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- Sandy - Gamlingay 12.5 miles Circular WalkCar Park, Sandy£3.00
A 12.5 mile circular walk from Sandy to the villages of Potton and Gamlingay Cinques. Includes the RSPB reserve, the Sandy Heath TV mast and the WW2 SOE memorial at Gibraltar Farm.
Most of the route is along bridleways and footpaths around field margins, with a few minor roads. In August there shouldn't be too much mud, but if its been wet there maybe, also, some of the paths may be overgrown. The route takes in sections of a Roman Road (Sandy has quite a Roman history), the Greensand Ridge Walk, and the North Bedfordshire Heritage Trail.Due to the distance this walk is reasonably challenging, but is suitable for anyone with a good standard of walking fitness. We will maintain a walking speed of just over 3mph i.e. covering each mile in under 20 minutes.
If you are a first timer 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 can't make the walk please change your RSVP in plenty of time.
The Finer Details
Start Point: Sandy Town Centre Car Park, High Street, Sandy, SG19 1AG.
If you are not sure where it is, please follow the directions using the map pin on the MeetUp App's google map.
Alternatively, the What3Words location is;
https://what3words.com/untrained.boot.kickWalk Starts: Promptly at 9.30am please arrive in good time.
Parking: Free parking at the Sandy Town Centre Car Park, High Street, Sandy, SG19 1AG
Distance: 12.5 miles
Total Ascent: 415ft
Time: Approx. 4.5 hrs (including breaks)
Charge: There is a £3:00 charge for the walk payable in cash on the day.
Refreshments: We will have a break around the halfway point so bring a drink and a snack.
Public Toilets: The Sandy car park toilets are thought to be closed on Sundays, but there should be some available at the RSPB visitor centre about 1.5 miles (30 minutes) in to the 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.
For further information Contact: Andrew (07778 041 848)
- Great Denham 12 mile Circular WalkGreat Denham Park and Ride, Bedford£3.00
A circular walk from Great Denham to Kempston Mill then on to Wootton Bourne End, returning along the ridge (south of Stagsden) to Bromham Mill and back along the river Great Ouse. This was the walk that had to be altered last September due to flooding of the River Ouse, hopefully this time we can walk it as planned.
What to Expect
A 12 mile walk predominantly on footpaths and bridleways (mostly around field boundaries) with a few short sections on quiet roads, we will be crossing a few fields which in August shouldn't be muddy but maybe! also and more likely, some of the paths maybe overgrown. There are some hills with a few short climbs, with the total walk ascent of around 400 ft. We will maintain a walking pace of just over 3mph throughout the walk, i.e. walking each mile in under 20 minutes.
This is an enjoyable walk with not too many ascents and is suitable for anyone with a reasonable standard of walking fitness.
If you are a first timer 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 can't make the walk please change your RSVP in plenty of time.The Finer Points
Start point: Great Denham Park and Ride car park MK40 4FA
What3Words: https://what3words.com/coached.arming.intervene
Walk Starts: 09:30am
Parking: Free, Park and Ride car park off Kingswood Way, Great Denham, Bedford MK40 4FA
Distance: 12 Miles
Total Ascent: 400 ft.
Walk Time: Approx. 4.5 hrs (includes stoppages)
Refreshments: We will be having a break around the halfway point so bring a drink and a snack.
Public Toilets: No public toilets are available.
There is a £3.00 charge payable in cash at the start of the walk.
Sorry no dogs allowedHiking and hill walking 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.
- Harrold-Odell and the Ouse Valley (11.5 mile Circular walk)Harrold-Odell Country Park, Carlton Road, Harrold, MK43 7DS£3.00
A great walk from Harrold-Odell country park along the Great Ouse River Valley. As well as following the river we will be passing through quiet woodland, lovely countryside and wetlands.
What to Expect
A 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 770ft 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: Car park at Harrold-Odell Country Park. Nearest post code MK43 7DS.
Walk Starts: 09:30.
Parking: The car park is free
Distance: 11.5 Miles
Total Ascent: 770ft
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 will 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.
We do not allow dogs on 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
- Wendover - Lacy Green ( 16 Mile circular walk)Wendover Library Car Park, HP22 6DU£3.00
This months longer walk is a challenging hill walk in the Chilterns between Wendover and Lacy Green. If you have never walked in this area before then you are in for a real treat. Designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, with rolling hills, fantastic views over the Vale of Aylesbury, beautiful beech woodland, historic villages and a fully restored windmill and a nice pub at the halfway point. A walk not to be missed.
What to Expect
Be aware that with 16 miles and plenty of hills this is a tough walk. It is mainly on good tracks and small lanes, some tracks may be a overgrown in places. There will be a number of hills with some long steep climbs, total ascent will be 1900ft. We will maintain a pace of around 3mph throughout the walk.This is a spectacular walk but be aware it is very challenging and only suitable for regular walkers that are used to walking 12+ miles.
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: Wendover Library car park, High Street Wendover Buckinghamshire HP22 6DUWalk Start time: 09:30
Parking: This is a pay and display car park, the fee is £1.70 for all day on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
You can pay by:- cash
- Credit/Debit card, including contactless
- RingGo
Distance: 16 Miles
Total Ascent: 1900ft
Walk Time: Approx 6 hrs (includes stoppages)
Refreshments: Its a long one so bring plenty of drinks and snacks for the walk. There will be a break at about the halfway point at a lovely little pub so bring lunch and some money for a drink.
Public Toilets: There are toilets available in the carpark at the start and end of the walk and at the halfway point.
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
