Walking Holidays and Stays in Bedfordshire

Rolling Ridges, Quiet Woods, and Lowland Landscapes

A small but varied county with ridge trails, heathland, and off-the-radar walks.

Bedfordshire may be one of England’s quieter counties, but for walkers, that’s part of the appeal. It’s a landscape of wooded hills, heathland ridges, and green river valleys, threaded with peaceful footpaths and long-distance trails like the Greensand Ridge Walk and parts of the John Bunyan Trail.

You’ll find hilltop views at Ampthill Park, peaceful woodland routes in the Marston Vale, and open countryside near villages like Old Warden and Shillington. It’s a great destination for easy, accessible walking that avoids the crowds — perfect for slow travel.

Where to Walk in Bedfordshire

• Greensand Ridge Walk
  A 40-mile trail across the wooded hills of mid-Bedfordshire, from Leighton Buzzard to Gamlingay.
• Ampthill & Maulden Woods
  Woodland walking with views, bluebells in spring, and links to the Ridge Walk.
• Forest of Marston Vale
  A growing network of woodlands and trails near Stewartby and Millennium Country Park.
• John Bunyan Trail
  A 78-mile heritage route passing through Bedford and rural countryside.
• Dunstable Downs & Icknield Way
  Chalk escarpments and open skies along the county’s southern edge.

Why Walk in Bedfordshire

• A mix of ridges, woods, and village paths
• Long-distance trails and quiet circular walks
• Great for spring colour, autumn woods, and easy access
• A slower-paced, less crowded walking county