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Please use the links below to view full route information including descriptions, elevation profiles, interactive maps and GPS downloads. You can also view an overview map of all the routes in the county here
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| Bedfordshire Walks |
| Route Name | Pic | Distance | Description |
| Bedford to Sandy |  | 7 miles (12 km) | This lovely route follows NCN routes 12 and 51 and the Bedford to Sandy way - an off road path perfect for walking or cycling. The ride is very flat with views of the Rivers Great Ouse and Ivel plus a spell through Priory Country Park the main highlights.
Also on the route is the National Trust owned Willington Dovecote & Stables - a Tudor stone-built stable, built for Henry VIII's 1541 visit
For more information on this route please click here |
| Clay Way |  | 11 miles (18 km) | A lovely walk or cycle through the Forest of Marston Vale along the West Bedfordshire Clay Ridge . You start at Bromham, on the River Great Ouse, and head to Cranfield, passing through Hanger Wood, Astey Wood and Stagsden as you go. The final section then runs from Cranfield to Ridgmont Railway Station passing Holcott Wood, Brogborough Lake and Brogborough Hill.
There are some terrific views of the Vale, the Ouse Valley and Milton Keynes. The path mainly follows bridleways so is suitable for cyclists with a mountain bike or hybrid. |
| Cross Bucks Way |  | 24 miles (38 km) | Travel from Stratton Audley in Buckinghamshire to Linslade, near Leighton Buzzard along the Cross Bucks Way. The route meanders through the Buckinghamshire countryside passing Hillesden, Winslow and Hollingdon before a pleasant waterside stretch along the Grand Union Canal takes you to Linslade. |
| Greensand Ridge Walk |  | 40 miles (64 km) | A walk through Bedforshire, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire from Leighton Buzzard to Gamlingay. The route follows a ridge of greensand which rises from the clay vales on either side.
You will pass through Woburn, Millbrook, Maulden and Sandy and some delightful countrsyside. |
| Icknield Way Path |  | 110 miles (177 km) | The Icknield Way Path starts at Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire and heads to Knettishall Heath in Norfolk along prehistoric pathways. |
| Kingfisher Way |  | 21 miles (34 km) | This is a delightful walk along the River Ivel from Baldock to Roxton. You start off at the source of the river at Ivel springs, Baldock, and follow the river north through Stotfold, Henlow, Langford, Biggleswade, Sandy and Blunham.
Walk highlights are the series of pretty, riverside villages with historic churches and watermills.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy the Henlow Common and Langford Meadow Nature Reserve at Langford. This 50 acre reserve is home to a variety of wildlife and consists of grassland, scrubland, native trees, bushes and a running stream.
Also of interest is the Warren Villas Nature Reserve where there is also a plethora of water loving wildlife. The reserve features an island lake, home to wintering wildfowl and in summer breeding terns. The reserve is on route and situated just to the north of Biggleswade.
Other highlights include the 17th century Henlow Grange and park which is now used as a health and beauty farm visited by the rich and famous. |
| Milton Keynes Boundary Walk |  | 63 miles (101 km) | Enjoy rivers, canals, woodland and beautiful countryside on this walk around the boundary of Milton Keynes.
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| Ridgeway Link |  | 7 miles (12 km) | This is a shared walking and cycle path that runs from the Chilterns Gateway Visitor Centre near Dunstable to the Ridgeway National Trail at Ivinghoe Beacon.
There are splendid views of the surrounding area at the start before heading through Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade and Dagnall. You will also pass the excellent Whipsnade Zoo where you can view a number of wild animals from the trail. The path finishes on Ivinghoe Beacon with more splendid views to enjoy. |
| The Three Shires Way |  | 37 miles (60 km) | The Three Shires Way is a long distance bridleway which runs between Tathall End in north-east Buckinghamshire and Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire. The route traces the outline of ancient trackways and passes through a beautiful rural landscape. Along the way it skirts several small, historic villages, meanders through remnants of ancient woodland, and has many spectacular views.
The route is (sometimes) signposted with the Three Shires Way logo and officially runs for 37 miles, though it's nearer 39 miles long if starting/finishing at the Grafham Water Car Park.
I'd recommend cycling north to south (unless faced by a strong south or south-west wind), hence :
Start at Grafham Water Car Park, Cambs : TL166680
Finish at Tathall End, Milton Keynes : SP820468
A circular route around Grafham Water is also available, which extends the total distance to almost 47 miles.
It passes through Easton, Spaldwick, Covington, Shelton, Yielden, Knotting, Lavendon and Emberton before arriving at Tathall End. It is generally a quiet rural route, much of it on clay and very muddy at certain times of the year. Some parts are classified as a 'Byway Open to All Traffic' or a 'Road Used as a Public Path' (generally open April to October), and are therefore legally accessible by motor vehicles. These tracks can be very rutted indeed; a notable example is Forty Foot Lane. Beware!
See http://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_id=478
Note : Mapped on the 1:25,000 series
Mark Worthington
November 2008 |
| Two Ridges Link |  | 8 miles (13 km) | This lovely, easy walk links The Ridgeway National Trail and the Greensand Ridge Walk.
You start on Ivinghoe Beacon, with terrific views of the surrounding area, and head towards Slapton where you join the Grand Union Canal taking you to Leighton Buzzard. |
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| Bedfordshire Walking Links |
| Name | Description |
| Chilterns AONB | All about this stunning area of protected countryside only a few miles north west of London. With rolling hills, magnificent beechwoods and charming villages it's a great place to explore. |
| Let's go Bedfordshire | Masses of information about walks, country parks, rides and nature reserves |
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Photos provided by Panoramio. Photos are under the copyright of their owners.