Bedfordshire Walking Festival

Bedfordshire Walking Festival 10th to 18th September inclusive

Have you ever thought about getting out into the countryside but feel it would better to go with others, or, are you are new to Bedfordshire and want to see what the county has to offer ? The Bedfordshire Walking Festival, could be just for you, with over 40 walks during the nine days the festival offers an opportunity not to be missed. Nine are in this part of the County starting on Sunday 11th with a morning 7 mile circular from Langford Village Hall. Other circular morning walks include Willington/Moggerhanger, Three Mills and a nature reserve from Stotfold, Greensand Western Parkland from Everton, plus an afternoon four village circular from Roxton on Saturday 17th. If informative Heritage guided walks appeal to you there are two fascinating afternoon walks. The first on Monday 12th when doors are opened and curtains pulled back to reveal how Ladies, Leisure and Lakes have helped to shape Henlow. Entitled the “Three L’s of Henlow” and starts from St Mary’s Henlow at 1-30pm. This is followed on Wednesday with an equally fascinating walk on the Greensand Ridge examining the settlements and geology which forms the landscape to-day. Entitled “The other side of the ridge” and starts from Old Warden Church at 1-30pm. Just a little further away on Thursday 15th there is an opportunity to mix walking with river cruising to create a great day out for groups and individuals as the festival has teamed up with the award winning John Bunyan Boat. A morning informative walk from Priory Marina to Great Barford is followed by an afternoon leisurely cruise back to Bedford. Flexibility is the key on this one because if the walk is too far for you there are options to join or leave at Willington and whatever you decide to do the cost of the trip is the same at just £20 per person. Booking necessary. www.johnbunyanboat.org. Those who prefer to stride out and cover the miles taking all day will have to travel but their journeys will be worthwhile starting at Harrold Country Park on the first weekend with an Ouse Valley exploration of 12 miles on Saturday and a Village Meander of 18 miles on the Sunday. On Wednesday 14th join the Slow Ways linear walk from Bedford Bus Station to Riseley of 11 miles, and on Thursday a 16 mile circular gallop starts from Riseley and takes in the remoter parts of north Bedfordshire. The highlight of the weekend of 17th and 18th is the challenge of the Greensand Ridge Path 40 miles, 19 miles on Saturday and 21 miles on Sunday. Its harder than it looks but well worth the effort. We’ve mentioned just a few and the great thing is almost all the walks are free and no booking required. Programmes are now available both in printed form and on the festival web site www.bedswalkfest.co.uk.