Central Bedfordshire

'What better way to enjoy Central Bedfordshire than by walking through it for free! ... '

Four 'Walking' Groups listed (but note that their 'Special Interest' Walking Website did not seem to have been recently updated when this Record was created). Also, the Group Walking for Softies 'would welcome new members. They have a small core of members who come regularly, and a larger number who come only occasionally, so there is plenty of room for new members ...'

'My hobby is walking and most weekends I go for a 12-15 mile walk, usually in the Chiltern Hills where I live. I then add a description of the walk to the latest walks page of this web site, complete with photographs and a map of the route (courtesy of Google Maps). I have also walked a number of long-distance paths ...'

'We think there are some wonderful walks round and about Sandy and we hope you will contact us for advice and guidance on the walks nearby. You don't have to be a "traditional" walker to get out and about in Sandy. Sandy has several geocache trails, you can ramble or run, and just about everyone can enjoy activity on foot in Sandy.'

'Six walks varying in length from 3.0 to 6.7 miles have now been compiled, tested, described and plotted on maps, photographed and published in individual "envelope"-sized pamphlets ... a full set of which can be obtained from village shops and pubs. However if you prefer you can download the walks individually from this Website.'

'Stondon is a thriving village situated in mid Bedfordshire. Like many villages there is a lot more to Stondon than you might think! The village includes areas known as Lower Stondon & Upper Stondon - we prefer to call it Stondon.'

'Call it walking, trekking, backpacking, hiking or rambling this is what the Bogtrotters do. We also organise longer hostelling weekends and tours in Britain and Abroad. Our members are drawn from the area of Dunstable, Luton, Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding counties of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.'

'You can explore this attractive nature reserve along 5 miles (8 km) of trails, visit the beautifully managed gardens, the Iron Age banks and ditches on Galley Hill, or watch woodland birds from the hide. You can see a wide range of woodland species throughout the year, and spotted flycatchers and hobbies during the summer ...'

'Explore the evolution of the English garden with a stroll through three centuries of landscape design at Wrest Park. From dazzling parterres and fragrant borders, to sweeping views and woodland walks, Wrest Park is a real treat for the senses.'

'This walk passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in Bedfordshire. Explore the well-wooded and undulating landscapes of the Greensand Ridge, which offers exhilarating views over the surrounding countryside ...'

'Arlesey is a Bedfordshire village situated in the Hiz valley within easy reach from Cambridgshire, Hertfordshire and beyond, by bus, train or car.'

'The Forum consists of up to 22 members, all volunteers giving their time and experience to improving countryside access for the future. Ability for each member to recognise the validity of the views of others and to seek consensus is vital, as is independence from the views of any particular organisation.'

Public Rights of Way: [1] Reporting an issue - - - : [2] Background - - - : [3] Advice for farmers and landowners - - - : [4] Online maps - - - : [5] Maintenance - - - : [6] Landowner statements - - - : [7] Rights of way policy documents - - - : [8] Temporary rights of way closure - - - : [9] Byways Open to All Traffic [BOATS]

'This circular trail takes you back in history as you discover Chalgrave's hidden history. It can be walked in its entirety or in sections using other footpaths to return to your starting point.'

'The route follows a ridge of greensand which rises from the clay vales on either side and is an ideal introduction to the history, landscape and wildlife of this part of the country. The 40 mile / 64 km walk starts in Leighton Buzzard and finishes in Gamlingay.'

'The choice of name for this path which meanders along the River Hiz is based on history going back to the days of King Offa of Mercia who founded a religious settlement in Hitchin. The path follows the route the Hicca tribe would have more or less followed from Hitchin to the Danish Fort near the south east corner of Henlow.'

'The trail starts on the beautiful Chiltern Hills, which are reputed to be John Bunyan's delectable mountains. It continues through some of Bedfordshire's most attractive and scenic countryside taking in a variety of nostalgic places, full of interest and intrigue, connected with John Bunyan.'

'This is a full day's walking, leaving the Forest Centre in the morning heading west towards Lidlington and finally bringing you back around Stewartby Lake as the sun sets.'

'This Walk takes in a total of seven parishes and travels through the countryside of each parish where you can enjoy all types of flora, woodlands, wild life and see places of interest such as Woburn Abbey.'

'Walking route linking two spectacular landmarks in the Chilterns landscape, the Chilterns Gateway Centre and Ivinghoe Beacon, the start/end point of The Ridgeway National Trail and the Icknield Way long distance path.The route follows the ancient Icknield Way and passes through rolling chalk hills and woodlands, enjoying some of the finest scenery in the Chilterns.'

'The 10 walks promoted here are designed to allow you to see some of South Bedfordshire's buildings of historic interest. This section gives a flavour of each walk by illustrating and describing just some of the buildings to look out for when you visit Sebright Farm Cottage.'

'Walks in and around Shefford 'produced by the Shefford Parish Paths Partnership (P3) Group together with Bedfordshire County Council. The P3 group have more information and experience of the walks and keep the town updated on walks, rambling and information at the Town Hall Meeting Rooms on Northbridge Street.' ALERT Website Link changed.

'Explore the undulating countryside around the villages of Silsoe and Shillington, set between the Lower Greensand Ridge in the north and the chalk hills of the Chilterns in the south earthworks.'

'Sundon Hills and The Sharpenhoe Clappers are part of the Chilterns AONB. The ancient Icknield Way, said to be the oldest path in Britain, runs across the Sundon Hills and there is an Iron Age settlement to the North of the site ...'

Unfortunately, the Walk referenced here no longer seems to be accessible via the Let's Go Bedfordshire Website.  So I have replaced the Link with one to the Sharpenhoe National Trust Site.

'Members of Stotfold's conservation group,Teasel, have produced six short linked walks in and around Stotfold, and leaflets for each of the walks can be downloaded below.'

'Helps you enjoy some of the history in the parish of Tempsford. The Walk is mainly focused on the village but there are two additional routes which take you into the surrounding countryside to further explore the local history.'

'The new traffic-free section of National Routes 51 and 12 linking communities between Sandy, Bedford and Milton Keynes provides a useful link for local cyclists' everyday journeys, but is also worth exploring at a leisurely pace.'

'The source of the River Ver is found at Kensworth Lynch. This circular walk explores the beautiful rolling countryside of this river valley. There is a choice of a long (6.7 miles) or short walk (4 miles).'

'A day-long hike across Bedfordshire heathland and forests, through Woburn's rolling deer park, reclaimed sandpit lands, spectacular wooded parkland and along the Grand Union Canal.'