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- Woburn - Steppingley 15 Mile Circular WalkWoburn Car Park, WoburnGBP 3.00
As long-time members are aware, beginning in May and continuing throughout the summer months, we undertake one long walk of 15 miles or more each month.
This is an excellent walk to commence this year's monthly long walks. It will take us first through the Woburn deer park, then through the larger estate with its woodland, farmland, and countryside, to the picturesque villages of Steppingley and Ridgemont before returning to Woburn.
What to Expect
An 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.
Parking: -The car park in Park Street is free.
Distance: 15 Miles
Total Ascent: 900ft.
Walk Time: Approx 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 payable at the start.
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
- Turvey 3 Counties Walk (12.5 Mile Circular Walk)MK43 8ER, BedfordGBP 3.00
Starting from the Village of Turvey this 12.5 mile walk takes us through some lovely countryside in and around the county borders of Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.
What to Expect
A 12.5 mile walk mainly on good tracks and small lanes, some tracks may be muddy and overgrown in places. There will be rolling hills but nothing too steep total ascent 700ft. We will maintain a pace of just over 3mph throughout the walk.This is quite a long walk but it is not too challenging and is suitable for anyone with a reasonable 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. 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: Ye Three Fyshes Pub Turvey Postcode MK43 8ER
Walk Starts: 09:30
Parking: There is a large Layby on the A428 just outside of Turvey towards Northampton, it is a short walk over the Bridge to the pub. Alternatively you can park in the village. Please don't use the pub carpark.
Distance: 12.5 Miles
Total Ascent: 700ft
Walk Time: Approx 4.5 hrs (includes stoppages)
Refreshments: There will be a break at the halfway point so bring a drink and a snack.
Public Toilets: There are no public toilets available on this 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 07739801881
- Aspley heath and the Greensand Ridge 12.5 Mile WalkLittle Brickhill, Milton KeynesGBP 3.00
A lovely, mainly woodland walk, though the heathland, woodland and countryside between Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard. We will be walking through the ancient woodland, rare heathland and areas of SSSI around Aspley Woods the Greensand Ridge, Kings wood and Rammamere heath.
What to Expect
A 12.5 mile circular walk mainly on good tracks and small lanes. At this time of year some tracks will be muddy in places. There will be a few hills to tackle with a total ascent of around 1300ft. We will maintain a pace of just over 3mph throughout the walk.This walk is quite challenging due the amount of ascent and distance and a few steep climbs. 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 to allow others to attend.
The Finer Points
Start point: The village of Little Brickhill. We will meet on Watling Street by the small roundabout at the Southern end of the village just off the A5. Nearest postcode MK17 9NZ. Please follow the directions on the Meetup App if you are unsure of where it is.
Walk Starts: 09:30
Parking: Park on the road
Distance: 12.5 Miles
Total Ascent: 1300ft
Walk Time: Approx 4.5hrs (includes stoppages)
Refreshments: We will be having a break around the halfway point so bring a warm drink and a snack.
There is a £3.00 charge for the walk, pay cash on the day.
Toilets: There are no public toilets available on this 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 07739801881
- A Weekend in the Brecon Beacons & Black Mountains - Day 1Cwm Gwdi, Brecon
The Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains in Wales are fantastic destinations for hill walking, offering stunning scenery, and diverse landscapes,.
The Brecon Beacons boast dramatic peaks like Pen y Fan, the highest in southern Britain, and open, rolling hills with sweeping views and the Black Mountains offer more secluded trails, with rugged terrain and peaceful valleys.
Both areas are rich in wildlife, history, and natural beauty, making them perfect for hill walking.This will be a couple of challenging walks but don’t let that put you off. The walks will be done at a very steady pace with plenty of breaks to take in the glorious scenery.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience some of the best hill walking and some of the most stunning countryside you will find anywhere in the UK.
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 1 – Pen Y fan from Cwm gwdi
At 886 meters, Pen Y Fan stands as the highest peak in South Wales and Southern Britain, commanding stunning vistas that preside over the National Park. The scenery is a rich mosaic of rolling hills and towering mountains stretching into the horizon.
The Hike
Beginning at Cwm gwdi, close to the town of Brecon, our hike will ascend to the summit of Pen Y Fan, crossing the main summits and ridges of the central Brecon Beacons, encompassing Fan Y Big, Cribyn, and the distinctive flat-topped peak of Pen Y Fan.What to Expect
This is a fantastic walk with some of the most spectacular scenery you can find anywhere in the UK, but be aware that it will be challenging. The total distance of the walk is 11 Miles with a total ascent of over 3500ft.
Much of the walk is on good paths but some of the terrain will be hard going, with some very steep climbs, loose shingle and ridge top walking.The Finer Details:
Start and finish point: National Trust Cwm Gwdi car park, 2 miles south of Brecon Post Code LD3 8LE (The post code is not accurate so I recommend following the directions from Google Maps on the Meetup App.)
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Timings: Walk Starts at 9.00
Total Walk Time: Approx 6 - 7 hrs
Parking: This is a National Trust pay and display car park. At time of writing the charge was £4.00 for the day.
The car Park is quite small so please car share where possible.
Total Walk Distance: 11 Miles
Total Ascent: 3500 ft
Refreshments: No opportunity to stop off at a pub or café on the hills so bring your own lunch and drinks. It’s a long tough walk so also bring drinks and plenty of energy snacks for the duration of the walk.
Public Toilets: No toilets available on the walk but plenty of wilderness.
Weather: The Welsh mountains are notorious for their unpredictable weather. It can be dangerous to get caught out on the hills without suitable clothing, even in the height of summer it can get very wet and cold and hyperthermia is a real possibility, so please come equipped for all possible conditions.
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
