A hilltop Bedfordshire village with sweeping countryside views and peaceful rural trails
Shillington offers a tranquil base for walking holidays and outdoor adventures in Bedfordshire. Set on a gentle hill surrounded by open fields and quiet lanes, it has direct access to scenic footpaths linking to nearby destinations such as Pirton and Hitchin, as well as routes that connect to the Icknield Way Path. From the 12th-century parish church on the hilltop, you can enjoy far-reaching views across the surrounding farmland — a perfect starting point for slow, unhurried exploration.
The village has a long history, with archaeological finds dating back to Roman times, and today it retains its rural charm with a mix of traditional cottages, farms, and green spaces. Walkers can enjoy peaceful countryside loops straight from the village, passing hedgerows, meadows, and small woodlands.
Why Walk Here
- Elevated position with panoramic countryside views.
- Close to the Icknield Way Path and other linking routes into Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
- Quiet village setting ideal for slow-paced, rural walking.
- Historic parish church and long-settled landscape.
Nearby Trails
- Icknield Way Path (nearby) – Ancient route linking the Ridgeway to the Peddars Way across chalk downs and farmland.
- Chiltern Way (nearby section) – Circular long-distance route skirting the northern edge of the Chiltern Hills.
- John Bunyan Trail (nearby) – Loops through Bedfordshire’s villages and countryside, passing heritage sites and rural landscapes.
Outdoor Adventures and Activities
- Short circular walks across open farmland and meadow paths.
- Photography from the churchyard for some of the best village views in Bedfordshire.
- Cycling quiet country lanes linking Shillington, Pirton, and Hitchin.
