Bedford Rambling Club
Record of past walks and events in 2019
This page is intended to form a record of walks and events that have taken place this year. Walk leaders and event organisers are encouraged to provide a brief summary for inclusion which can be emailed to Gerry — bedfordramblingclub@gmail.com
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JANUARY 2019
Sunday 6 January – 
Radwell, a pleasant circular walk of approximately 5 – 5 1/2 miles, in a variety of landscape settings including Pavenham Golf course and the River Ouse. Meet at 10.00am. Follow the Radwell road past Milton Ernest Garden Centre and the layby until you get to Swan House and a small grassed area where it’s ok to park. Nearest postcode MK44 1SH. LEADER – Sarah 01234 363112/07484 182820. Nearly 5.7 miles following the river and the Ouse Valley way round the edge of the golf course, across the road and through the farm on to the Osier Holts. Then back to Pavenham before heading towards Felmersham and back to the start point at Radwell.
Monday 7 January – Meet 10.00am at The Chequers, Hall End Road, Wootton, MK43 9HP. 16 enjoyed this pleasant walk of a little over 4 miles. A short length of road walking before heading East on a track then down and along the North West side of Wootton Woods continuing to pick up the farm track South East to Wootton Green. From here it was through a field of rather frisky horses then further fields back to Wootton church then through the village and a little more mud back to the Chequers.
SATURDAY 12 JANUARY Barn Dance to be held at Oakley Village Hall, 27 Church Lane, Oakley, MK43 7RJ starting at 7.30pm dancing to “Kelly’s Eye”. A very enjoyable evening was spent at Oakley Village Hall when about 55 people danced to the music of “Kelly’s Eye”. Organizer John said “I really enjoy barn dances, the communal activity of people having a great deal of fun in learning new dances or remembering with great pleasure the dances they have done for many years.” The event made a profit of £75 towards club funds.
Sunday 13 January – Clophill, approximately 6 miles visiting Chicksands Wood and and an old ruined church. Meet at The Green in Clophill (near The Flying Horse) MK45 4AD at 10.00am. LEADER – Sue 01234 822760/07880 531517. A lovely walk of about 6.5 miles going through Clophill village to Brickwell farm. Picking up the Greensands Ridge and skirting the edge of Chicksands Woods to the top at Appley corner before coming back through the middle of the woods and stopping at the old church. From there back to the start point.
Monday 14 January – Meet 10.00am at The Prince of Wales, 8 Northampton Road, Bromham MK43 8PE. A pleasant 5 mile walk starting with 1/4 mile north on Northampton Road then west past White’s Wood, South by How Wood to Stagsden and coffee in the golf club. Across the golf course and along the east side of Hanger Wood and back to the start point. 18 attended.
Sunday 20 January – Bromham Mill. Bridge End, Bromham MK43 8LP starting at 10.00am. The walk is about 4.5 miles and the leader is Michael who can be contacted on 07505 731114. A very pleasant walk including a visit to Stevington windmill.
Monday 21 January – Meet 10.00am Great Denham Golf Club, Carnoustie Drive, MK40 4FF. A total of 18 members walked.
Wednesday 23 January – Bedford Hospital is offering completely free 45 minute Resuscitation (CPR) training throughout the day at their resuscitation training room, opposite the A&E Department on Ampthill Road. Five members attended this training with two more turning up who failed to find the right room. Although interesting, the session was somewhat disappointing as it was aimed at babies and infants with only a passing comment on dealing with adults.
Sunday 27 January 
– The Thornton Walk, Moggerhanger, 5 miles. Meet outside The Guinea Pub, Moggerhanger, MK44 3RG at 10.00am, please park down the side street and not in the pub’s car park as this gets very busy on Sundays. This will be a fundraiser for Sue Ryder, the St. John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger, donations on the day would gladly be received. LEADERS – Judith 01767 640782/07397 007101, Brenda 01767 640623/07934 240325. Despite a cold and windy day 21 people, including guests, attended this interesting walk of just over 6 miles where we learned a bit about the history of the Thornton family. We raised an amazing £212 in donations for St John’s Hospice. They have confirmed that the money donated will be used by them locally at the hospice.
Monday 28 January – Meet 10.00am The Anchor, High Street, Great Barford, MK44 3LF. 17 walked today.
FEBRUARY 2019
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Sunday 3 February – Swineshead, approximately 5 miles through Swineshead Wood, an ancient wood maintained by The Woodland Trust. Parking is at the top of Sandye Lane before it becomes a track. Sandye Lane is the road just past the church in Swineshead. Meet 9.30am by St. Peter’s Church in DePary’s Avenue or 10.00am in Sandye Lane, Swineshead. nearest postcode MK44 2AE. LEADER – John 01234 824959/07944379668. A beautiful sunny day was the perfect setting of a ramble through Swineshead Wood, which took place on Sunday 3rd February. The wood which is owned by the Woodland Trust is a delight to walk through at any time of the year. A friend of mine, David Bull, was a volunteer warden who died recently and it is fitting that a path through the wood has been named in his memory as “David’s Walk” with a commemorative plaque. I led the group along that path and a photograph was taken of the group at the beginning of the walk.
Monday 4 February – Meet 10.00am Milton Ernest Garden Centre, Radwell Road, MK44 1SH. 15 turned out and did this walk in reverse, turning to the right at the start. This wasn’t the best choice as it involved an extra hill to climb, which was very muddy, as were another two fields we had to cross. We have learned from this not to attempt this walk again at this time of year. However our newer members enjoyed the walk and seeing for themselves the notorious Yarlswood center, which we circled.
Sunday 10 Feb Sharnbrook. About 5.5 miles starting from the Mill Theatre car park 32A Mill Road, Sharnbrook Bedford, MK44 1NP (on the left shortly after leaving the A6 towards Sharnbrook) Visiting the Felmersham Nature reserve and the Pinchmill Islands. Leader Gerry 07902451123. A total of 10 turned out on a cold and very wet morning for a most enjoyable walk. We did the road section first up to the old windmill then headed through the nature reserve to Felmersham bridge. Following the river back to the Pinchmill Islands and then cross country back to the start. There was less mud than expected and we finished in bright sunshine having covered about 6 miles, slightly more than planned.
Monday 11 February – Meet 10.00am The Greyhound, 68 North End Road, Haynes, MK45 3QD. Haynes to Chicksands wood. We started at the Greyhound walking about 4 miles. Down to Apply corner into Chicksands wood, along good paths. On way back skirting the woods outside a little muddy but ok, and lovely views made up for this. Quite a number of undulating paths quite steep in places, no-one complained. A lovely walk and made a change from Rowney Warren. 14 +3 grandchildren walked today.
Sunday 17 February – St. Neots, 5/6 miles, walking towards Rivermill, Eaton Socon, following the River Ouse towards Little Barford, stop for refreshments at St. Denys redundant church, which may be open. Walk back to St. Neots via a slightly different route. Meet Riverside Car Park PE19 7SD at 10.00am. No parking charges on Sundays but check this on the day. LEADER – Linda T. 01480 350345/07733 343702. This walk started at the Ambiance Café and St Neots Riverside car park where it is free parking on Sundays. We went through the park towards Eynesbury and past the Marina and landscaped area then under the Cambridge bypass and through a small skateboard park. The walk then continued by the side of Little Barford Power Station which is well fenced off and through some woods until we came to a quieter area by the River Ouse. We then headed across a field towards Little Barford which is just a small hamlet and we walked through a small estate which houses Little Barford Manor. This is an old deserted space apart from one or two houses which seem to have occupants. We walked down a driveway towards St Denys redundant church which is usually open for visitors and has a very tranquil atmosphere. The churchyard was full of snowdrops and some daffodils. The route back took us the same way until we reached pocket park then we took a different path by the River Ouse and along by the caravan and camping site which is packed with visitors in the summer.
Monday February 18 – Note walk changed. Now Henlow. Meet 10.00 at The Crown. 2 High Street Henlow. Postcode SG16 6BS. The walk is 5 miles, no hills, around woodland and lakes, snowdrops are in abundance at the moment and we don’t want to miss them. Today’s walk began at the Crown pub. We cut through an attractive housing estate and down the road towards Henlow Grange where we turned right and followed the tracks around the Lakeside. The woodlands alongside the lakes were carpeted with snowdrops all the way around making a spectacular display at this time of year. We then had to do a little road walking making our way to a long track which though easy to walk seemed to stretch for quite a distance. We did a left turn here coming back across meadows and a lovely woodland path, again with lots of snowdrops, and daffodils just beginning to bloom. The walk was just over 5 miles. 18 walkers participated.
Tuesday 19 FEBRUARY 7.30PM. Death by Design
Bedford Drama Company present Death by Design By Rob Urbinati at the Place Bradgate Rd, Bedford MK40 3DE. Tickets for this show are priced at £12.00, with a concession price of £10.00. Please book through Liz before the end of January and the proceeds will go to Friends of Bedford Hospital. An enjoyable evening at the theatre attended by 7 members. Peter was also involved in preparing the most important prop the handbag! The evening was for a good cause to raise money for Bedford hospital. Many thanks to Liz for arranging the evening.
FRIDAY 22 FEBRUARY 1.30 – 3.30 A talk by Elaine Murphy from the Midshires Search & Rescue team. Church Lane Community Centre, (near Aldi) 147 Church Lane, Bedford MK41 0PW. A really informative session about the Midshires Search & Rescue team which had a wonderful turnout of 17 people and raised £70. Thank you letter. Not many of us had heard of the crucial and life saving work that these volunteers undertake in our local community. They work with the police who request them to find missing vulnerable adults and children and because of their knowledge of the countryside and experience they are an essential part of the search team. Thank you to Liz for planning such an interesting talk and speaker.
Sunday 24 February – Priory Country Park, 5 miles avoiding mud. A pleasant walk around this local country park. Meet by St. Peter’s Church in DePary’s Avenue at 9.30am or meet by the Cafe in Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SH at 10.00am. JOINT LEADERS – Chris G 01234 213501/07790 534546 and Chris M 01234 360769/07904 562541. On this beautiful warm February morning with a clear blue sky walking through the Country Park with birds singing and wildlife on this quiet part of the river. After about 3 miles some of the walkers took a shortcut by the old Priory wall back to their cars the rest of us carried on along by the river and over the Engineers Bridge to walk on the other side of the river and back to Priory enjoying the activities on the river. We had 24 out today including two new ladies, the walk was just under 5 miles.
Monday 25 February – Cranfield. Meet 10.00am The Cross Keys, 159 High Street, Cranfield MK43 0JB. 11 walked today.
March 2019
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Sunday 3 March – Roxton. A short and easy walk about 4 miles exploring the meadows and riverside paths of the River Great Ouse and the village of Roxton. Meet 9.30 a.m. by St. Peter’s Church in De Parys Avenue or at 10.00 a.m. in Roxton High Street near the Village Hall. MK44 3EB. Leader John 01234 824959/07944379668. 12 people ventured out on a dull, drizzly morning to walk a few miles around Roxton. Although the walk was short, (about 3 to 4 miles) I am attracted by riverside walking and at one stage the path lay between the river and a trout lake. We enjoyed a refreshment break by Roxton Locks and the walk ended in the village of Roxton, when we were able to walk round the unusual congregational church which has a thatched roof. After the walk a few of us enjoyed a drink of tea or coffee at the Roxton Garden Centre.
Monday 4 March – Meet 10.00am The Bell, 21 Bedford Street, Woburn MK17 9QB. The Bell was overrun with walkers when we arrived as the U3A were also starting a walk from there. We had an impressive total of 24 walking in our group and set off for a lovely walk of about 4 miles in the woods and meadows around Woburn. The weather was good but unfortunately most of the snowdrops were past their best.
Sunday 10 March – Meet Mowsbury Park, Wentworth Drive (nearest Postcode MK41 8DQ) to leave at 10.00. A 4.5 mile walk through the woods (snowdrops may still be out) towards Renhold and Ravensden. Open countryside known as North Beds Wolds, one long not very steep hill and one stile. LEADER – Chris M 01234 360769/07904562541. Despite the very windy weather 14 club members and 5 new people turned out for our walk through Putnoe Woods, then taking the path between Mowsbury Golf Course out to Renhold where we came to gently climbing countryside with sheep grazing. We continued walking through to Ravensden walking alongside a flowing stream, over a stile past a few houses into Brook Lane and eventually coming back by the Golf Course and through the Woods. The walk was approximately 4.5 miles, we finished with coffee at the cafe in Mowsbury Park.
Monday 11 March – Meet 10.00am Bedford Arms, High Street, Souldrop MK44 1EY. 17 walked today.
Sunday 17 March – Ampthill park, West Car park, Woburn St, Ampthill MK45 2GU
The walk will be approximately five miles taking in Millbrook and Coopers Hill.
Leaders Paul & Denise 01525 630218 Paul: mobile 07716892449
Monday 18 March – Meet 10.00am The Royal George, Silver Street, Stevington MK43 7QP (Car park entrance off Court Lane). 19 members enjoyed a nice walk round the Stevington area including a look inside the historic windmill. Stevington Windmill is an impressive postmill built in the 18th century (dated 1770 on one of the crosstrees) and is the only complete windmill left in Bedfordshire. It was constructed around a central post so that it can be turned to face into the wind. The windmill operated commercially, mostly grinding cattle feed, until 1939. It was purchased and restored in 1951 by Bedfordshire County Council, as part of the County’s contribution to the Festival of Britain. Stevington Windmill was probably the last windmill in Britain working with four common (cloth covered) sails, which were replaced 2004. The sails are turned periodically and the machinery, though requiring constant maintenance, is in rough working order.
Thursday 21 March 10:00 am Railway Walk – Birmingham. Organised by Bedford Ramblers
Sunday 24 March – Carlton, a 5/6 mile walk around Carlton and Harrold. Park in the overflow car park at Emmaus, School Lane, Carlton MK43 7LQ at 10.00am. LEADER – Sarah 01234 363112/07484 182820. 13 people, including 2 new members, enjoyed the sunshine and views on this 5 1/4 mile walk. Some stopping for Coffee and refreshments afterwards in the Emmaus restaurant.
Monday 25 March – The Three Fyshes, Bridge Street, Turvey MK43 8ER Walking towards Emmaus. An impressive total of 22 people enjoyed this walk.
TUESDAY 26 MARCH 7.25pm A visit to Bedford School Planetarium. The numbers are limited to 19, it will be on a first come basis, no charge. Meet at 7.25pm by the entrance to Bedford School Playing Fields in Pemberley Avenue, MK40 2LF (the end nearest to Park Avenue). This event was very well attended and we managed to have 21 people for the event. The cloud cover was too much, so we could not use the outside telescopes. However there were excellent and informative presentations and this was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
Sunday 31 March – RSPB, Sandy, a walk of 4-5 miles in the bird sanctuary during early Spring. Park in Market Place car park, High Street (opposite the church), Sandy SG19 1AG at 10.00am LEADER – Clare 01767 640965/07704 300426.
APRIL 2019
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Monday 1 April – Meet 10.00am The Cross Keys, 2 Tithe Road, Wood End Lane, Kempston MK43 9BE. 15 walked today.
Saturday 6th April Beds Area Ramblers are running a Walk Leaders Course at Cranfield Village Hall.
Sunday 7 April – Stevington, a walk of approximately 5 miles through the grounds of Pictshill House Estate (not the usual walk that we have done so many times in Stevington). Please park considerately along Court Lane leading away from The Cross in centre of village MK43 7QS. Start at 10.00am. JOINT LEADERS – Brenda 01767 640623/07934 240325 & Judith 01767 640782/07397 007101.
Monday 8 April – Meet 10.00am George Inn, 6 George St, Maulden, Bedford MK45 2DF. School holidays resulted in 20 and one child walking today.
Sunday 14 April – Clapham Woods. Meet at 31 Windrush Avenue, Bedford MK41 7BN to leave at 10.00. The walk will go through Clapham Woods, bluebells should be out and back to Sheena’s for coffee and cake. Park in Windrush Avenue or road off to left past Sheena’s house. Leader Sheena 07732 189398. 21 walkers including 3 guests, enjoyed this 5 mile ramble round the woods and the delightful refreshments afterwards.
Monday 15 April – Meet 10.00am The Flying Horse, Clophill MK45 4AP. Still school holidays with 19 plus 2 children enjoying this walk.
Sunday 21 April – Potton. This walk starts from Brook End Car Park at Potton at 10. am. When entering Potton by B1040 from Sandy when road turns left into Town Centre, immediately after turn right which is signposted Wrestlingworth. Before Fire Station on the right, turn left into small dead end road and car park is on the right. Walk approx. 5 miles – can be shortened if weather turns horrid. LEADERS – Judith 01767 640782/07397 007101, Brenda 01767 640623/07934 240325.
Monday 22 April – Meet 10.00am The Cock, 23 High Street, Broom SG18 9NA. Easter Monday saw a smaller group of 11 walking.
Sunday 28 April – Barton-le-Clay, about 5.5 miles, some hills to climb but the views should be worth it. Park in Old Road (beside the recreation ground), Barton-le-Clay (nearest postcode MK45 4LB) at 10.00am. LEADER – Gerry 07902 451123. 18 members turned out to walk this slightly shorter 4.5 route today. The weather was kind to us and stayed dry, the views were stunning and enjoyed by all.
Monday 29 April Meet at the Rose & Crown, 89 High Street, Ridgemont, MK43 0TY – Over to old church remains and back through Woburn Estate.
MAY 2019
Sunday 5 May. (Bank Holiday weekend) – Kimbolton to Pertenhall and back via Stonely about 5.5 miles. The walk starts from Kimbolton Castle. Meet the castle end of High Street at 10.00am. The nearest postcode I can find is PE28. LEADER – Linda T 01480 350345/07733 343702.
Monday 6 May. Half Moon, 108 High Street, Kempston MK42 7BN. River and back / to Wootton?
Sunday 12 May. Great Denham following the River Ouse to Queens Park/Kempston and back 5.5 miles. Meet Great Denham Golf Club, Carnostie Drive MK40 4FF at 10.00am. LEADER Sarah 01234 363112/07484 182820
Monday 13 May. Royal George, Silver Street, Stevington, MK43 7QP. (Car park entrance off Court Lane) From Stevington to Turvey via Pictshill House Estate, 4.5 miles. A lovely walk enjoyed by 19 people.
Monday 13 May. THIS EVENT WAS CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. VISIT TO BLETCHLEY PARK. Home of the World War Two Codebreakers. The Bill Tutte exhibition will still be on. If going by train there is a 2 for 1 train offer £19.50 for 2, a voucher can be printed from Bletchley Park website. Also if you have English Heritage membership 20% discount or if you live in areas MK1-19, MK45, MK43-46 50% discount, that needs photo ID and proof of residency. Meet Bedford Station at 9.00am to catch the 9.29am train. There is a discount on the price of the train ticket for bus pass holders. Parking at the station is very limited at that time of day, if coming by car best to use town car park. Cafe available in Bletchley Park. For further information contact Liz on 01525 713284 or email e.patterson759@btinternet.com
Sunday 19 May. Langford Meadows and Stanford Lock, a pretty 6 mile walk following the River Ivel past lakes and onto Henlow Common and Langford Meadows, a local nature reserve. Meet two roads up from St, Mary’s Church, Henlow if coming in from the High Street, it’s called Gardeners Lane and has a car park at the end, post code SG16 6DJ at 10.00am or DePary’s Avenue at 9.30. LEADER – Sue C 07788954819.
Monday 20 May. The Chequers, Ampthill Road, Houghton Conquest,MK45 3JP. To Kings Wood, to see the bluebells. A lovely walk enjoyed by all but sadly too late for the bluebells.
Sunday 26 May. (Bank Holiday weekend) – Flitwick. Two Moors Heritage trail. About a 5 mile walk along the river Flit, around the nature reserve and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Park in or near to the Jewson Carpark. Maulden Road Industrial Estate, Maulden Road, Flitwick. MK45 5BT. LEADER – Maureen 07562 338830
Monday 27 May. Fordham Arms, Templars Way, Sharnbrook, MK44 1PX. Along the river?
June 2019
Sunday 2 June. Bolnhurst, a beautiful picturesque walk of 4.75 miles around Bolnhurst and Colmworth. Meet at St. Dunstan’s Church, Thurleigh Road, Bolnhurst MK44 2HB at 10.00am. St. Dunstan’s Church is tucked away, here are some directions to help – Coming from Bedford on B660, Kimbolton Road, through Bolnhurst until you see The Plough pub on the left, take the next left after this, (it is sign posted Bolnhurst Church but could easily be missed) less than a quarter mile down this road look out for a cottage on the right it has a rusty lorry in the front garden, the church entrance is left just after this. Go through the gates, we have permission to park here but have been asked to park the end nearest to the gates as a service is taking place on Sunday and the locals like to park nearer to the church! – Leader changed – now Christine 01234 360769 / 07904 562541 Thank you Chris for leading this walk at short notice. 18 attended.
Monday 3 June. Park at Aspley Heath Lodge, Church Road, Woburn Sands, MK17 8TS. This walk is predominantly a woodland walk a few ups and downs ( no worse than in Maulden woods) of approximately 4.6 miles. We will be stopping half way round in Aspley Guise at The Swan for refreshments around 11. AM. This means the walk will finish approx around 12.30 / 12.45 PM. We’re hoping to see some Rhododendrons in flower on route. 18 members enjoyed this walk and yes the rhododendrons were magnificent.
