What we’re about
Welcome to the Bedfordshire Walking Club, we walk most weekends throughout the year, whatever the weather, mostly around the counties of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Hertfordshire. We also organise some great walking weekends away to some of the best hiking areas around the UK.
Be aware that BWC walks are NOT gentle rambles, we keep to a good pace with few breaks, and our walks are at least ten miles long. So, if you are looking for a gentle stroll in the countryside with lots of breaks and time to take photos, we are probably not the club for you. However, if you are after some great exercise with friendly, like-minded people, have a reasonable standard of fitness, and like a walk that is a bit of a challenge then you have come to the right place.
We are a relaxed and friendly group of all different ages, and we make everyone very welcome. Our hikes are a great chance to meet new people, make new friends and get to know the countryside. Many people come on their own, but you are welcome to bring along a guest if you want.
Come and join us, make some good friends, get some great exercise and experience some of the fantastic UK countryside.
Before signing up please read the guidelines below:
• Our walks are between 10 – 20 miles long and at a pace of over 3mph with only a short break halfway. Please make sure you are fit enough to complete the distance before you sign up for a walk.
The details page of each event will give a full description of the walk, what to expect and a recommended fitness level. If you are not sure that you will be up to the walk, please contact the walk leader for more information.
• ALL members will require a name (not just initials) and profile photo that clearly shows your head, shoulders and face at a reasonably close distance, so you are recognisable. Group photos, photos of children or pets are not acceptable. This is for the safety and peace of mind of the other members, failure to comply may result in a delay in your application being accepted.
• Please make sure we are able to contact you. Your profile privacy settings should be set so at least a walk organiser is able to get in touch with you to inform you of any possible changes.
• We hold walks all year round, in all weathers. Please make sure you come suitably dressed for the terrain and weather conditions with suitable clothing, wet weather gear and sturdy footwear. We don’t always get chance to stop at a pub or café so you should also bring water, a snack and maybe a hot drink in the winter.
•There will be a small charge for the walks, this is to cover the admin costs of the walk leader and running the website. Payment is made in cash at the start of each walk.
• Hiking and hillwalking can be demanding. Each individual member is responsible for their own actions and involvement.
Meetup Terms of Service Section 6, which all members have agreed to, lays out the details of liability relating to a group or an event. Anyone attending one of our events is subject to those terms and conditions.
If a member brings along a guest that is not a member of Meetup, they are subject to the above Terms of Service and attend at their own risk.
Although the leaders of the club walks are very experienced hikers, we do NOT hold any official qualifications and neither the walk leader or the club accepts responsibility for any accidents or injuries of any member while attending a walk.
• We limit the numbers for each of our walks to keep a small close-knit group. So, if you sign up for a walk and then cannot make it, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible to give other members chance to come along. Those members who make a habit of changing their RSVP the day before or being a no show will be removed from the club.
• Sorry but we do not allow dogs on any of our walks.
If you have any further questions about the club, please don't hesitate to contact the organiser for more information.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Harrold, Sharnbrook, Santa Pod 11.5 mile circular walkHarrold Odell Country Park, Bedford£3.00
Details
A 11.5 mile walk from Harrold-Odell Country Park along paths and tracks to Sharnbrook and Santa Pod returning to Harrold along part of the Three Shires Way.What to Expect
An 11.5 mile walk mostly on good paths and farm tracks including some minor roads, we will keep to field boundaries as far as possible, but the route does require a few field crossings which hopefully in July shouldn't be muddy, however some of the paths may be and also possibly overgrown in places. There will be some rolling hills but nothing very steep, the total walk ascent is around 450 ft. We will maintain a pace of just over 3mph throughout the walk, i.e. walking each mile in less than 20 minutes.This is quite a long walk but it is not too challenging and is suitable for anyone with a reasonable standard of walking fitness.
To ensure appropriate fitness and suitability, if you are a first timer please read the What we’re about section on the Bedford Walking Club homepage before signing up for this walk.
If you can't make the walk please change your RSVP in plenty of time to allow others to attend. Anyone making a habit of changing their RSVP the night before or being a no show will be removed from the club.
The Finer Points
Start point: Harrold-Odell Country Park, Carlton Road, Harrold, Bedford MK43 7DS
Walk Starts: 09:30am
Parking: Free, although there is an optional donation box.
What3Words location: https://what3words.com/apes.remotes.neater
Distance: 11.5 Miles
Total Ascent: 450 ft
Walk Time: Approx. 4.5 hrs (includes stoppages)
Refreshments: We will be having a short break around the halfway point so bring a drink and a snack.
Cost: There is a £3.00 charge for the walk, payment in cash on the day.
Public Toilets: None on the route, but there are public toilets available at the start and end in Harrold-Odell Country Park.
Sorry no dogs allowed
Hiking and hillwalking are activities with a danger of personal injury. Participants in these activities should be aware of, accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
For further information contact Andrew, the walk leader, Mob. 07778 041 848
- Cranfield, Ridgemont and The Marstone Vale - 17 Mile WalkCranfield Village Hall, Bedford£3.00
This months long walk is a delightful 17-mile circular walk from Cranfield through the Marston vale to Ridgemont and Lidlington.
This area, once an industrial zone of clay pits, brickworks, and landfill sites, was named a community forest in the 1990s. It is currently being restored to nature, featuring the creation of multiple lakes, expansive wetlands, and the cultivation of a new forest which is now starting to mature.What to expect
A 17 mile walk through woodland and open fields mainly on good paths and tracks, some may be overgrown in places. Expect quite a few hills and some steep climbs with a total ascent of 1100ft. We will maintain a pace of just over 3mph throughout the walk.This is a long walk with plenty of hills so will be quite challenging. It is suitable for anyone with a good standard of walking fitness.
If you are a first timer please read the 'About us...' section on the homepage before signing up for this walk, ensuring appropriate fitness and suitability.
If you can't make the walk please change your RSVP in plenty of time.
The finer points:
Start: Village Hall, Court Road, Cranfield, Bedford MK43 0DRWalk Starts - 9.30 am
Parking: There is Parking in Court Road at the side of the church.
Distance: 17 miles
Total Ascent: 1100ft
Time: Approx 5.5 hrs (includes stoppages)
Charge: There is a £3:00 charge for the walk to cover admin fees for the organiser. Payment is by cash on the day
Refreshments: There will be a break just after the halfway point at a pub so bring a some money if you would like a drink. Its a long walk so bring plenty of water and snacks.
Public Toilets: There will be toilets at the Pub just after half way.
Sorry no dogs allowed
Hiking and hillwalking are activities with a danger of personal injury. Participants in these activities should be aware of, accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. Meetup Terms of Service Section 6, which all members have agreed to, lays out the details of liability relating to a group or an event.
For further information Contact: Nick 07739801881
- A Weekend on the Sussex Coast - Day 2Seven Sisters Country Park, Eastbourne
Nestled between Seaford and Eastbourne the Seven Sisters Country Park is a fantastic area to walk, offering sweeping views of the iconic white chalk cliffs and featuring a network of scenic trails that wind through open meadows, rolling hills, and riverside paths. This beautiful area of the country provides, panoramic vistas of the English Channel, picturesque valleys, and the tranquil River Cuckmere. Wildlife is abundant, with birds soaring overhead and grazing sheep dotting the landscape. Whether you’re strolling along the cliff edges or exploring the meandering Cuckmere River, the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect place for walking.
Outline Plan
The plan is to complete 2 challenging walks based around The Seven Sisters Country Park in the Eastern end of the South Downs National Park on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August.What to Expect
This will be a great weekend of walking with some spectacular scenery along the coast and inland. But be aware that it will be quite challenging with each day being around 13 Miles with an ascent of up to 2700 ft. The walks will be on good paths but expect plenty of hills and some steep climbs.
This will be a very rewarding but tough couple of days. Each day’s walk will be done over the whole day at a steady pace with plenty of breaks including a pub or café stop.IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ
Due to the challenging nature of this walk it is only suitable for experienced hikers. If you are a first timer with the club, please read the What we’re about section on the event homepage before signing up for this walk, ensuring appropriate fitness and suitability. If you need more information, please contact the walk leader.Day 2 - Onto the South Downs
Today's 12.5 mile walk through the Seven Sisters Country Park and the South Downs takes us inland, away from the coast, where rolling chalk downs and river valleys stretch as far as the eye can see. Starting along the banks of the meandering River Cuckmere, the route follows peaceful paths past fields and wildflower meadows, leading up to sweeping hillsides etched with ancient chalk figures carved into the landscape. We will walk through tranquil countryside dotted with grazing sheep and charming villages, and each ascent reveals stunning vistas across the Downs. The journey offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and the serene beauty of the English countryside.The Finer Details:
Accommodation
You will need to book your own accommodation for the weekend in the area of the Seven Sisters Country Park, the main towns nearby being, Eastbourne, Seaton and Lewes.
This area of the South East is very popular so please book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment.Walk start and finish point:
Both days we will meet at the Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre, Exceat, near Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4AD.
What3Words - ///acoustics.affords.followersParking: There is ample parking at the visitor centre. At time of writing the charge was £4.50 for the day.
Timings: Walk Starts at 9.00
Total Walk Time: Approx 5-6 hrs
Total Walk Distance: 12.5 Miles
Total Ascent: 1800 ft
Refreshments: Each day we will be stopping at a pub around the halfway point for a break and refreshments but I recommend bringing plenty of drinks and snacks to keep you going throughout the day. The visitor centre has a café/restaurant so a chance for tea and cake at the end.
Public Toilets: There are public toilets available at the start and finish of the walk.
Weather:
The weather on the coast can be unpredictable and changeable so please come equipped for all eventualities.Hiking and hillwalking are activities with a danger of personal injury. Participants in these activities should be aware of, accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
For further information Contact: Nick 07739801881
