My Top 5 favourite dog walks in Bedfordshire
I was prompted to write this Blog by CPRE Bedfordshire, the Campaign to Protect Rural England. They are the Bedfordshire based branch of a national charity that works to protect, promote and enhance towns and countryside in Bedfordshire. Find out more about their work here www.cprebeds.org.uk
CPRE Beds are currently running a competition to mark National Pet Month. They want to see photos of your dogs enjoying the Bedfordshire Countryside. The lucky winner will experience a professional pet photo session with myself and also receive a mounted print of their dog taken in their chosen location.
Entries to the competition should be emailed to info@cprebeds.org.uk before Monday 7th May – please see www.cprebeds.org.uk for full competition details and terms. Good Luck!
…it’s been really hard trying to narrow down my favourite dog walking places to just five!
Despite the rapid growth in housebuilding in our County, there are still so many green spaces here in Bedfordshire – we are very lucky to have such a large range of open spaces, woodlands, pathways and country parks.
Here are my favourite local walks, with some images to hopefully inspire you:
1. Ampthill Great Park
Ampthill Great Park has something for everyone. There is plenty of free parking, a play park for those with younger children, and a dog friendly cafe.
It is part of the Greensand Ridge Walk, and includes woodland areas, flat spaces, open spaces, and hills with spectacular views. Its an amazing place to enjoy the changes in the seasons. I particularly love it when the ferns change from green to gold!
2. Coopers Hill
Coopers Hill is also known as The Firs locally. It is literally a stones throw from Great Ampthill Park, next to Ampthill Rugby Club. However, the landscape is quite different to Ampthill Park, as it is a mixture of woodland and heathland.
It provides a glorious display of Heather which again changes colour with the seasons, varying from brown and gold to vibrant purples.
3. Rowney Warren, Chicksands
Rowney Warren is owned by the Woodland Trust. It is just off the A600 (signposted to Chicksands). There is a car park at the site.
The woods are made up of pines, oaks and beeches and is split by a road through the middle. One side is marked out for BMX bikers! – whilst the other side has paths which are popular with dog walkers.
4. Dunstable Downs
Dunstable Downs is a National Trust site in Bedfordshire. There is a large car park and shop on site. The downs are popular with families and dog walkers, and the large chalky grasslands have amazing views.
5. Priory Country Park, Bedford
Priory Country Park is a beautiful park that is hugely popular with dog walkers. Plenty of free parking and a lovely cafe on site. The park incorporates a variety of meadows, grasslands, a river, and the lake to walk around – which also has a popular “beach” where dogs can paddle!
Remember:
Always be responsible when walking your dogs anywhere.
Notice any signs that might ask for them to be kept on a lead (especially around wildlife or at certain times of the year).
Enjoy the wonderful countryside that Bedfordshire has to offer!
I hope you’ve enjoyed my suggestions for local dog walks in Bedfordshire. Please feel free to share any walks that you might enjoy