. OS 193. TL106243. Meet Car Park at entrance to Butterfield Green Road for 6.5 mile walk. Arriva Bus Service 102 at 9-35am from Church Street Luton takes 10 minutes and stops near by. Service 101 or 102 for the return.
10-00am National trust Car Park on Bison’s Hill Whipsnade OS GR 000184. 6.5 miles
Tree Cathedral, Whipsnade, Whipsnade Heath, Kensworth Quarry and Dunstable Downs.
1-30pm Thurleigh Fruit Farm OS208. TL069585. 5 miles. Enjoyable countryside walking in this rural part of Bedfordshire. Refreshments available from restaurant.
Day 3 Greensand Ridge 3 Day Long Distance Walk.
Walks4Health. For more information please telephone the number accompanying the walk.
9-20am Clapham: Children’s Centre Ursula Taylor Lower School. 01234 268459
11-00am The Butterfly Bridge Bedford Embankment T 01234 354431
11-00am Great Barford Surgery Silver Street Gt Barford. T 01480 214168
2-00pm Main Gates of Bedford Park at end of De Parys Avenue. T 01234 210916
Sustrans Health Walks in Luton. For information contact 01582 732919
9-15am to 10-15am Dallow Walking Group. Start from Foxdell Infant School.
11-00am to 12-00 noon Bramingham Senior Striders. Start from St Margarets Parish Centre
Lucas Gardens LU3 4BG.
Tuesday 7th
10-00am Everton OS 208.TL202512. 12 miles Meet outside Thornton Arms PH includes part of Greensand Ridge and Gibraltar Farm with its World War 2 Special Operations connections for added interest. Full day walk bring lunch.
10-00am Dunstable Downs Visitor Centre OS 193 TL008195. £1 parking fee or free to National Trust members 6 miles. On a clear day enjoy vies across Bedfordshire.
10-00am Ridgmont, meet outside Rose & Crown.PH 6.5 miles. OS 192 GR976361.
Old Church, Eversholt, Berry End Plantation, Hay Wood and edge of Woburn Park. (Rambler 75th Anniversary Baton Walk).
10-30am Millbrook Station
10-30am Willington Dovecote. An easy access walk in the Bedford River Valley Park. Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.3 miles. Organised by Bedford Borough Council
12-50pm Meet Bedford Bus Station, Nr the enquiry office, catch 1-00pm 125 service to Pavenham. Walk along the river to Stevington and visit the windmill before continuing to Oakley and catching the No 51 service (every 20 minutes) back to Bedford.
Walks4Health. For more information phone the telephone number accompanying the walk.
10-15am Putnoe Surgery Queens Drive Putnoe Bedford. T 01234 363446 or 355638
3 walk options when you arrive.
10-30am Great Barford Striders. T 01234 838367
11-00am Henlow Start from:Five Bells Public House Henlow. T 01462 812532
11-00am Potton Market Square “Potton Buggy Walk” T 01767 683015
2-30pm Great Barford Health Centre. Silver Street Great Barford. T 01767 626453
Sustrans Health Walks Luton: For information contact 01582 732919
9-15am to 10-15am High Town Health Walk. Start from St Matthews Primary School
Cobden Street Entrance (Nr Greenbank) LU2 0NJ
Wednesday 8th
10-00am Maulden . Meet at The Brache OS 193 OS 051381.6.5 miles
Interesting scenery & countryside views Houghton House ( John Bunyan’s “House Beautiful” in Pilgrim’s Progress ) & Kings Wood.
10-00am Pegsdon Nr Live & Let Live PH .OS193. GR TL118302 5.5 Miles. Park in Layby just off Barton to Hitchin Road. Do not park in the village or near the Pub. Enjoy the views, the flora and fauna on this hilly chalkland area.
10-00am Dunstable Downs Visitor Centre OS181. GR TL008195. 5.5 miles. £1 parking or free for National Trust members. On a clear day enjoying terrific views across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire from Bedfordshire highest point. Refreshments & Toilets.
1-00pm . Meet Bedford Bus Station, Nr enquiry office, catch no152 service from Harpur Street at 1-15pm to Thurleigh Baptist Church and return to Bedford across woodland and open countryside. 5 miles
Walks4Health. For details please contact the telephone number accompanying the walk.
10-00am Black Tom Area of Bedford T 01234 346293
10-30am Flitwick T 01234 346293
10-30am Marston Vale Forest Centre Reception T 01234 7670047 or 852920
7-00pm Willington Dovecote T 01234 870516
Sustrans Health Walks Luton: For information regarding any of these walks 01582 732919.
9-15am to 10-15am Luton & Dunstable Physiotherapy Out –Patient Refereral.
Start: L&D Hospital, Physiotherapy Dept, St Marys Wing.
9-30am to 10-30am Lewsey Walking Group.
Start Pastures Way Nursery School Lewsey Farm LU4 0PE
12-45pm to 1-15pm L&D Hospital Wednesday Walkers.
Start: L&D Hospital, Occupational Health Building, Calnwood Road
2-00pm to 3-00pm Stopsley Walkers. Start: Jansel House Hitchin Road Stopsley LU2 7XH
“A Walk in the Park” Specially for people with disabilities
Meet at Lewsey Swimming Pool Pastures Way Luton.
Thursday 9th
9-30am Wilstead. Meet in Wilstead Village 200yds from cross roads towards Cotton End on Right Hand Side of Road. Explorer 208 OS GR TL066435 Join the LDWA “Gallop to Gravenhurst” 16 miles Circular. Route covered on OS Landranger 153 Explorer 193/208 maps. Bring Lunch. Colin Scargill 01234 740361
10-00am Northill. Meet at the Church OS208 GR TL149465 for a 3 Greens amble 4.5 miles. Historic Interest, varied landscape and views and a wide range of flora and fauna. Ramblers 75th Anniversary Baton Walk
10-00am Streatley Village Hall OS 193 GR TL072284 4 Miles The route follows the edge of the National Trust land enclosing Sharpenhoe Clappers with excellent views to the north and northeast across mid Bedfordshire and returns via the edge of the Sundon Hills.
10-30am Visitor Centre Priory Country Park off Barkers Lane. OS208 GR073494. Introduction to the Bedford Green Wheel and Bedford River Valley Park. Opportunity to explore town and Country. 5-6 miles approx 2.5-3hours. Organised by Bedford Borough Council.
12-45pm
Railway Walk.. Meet Bedford Station at 12-45 to catch 12-55 train to Lidlington arr 13-15. Coming from Bletchley catch 13-01 arr 13-22.
1-30pm Lidlington Station. OS193 GR 989392. 5.5 miles Linear walk to Millbrook Station. Scenic route with views countryside and woodland via Broughton End, Moneypot Hill, Breakheart Hill & Millbrook Church.
Millbrook to Bedford 16-11 arr Bedford Station 16-31 . To Bletchley 16-12 arr 16-38.
Walks4 Health. For more details contact the telephone number accompanying the walk.
10-00am De Pary’s & Brickhill T 01234 407365
10-00am Potton & Gamlingay T 01767 260644
10-30am The Health Centre London Road, Bedford T 01234 403434
10-45am Arlesey. T 01462 638286
11-00am Barton-le- Clay .Royal Oak Public House Barton-le-Clay T 01462 711205
Sustrans Health Walks Luton: For information contact 01582 732919.
12-30pm to 1-20pm Walk the Talk.
Start Town Hall steps George Street or University of Beds entrance Park Street
2-00pm to 3-00pm Whipperley Walkers.
Start: Farley Community Centre Delphine Close Farley. LU1 5RE
Friday 10th
10-00am Sutton. OS208 GRTL223473 park considerately on the road nr PH. 7.5 miles.
10-00am Barton recreation Ground. 7 miles
1-00pm Meet Bedford Bus Station, Nr enquiry office, catch No 9 service to Elstow. John Bunyan’s Elstow including the Church & Moot Hall. Along Cardington Brook to Bunyan’s Birthplace and back into Bedford via Jubilee Park and along the river. 4.5 miles.
2-00pm Ouse Valley Ramblers 75th AnniversaryBaton Walk No details as yet
No walks for Health or Sustrans Health Walks
Saturday 11th
10-00am Ampthill. OS193.TL024382.Meet in the car park of Ampthill Park .6 miles Includes part of Ampthill Great Park, The Greensand Ridge, and some ancient Woodland
10-30am Flitwick Railway Station OS193. TL 034350 for 10 mile circular walk via Harlington and Harlington Station. Option to join or leave the walk at Harlington at lunch time. Bring Lunch if staying all day.
2-00pm Depart from Harlington Station OS193 TL350303. Afternoon linear walk to Flitwick Station.
(First Capital Connect services between London St Pancras & Bedford run every 15 minutes).
10-30am.. Meet at Ridgmont Station. Bedford/Milton Keynes Waterway walk. 8 miles.
The walk will follow the proposed route of the waterway from the cattle creep where it goes under the M1 to the Forest Centre at Marston Mortiegne. Option to return to Ridgmont via Stewarby Station or via shuttle bus to Ridgmont. Bedford/Bletchley 9-33am train from Bedford arr 9-58 at Ridgmont. 10-01 from Bletchley arr.10-18 Ridgmont. For more information contact 01908 302592 or email info@b-mkwaterway.co.uk
10-00am Woburn Car park opposite the Church OS 192 SP950331. 6 mile walk. Back in time to enjoy the village of Woburn or the magnificent Woburn Parkland before you leave.
2-00pm Blunham Church OS208. TL153512. 7 miles. Visits the interesting villages of
Gt Barford & Roxton & Tempsford and follows the Rivers Gt Ouse & Ivel along sections of the Ouse Valley Way & Kingfisher Way . Ramblers 75th Anniversary Baton Walk
2-00am Harold Country Park OS208 GR TL 956565. An easy walk in the beautiful Ouse Valley around Harold. Bring the family. 6 miles. Refreshments & Toilets available. Optional fee for parking. Organisied by Bedford Borough Council.
Sunday 12th
10-00am Woburn Car park opposite the Church OS 192 SP950331. Free Parking.
If you are in your 20’s and 30’s and would like to walk with people your age this is the walk for you. Come and join the Chilterns 20’s & 30’s Group for a 10 mile walk. Bring lunch. The walk explores the countryside around Woburn, Eversholt and Aspley Guise. It will lead you through undulating woodland and parkland of Woburn Abbey. Passing the Safari Park where Bears, Wolves, Elephants , Giraffes and many more wild animals. The walk finishes through historic, picturesque villages and along forested heaths and sandy hills. A pub stop en route plus bring some sandwiches for lunch. Contact 07970 780866.
10-00am Bedford Mowsbury Park OS208 GRTL061528 .7 miles.circular. or
10-00am Cranfield by the war memorial. OS208 GRTL955421 6 mile circular
10-00am Shillington Nr Crown PH. OS193 127339 5 miles.
10-00am Dunstable Downs Visitor Centre Car Park OS181. GR TL008195 ( Car parking charge. Free for National Trust Members) 8 miles via Kensworth, Studham & Whipsnade returning via The Icknield Way.
10-00am Ampthill. OS193.TL024381.Meet in the car park of Ampthill Park .7 miles Includes part of Ampthill Great Park, The Greensand Ridge, and some ancient Woodland
11-00am Bedford Tourist Information Centre St Pauls Square Bedford.
Interest walk led by TIC Guide . 2 hour World War II walk around Bedford.
Booking essential 01234 221712. Email: touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk
2-00pm Ampthill. OS193.TL024381. Meet in the car park of Ampthill Park History Tour of the Park and Town 3.5 miles.
Long Distance Trail:
The Greensand Ridge Path.
A guided trip of 40 miles over 3 days. Commencing Saturday 4th September and finishing during the afternoon on Monday 6th September. It is essential to book with the organiser as places are limited. A £10 per person organisational and administration charge will made. Where appropriate participants should arrange their own accommodation after a discussion with the Organiser.
The Greensand Ridge Path is considered to be Bedfordshire’s Premier Long Distance walking trail of 40 miles from Gamlingay Cinques just over the border in Cambridgeshire in the East to The Canal Bridge Near Tesco in Leighton Buzzard. As its name suggests the path follows the ridge of Greensand, which separates the clay and wold like land in the north and the chalk hills of the south.
The journey passes historical houses, through interesting villages and ancient woodland. Offers excellent views across Bedfordshire and goes through the grounds of The Woburn Estate before joining the Grand Union Canal for the last mile or so into Leighton Buzzard.
All the walking is on good paths and anyone capable of walking 12 miles a day should be able to do it. The trail is waymarked with the sign of a munjac deer.
To register interest and/or book please email: Organiser@bedswalkfest.co.uk
or T 01234 353704.
Travelling to Bedfordshire
The county is well served by major roads. M1, A1, A5, A6, A421, A422, A428, A507 and by Rail with National Express & First Capital Connect running through the East of the County, whilst East Midland Trains and First Capital Connect (every 15 minutes from St Pancras to Bedford), run through the middle. Virgin London Midland and Arriva run in the West and London Midland operate the Bedford to Bletchley line.
Buses from Bedford & Luton connect the main towns and the X5 between Oxford & Cambridge runs every 30 minutes 7 days a week and stops in Bedford.
Accessability by Air via Luton International Airport and by Water Along the Grand Union Canal in the West or from Kings Lynn via River Great Ouse in the East.
Welcome to the second Bedfordshire Walking Festival. Whether you are resident in the County or have travelled here we hope you will enjoy your walking experience.
Bedfordshire may be a small county but has a varied and interesting landscape. The rural north likened by some to the “Wolds”. The wooded and most varied middle with excellent ridge views and the Chalk Hills of the South together with interesting Towns and Villages plus well marked and generally a well maintained footpath network make Bedfordshire ideal for walking. Do join in… There is a walk for almost every ability level. Short 1-2 mile Health Walks. 3-4 mile Ambles and Interest walks. Rambler led walks for more serious walkers ranging from 5-12 miles and for people who like a challenge a 16 mile day walk and a strenuous 40 mile walk over 3 days. Walks are marked to help you chose the one’s most suitable for you and all walks are led by experienced leaders. If you use public transport there are Railway and Bus Walks most days. Read the programme and come along to the meeting or start point. Why not bring someone who has always talked about getting out …now’s the opportunity …
Acknowledgements and Thanks:
The 2010 Bedfordshire Walking Festival has been made possible thanks to financial support from Bedfordshire Rural Transport Partnership. Their funding has enabled the printing of the Programmes and Community Transport to support the Greensand Ridge Walk.
Thanks to the following Organisations and People for their support.
Bedfordshire Rambler Groups. Ouse Valley, Ivel Valley, North Beds Saturday Ramblers, Lea & Icknield and Leighton Buzzard.
Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA)
Chilterns 20’s & 30’s Group
Walks4Health
Sustrans Health walks
Bedford/Milton Keynes Waterways Trust
Bedford Tourist Information Centre
Priory Park Rangers
Rights of Way Departments Bedford Borough & Central Bedfordshire
All Walk Leaders and Interest Walk Guides.
The Webmaster for the Festival Web site.
All the many people who have helped.
LDWA:
The LDWA is an association of people with common interest of walking long distances in rural, mountainous or moorland areas. For more information www.ldwa.org.uk
Chilterns 2030’s
A Chilterns based walking group for people in their 20’s & 30’s offering half and full day walks, social events and weekends away. Part of The Ramblers. For information www.chilterns2030’s.co.uk.
Bedford/Milton Keynes Waterway:
The Waterway is a 26km broad waterway at the heart of a series of water parks linking the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes to the River Great Ouse in Bedford. The waterway will provide recreational, economic, environmental and quality of life benefits to the local community and visitors alike. For information: info@b-mkwaterway.co.uk