About us
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 wish.
Come and join us, meet some like minded people, 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 so we can put a name to a face when you attend a walk and 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 Meetup organiser fees. Payment is made at the start of each walk. Payment details can be found for each individual walk.
• Hiking and hillwalking can be demanding. Each individual member is responsible for their own actions and involvement.
You are welcome to bring along a guest to a walk but they will be your responsibility and must be over 16 years of age.
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.
We look forward to welcoming you on a walk soon.
Upcoming events
13
- £2.00
Kempston Rural 5 miles circular (summer evening walk)
Green End Road, Green End Road, Kempston Rural, MK43 8RJ, Bedfordshire, GBDetails
This lovely 5 mile circular walk starts in the village, before heading off the beaten track across fields into Kempston Wood with delightful views across the Marston Vale. Hopefully we will see a good show of woodland flowers and the three friendly alpacas will come over to see us!What to expect
The paths are generally good though some sections are rather steep and is a mix of defined footpaths, pavements and fields. It is suitable for anyone with a good standard of walking fitness- we typically maintain a pace of just over 3mph throughout the walk.The Finer Points
Start/Finish point: Green End Road, Kempston Rural, MK43 8RJ
Walk Starts: 18:30pm
Parking: Free
Distance: 5 Miles
Walk Time: Approx. 2hrs
Refreshments: please bring water (and a small snack if you wish)
Public Toilets: there are no toilets
Cost: There is a £2.00 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 Nicola on 07952 94668319 attendees - £3.00
From Sharpenhoe Clappers on the Trail of John Bunyan - 11 Mile
Sharpenhoe Clappers National Trust Car Park,, Sharpenhoe Road,, Bedfordshire, GBA very pleasant walk in Central Bedfordshire. Starting on Sharpenhoe Clappers and following a large part of the John Bunyan trail through chalk downs, ancient woods and farmland.
What to Expect
An 11 mile walk mainly on good tracks and small lanes, some tracks may be overgrown and muddy in places. There will be rolling hills and a couple of steep climbs, total ascent 1000ft and we will maintain a pace of just over 3mph throughout the walk.This walk is a little challenging and is suitable for anyone with a moderate to 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 the chance to attend.
The Details:
Start Point: Sharpenhoe Clappers National Trust Car Park Sharpenhoe Road MK45 4SH.
Follow Google maps from the meetup app if you are not sure where it is.Walk Starts: 09:30. Please arrive early enough to give yourself time to gear up and book in.
If you are going to be late please let the walk leader know or we may leave without you.
Parking: The National Trust car park is located at the top of the hill and is free. The car park is quite small so please car share where possible.
Distance: 11 Miles
Total Ascent: 1000ft
Walk Time: Approx 4-4.5hrs (includes stoppages)
Refreshments: There will be a break at about the halfway point so bring a drink and a snack.
Public Toilets: There are no public toilets available on this walk
Charge: There is a £3:00 charge for the walk to cover the admin costs of the walk leader, payable when we meet.
Payment is by cash or card/contactless.
Due to the possibility of encountering livestock we have a no dogs policy on all of our walks.
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
20 attendees - £2.00
Sandy Green Wheel 6 miles circular (summer evening walk)
Sandy Secondary School, Engayne Ave, Sandy, SG19 1BL, United Kingdom, GBDetails
This beautiful 6 mile circular walk will be the last of this summer series. It takes us all the way round the Sandy Green Wheel. We will walk along the River Ivel, to the Riddy and along the footpath known locally as The Mill, up to the Sand Hills with views across Sandy.What to expect
This route is mostly flat and is mostly on well-maintained footpaths and pavements - however one stretch close to the River Ivel is often overgrown. There will be one steep climb and descent to reach The Pinnacle at the Sand Hills. It is suitable for anyone with a good standard of walking fitness- we typically maintain a pace of just over 3mph throughout the walk.The Finer Points
Start/Finish point: Sandy Secondary School
Engayne Ave, Sandy, SG19 1BL carpark
Walk Starts: 18:30pm
Parking: Free- the school has given us permission to park here
Distance: 6 Miles
Walk Time: Approx. 2hrs
Refreshments: please bring water (and a small snack if you wish)
Public Toilets: there are no toilets
Cost: There is a £2.00 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 Nicola on 07952 9466837 attendees - £3.00
Woburn - Steppingley 15 Mile Circular Walk
Woburn Car Park, Park Street, Woburn, GBThis month’s longer walk is a great one, starting with a stroll through the Woburn Deer Park, then continuing into the larger estate with its mix of woodland, farmland, and open countryside. From there, it leads to the charming village of Steppingley before looping back to Woburn, passing the safari park and crossing the other side of the deer park.
What to Expect
A 15 mile walk mainly on good tracks and small lanes, some tracks maybe overgrown in places. There will be rolling hills and with a couple of steeper ones to tackle, and a total ascent of 900ft. We will maintain a pace of just over 3mph throughout the walk.This a very enjoyable walk but it is quite long so is suitable for experienced walkers 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: Public car park in Park Street, Woburn, MK17 9PG. Opposite the Parish Church
Walk Starts: 09:30. Please arrive early enough to give yourself time to gear up and book in.
If you are going to be late please let the walk leader know or we may leave without you.
Parking: -The car park in Park Street is free.
Distance: 15 Miles
Total Ascent: 900ft.
Walk Time: Approx 5 - 5.5 hrs (includes stoppages)
Refreshments: We will be having a break around the halfway point so bring a drink and a snack. There will be a pub which should be open so maybe bring some money.
Public Toilets: Toilets should be available at the pub halfway.
There is a £3.00 charge for the walk to cover the admin costs of the walk leader, payable when we meet.
Payment is by cash or card/contactless.
Due to the possibility of encountering livestock we have a no dogs policy on all of our walks.
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
13 attendees
Past events
738
Group links
Members
1,034
