Shortstown walks

A riverside walk along the Ouse Valley Way between Bedford and St Neots.
Despite the increasing urbanisation between Bedord and St Neots, the riverside sections of this walk provide some pleasant rambles. Particularly notable is the 15th century river bridge at Great Barford and the riverside parks at St Neots.

Only a short distance from Bedford, this is really a delightful rural ramble in the home country of John Bunyan, starting on open uplands, descending to the plain surrounding Bedford and finishing through a stretch of woodland reserve. (The latter only in spring through autumn; in winter a longer alternative must be taken.) There is opportunity for refreshment near the end of the walk. It could be combined with walk 1130.

Country walk with a halfway treat. Pass through open countryside alongside streams and through woods.
Finish up with a pub lunch or refreshing drink at the Pheasant pub.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable walk with lots of variety, all on the more elevated parts of Bedfordshire. The fields are open so there are plenty of views, but there are stretches of woodland, three interesting villages and plenty of wildlife. It is no more than a guess, but I would think keen bird watchers might find it worthwhile to tote field glasses. At worst it will give them a closer look at the aerobatics over Biggleswade airfield.

A North Bedfordshire walk along the Ouse Valley Way between Oakley and Carlton taking in the charming villages of Pavenham, Sharnbrook, and Odell. Follow the river from Oakley through to Stevington where The Ouse Valley Way is clearly waymarked all the way through to Carlton
Although the Ouse Valley Way does not actually go into Oakley, there is a convenient bus stop here that links the two ends to this walk. The bus stop is a mile or so from the river, from where there is a footpath which joins the official route at Stevington and then winds its way through the rolling Bedfordshire countryside. There's plenty to see and explore along the route with medieval river bridges, the Holywell at Stevington, the ghostly tales of Odell and the picturesque villages of Pavenham, Radwell, Sharnbrook, and Harrold.

This is a pleasant walk through the Bedfordshire countryside with a variety of scenery and some interesting points of interest along the way.

Starting near the site of Catherine of Aragon's house arrest and venturing into the surrounding areas. You'll see some lovely rolling countryside with views to the Chilterns and across Marston Vale to Bedford. The walk takes in a variety of environments : farmland, woods, an ancient meadow, parkland with Capability Brown landscaping, the ruins of a Jacobean/Classical mansion and memorials to Catherine of Aragon and the men of the Bedfordshire regiment who trained in the park and died in WW1.

This walk takes in a variety of the landscapes of Central Bedfordshire: heathland, woods, meadows, arable land and even a short stretch of market gardening. It starts and finishes in the RPSB nature reserve. Lunch time refreshment is available at the Thornton Arms in Everton.

This circular walk covers the northern/western footpaths in Stondon and also strays into Meppershall and Shillington.

A circular walk visiting the South-Western part from Lower Stondon via Holwell.

This circular walk covers the footpaths of Stondon to the south and east and also strays into Hertfordshire.

Starting from Hexton this walk on the borders of Befordshire and Hertfordshire offers mile after mile of beautiful countryside with the hilltops steeped in ancient history. The route includes sections of the Icknield and John Bunyan Ways.

A walk through two of the finest nature reserves in the North Chilterns linked by the ancient Icknield Way track. Fine views and a wealth of natural interest.

Starting from Hexton this walk on the borders of Befordshire and Hertfordshire includes the attractive downland between Telegraph and Deacon Hills and a section of the Icknield Way.

This is a surprisingly hilly walk for this general area, being the northern end of the Chilterns AONB, mostly through rolling farmland, with some wonderful views across the flatlands of south Bedfordshire to the north, especially if the air is clear. Most of it is along the edges of/through fields, along grass & hard-surfaced paths & tracks. There are two tree-covered 'alleys'. It passes a large late-Tudor manor house. You will walk part of the Icknield Way & visit Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve.

This route offers the walker some of the most stunning views in the whole of the Chilterns and visits a number of important wildlife sites featured in the book by Gay Beattie "The Pilgrim’s Progress Wild Flowers and Where to Find Them in The Chilterns." Pegsdon and Deacon Hills were a favourite of the writer and preacher John Bunyan who referred to them in as the "Delectable Mountains".

A circuit from Pegsdon, through the Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve to Deacon Hill with its ancient earthworks. Return past a mature beech wood and Knocking Hoe reserve.

A walk along the Ouse Valley Way from St Neots to Houghton.
A perfect river side walk following the gentle flowing River Ouse as it meanders past nature reserves to Godmanchester. From here there is easy access into Huntingdon or across the meadows to Houghton and its infamous mill. A perfect way to enjoy a summers day.

This fairly level Bedfordshire walk starts from Woburn and passes through the extensive grounds of Woburn Abbey to reach Eversholt. The return route includes a further section of walking through the Abbey's parkland.

A fairly level Bedfordshire walk starts from Woburn and passes through the extensive grounds of Woburn Abbey to reach Eversholt. The return route includes the opportunity to have lunch in Milton Bryan and a further section of walking through the Abbey's extensive parkland.

A walk that’s attractive at any time of year. The route is quiet and peaceful, with magnificent views looking north into Bedfordshire and beyond. Visit the Iron Age hillfort at Sharpenhoe Clappers.

A moderate stile-free walk The walk starts in the village of Great Offley, heading south-west along the ridge above Hitchin before descending to the small hamlet of Charlton. From there, there is a steady, scenic climb back to Offley.

Walk from Grafham Water Visitor Centre to Over, visiting Brampton, Godmanchester, Houghton, Hemingford Abbots, Hemingford Grey and St. Ives.