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.
This is mainly to ensure the walks are safe, inclusive, and easy to manage for everyone. Some members may feel uncomfortable around dogs, or may feel unsafe, especially if we encounter livestock during our walks.
If you have any further questions about the club, please don't hesitate to contact the organiser for more information.
Upcoming events
17
- £3.00
Cranfield - Liddlington 12 Mile Circular Walk
Cranfield Village Hall, 13 Court Road, Bedford, GBThis circular walk from Cranfield takes us through the Forest of Marston Vale and along the valley towards before circling back towards Cranfield. This once industrial landscape of clay pits, brick factories and landfill sites was designated as a community forest in the 1990’s and is in the process of being given back to nature with the creation of several lakes, extensive wetlands and the planting of a new forest.
What to expect
A 12 mile walk through woodland and open fields mainly on good paths and tracks, some may be quite muddy in places. Expect a few hills and some steep climbs with a total ascent of 900ft. We will maintain a pace of just over 3mph throughout the walk.
This is a 12 mile walk with a few hills so will be reasonably 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.
The finer points:
Start: Village Hall, Court Road, Cranfield, Bedford MK43 0DR
Walk Starts : at 9.30 am
Parking: There is Parking in Court Road at the side of the church.
Distance: 12 miles
Total Ascent: 900ft
Time: Approx 4.5 hrs (includes stoppages)
Charge: There is a £3:00 charge for the walk.
Refreshments: There will be a break at about the halfway point so bring a drink and a snack.
Public Toilets: There are no toilets available on the walk.
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 0773980188129 attendees - £3.00
Harrold and the North Beds Heritage Trail (11.5 mile Circular walk)
Harrold-Odell Country Park, Carlton Road, Harrold, Bedfordshire, MK43 7DS, GBA lovely walk from Harrold-Odell country park following the North Beds heritage trail around the countryside farmland and woodland to the south of Harrold.
What to Expect
An 11.5 mile walk mainly on good tracks and small lanes, some tracks may be muddy and uneven in places. There will be a few hills to tackle but nothing too steep. Total ascent is 600ft and we will maintain a pace of over 3mph throughout the walk.
Although this walk is reasonably long it is not too challenging. It is suitable for anyone with a moderate 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 to allow others to attend.
The Finer Points.
Start point: The car park at Harrold-Odell Country Park. Nearest post code MK43 7DS.
Start time: 09:30.
Parking: The car park is free, although they do ask for a voluntary £1 donation.
Distance: 11.5 Miles
Total Ascent: 500ft
Walk Time: Approx 4.0 hrs (includes stoppages)
There is a £3.00 charge for the walk
Refreshments: There will be a break at the halfway point so bring a drink and a snack. The Park café should also be open at the start and end of the walk.
Public Toilets: Public toilets should be available at the start and end of the walk.
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 0773980188130 attendees - £3.00
Barton-Lilley - 12 Miles
Old Road, Bedford, GBThis is a lovely and varied walk, with a few challenging hills to tackle, around the countryside surrounding Barton Le Clay. The route passes through nature reserves, villages, farmland and has some great views.
What to expect
A 12 mile walk through woodland and open fields mainly on good paths and small lanes, some may be a bit muddy and overgrown in places. There will be a few hills and some very steep climbs with a total ascent of around 1100ft. We will maintain a pace of just over 3mph throughout the walk.
Due to the distance and amount of ascent this walk is quite challenging and 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 to allow others to attend.
The finer Details
Start Point: Old Road, Barton-le-Clay, MK45 4LB
If you are not sure where it is, please follow the directions using google maps from the walk page on the Meetup app.
Walk Starts: 9.30am
Parking: There is roadside parking alongside the recreation ground.
Distance: 12 miles
Total Ascent: 1100ft
Time: Approx 4.5 hrs (includes stoppages)
Charge: There is a £3:00 charge for the walk.
Refreshments: There will be a break at about the halfway point so bring a (warm) drink and a snack.
Public Toilets: There are no public toilets available on this walk.
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 0773980188127 attendees - £3.00
12 Mile Circular Walk North of Bedford
Mowsbury Park, Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK41, GBDetails
A lovely 12 mile circular walk to the north of Bedford town around farmland and passing through small hamlets and villages starting from Mowsbury Park.
What to Expect
An 12 mile walk predominantly on footpaths and bridleways (mostly around field boundaries) and some quiet roads, there are a few fields to cross which given the time of year may well be wet and muddy. There are some gentle hills but no steep climbs and the total walk ascent is around 350ft (107m), we will maintain a pace of just over 3mph throughout the walk, i.e. walking each mile in under 20 minutes.
This an enjoyable walk with not many ascents and 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 point: Mowsbury Park the Kimbolton Road Car Park Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK41 8AH.
The carpark is popular with footballers so please car share if possible.
Note, there is another car park for Mowsbury Park off Wentworth Drive we are meeting at the Kimbolton Road Car Park
Walk Starts: 09:30am
Parking: Free
What3Words: https://what3words.com/united.sofa.slim
Distance: 12 Miles
Total Ascent: 350 ft.
Walk Time: Approx. 4.5 hrs (includes stoppages)
Refreshments: We will be having a break around the halfway point so bring a (warm) drink and a snack.
Public Toilets: None
Cost: There is a £3.00 charge payable by cash at the start of the walk
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 Andrew the walk leader Mob. 07778 041 84812 attendees
Past events
698
Group links
Organizers
Members
1,181
