Top 10 Walks In Bedfordshire

Written by Paul Gent in Places to WalkLast Updated January 30, 2025

top 10 walks in bwedfordshire
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Bedfordshire, located in the heart of England, is a county rich in history and natural beauty. It offers a delightful mix of countryside landscapes, charming market towns, and scenic walking routes.

The county is home to expansive woodlands, rolling hills, and tranquil riversides, making it a haven for walkers of all abilities. With easy access to the bustling city of London, Bedfordshire is often seen as an escape to nature while remaining close to urban conveniences.

The county boasts a wealth of historical landmarks, from the medieval Bedford Castle ruins to the grand Woburn Abbey and its surrounding estate. Walking through Bedfordshire, you’ll find a range of terrain, from peaceful riverside paths to more challenging hill climbs like the Greensand Ridge.

The charming villages, such as Ampthill and Marston Moretaine, provide scenic starting points for many walks, and the extensive network of trails makes exploring the Bedfordshire countryside both accessible and rewarding.

Whether you’re a casual stroller or an avid hiker, Bedfordshire’s variety of walks offers something for everyone to enjoy.

The Top 10 Walks In Bedfordshire

1. Greensand Ridge Walk (Leighton Buzzard to Gamlingay)

  • Start/End Point: Leighton Buzzard / Gamlingay
  • Distance: 40 miles (64 km)
  • Terrain: Woodland paths, rolling hills
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: The Greensand Ridge

A long-distance walk offering beautiful views of the Bedfordshire countryside, following the ancient Greensand Ridge and passing through charming villages.

2. Bedford to Priory Country Park Walk

  • Start/End Point: Bedford / Priory Country Park
  • Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
  • Terrain: Riverside paths, parkland
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Priory Country Park

A peaceful riverside walk from Bedford to the scenic Priory Country Park, ideal for spotting wildlife and enjoying nature.

3. Woburn Abbey Estate Walk

  • Start/End Point: Woburn Abbey Car Park
  • Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
  • Terrain: Woodland, parkland
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Woburn Abbey

A gentle walk around the Woburn Abbey Estate, exploring its woodlands and parkland, with the impressive Abbey as the backdrop.

4. The Chiltern Way (Sundon Hills to Ivinghoe Beacon)

  • Start/End Point: Sundon Hills / Ivinghoe Beacon
  • Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
  • Terrain: Hills, chalky paths
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Ivinghoe Beacon

A challenging walk across the Chiltern Hills, with stunning panoramic views from Ivinghoe Beacon and through beautiful countryside.

5. Ampthill Park Walk

  • Start/End Point: Ampthill Park
  • Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
  • Terrain: Parkland, grassy paths
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Ampthill Castle ruins

A relaxed walk around Ampthill Park, featuring peaceful open spaces and the ruins of Ampthill Castle, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

6. Sharpenhoe Clappers Walk

  • Start/End Point: Sharpenhoe Clappers Car Park
  • Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
  • Terrain: Woodland, hills
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Sharpenhoe Clappers

A scenic walk through the woodlands and chalk hills of Sharpenhoe Clappers, with great views over the surrounding countryside.

7. Houghton Conquest and the River Great Ouse Walk

  • Start/End Point: Houghton Conquest
  • Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
  • Terrain: Riverside, farmland
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: The River Great Ouse

A lovely walk through the Bedfordshire countryside, following the River Great Ouse with views of rural landscapes and local wildlife.

8. Marston Vale Millennium Country Park Walk

  • Start/End Point: Millennium Country Park Visitor Centre
  • Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
  • Terrain: Parkland, lakeside paths
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Millennium Country Park

A peaceful walk around the Millennium Country Park, with a variety of habitats including woodlands, lakes, and heathlands, ideal for birdwatching.

9. Flitwick Moor Nature Reserve Walk

  • Start/End Point: Flitwick Moor Nature Reserve
  • Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
  • Terrain: Wetlands, boardwalks
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Flitwick Moor Nature Reserve

A tranquil walk through the Flitwick Moor Nature Reserve, home to a variety of wetland habitats and wildlife, including birds and amphibians.

10. Sundon Hills Country Park Walk

  • Start/End Point: Sundon Hills Car Park
  • Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
  • Terrain: Hills, grassland
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Sundon Hills

A scenic circular walk with panoramic views from Sundon Hills, offering both a gentle and more challenging option depending on your route choice.

Summary – Top 10 Walks in Bedfordshire

We hope you enjoy this list of walks and look forward to trying some of them out on your next visit to Bedfordshire. Why not take a look at other counties too when planning other trips.

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