Flitwick Circular Walk

This Central Bedfordshire walk just north of the easterly end of the Chilterns initially follows the tranquil Flit River along the shady wooded fringes of Flitwick Moor, one of the most important wetland sites in the south east of England, and then veers away from the river through a couple of quiet villages, en route passing the Grade I-listed De Grey Mausoleum in Flitton and the also Grade I-listed Wrest House and Gardens in Silsoe. This is followed by a longer stretch through rolling fields with views to the Greensand Ridge.
After routing through the newly created Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve (a former Fuller’s Earth quarry) and crossing the Flit the walk leads up the Greensand Ridge, descending for lunch back into Clophill.
After lunch it’s back on to the ridge for a long stretch through and along Maulden Wood, at times with far views south to the Chiltern Hills. The highlight of the return route from Maulden to Flitwick is the passage through Flitton and Flitwick Moors, including a stretch along a narrow path through the very heart of Flitwick Moor.

A much shorter walk option, with less ascent as well, and rated 1 out of 10, is described.

A very short out-and-back to the De Grey Mausoleum and Wrest Park is also possible, pubs in Silsoe and Flitton – or the Café in Wrest Park – would provide nourishment (12.3 km/7.7 mi).
A pre-lunch Shortcut cuts 7.2 km (4.4 mi) and 120m of ascent/descent and has a rating of 1/10.
A short loop up to Cainhoe Castle leads to a fine viewpoint over the Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve.
At the Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve, the old routing following the public footpath along the fringes of the former quarry is retained as an option.
In the Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve, a couple of short extensions are described (one leading past the reserve’s café), others (through the Ecology Ponds and the Skylark Meadows) are obvious from the map of the reserve on display in various places.
A direct route from the Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve to the village centre is described (pub, bus lines).
The two lunch options in Clophill are a mere 650m apart, one on the Main Walk route, the other on the Shortcut. For the continuation from Clophill, there is no material difference in length between using the Main Route or the Shortcut. The route between them is described.
Several bus lines connect Clophill to either Flitwick, Bedford or Luton Stations (both on the same line as Flitwick). Line 200 also stops close to the Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve.
Bus Lines 200 and FL1, 4, 5 and 10 also onnect Flitton (3.2 km into the walk) and Maulden (6.1 km from the end) to Flitwick (Mon-Sat).

Saturday Walkers’ Club: Take the train closest to 9.30 hours.

Early options in Flitton and Silsoe. For details see page 2 of the Walk Directions pdf.
The Stone Jug 10 Back Street, Clophill, Bedfordshire, MK45 4BY (01525 860 526). The Stone Jug is located 14.6 km (9.0 mi) into the main walk and 7.8 km into the short walk. It is a 16th century building which became a public house in the early 1900's. Repeatedly voted North Bedfordshire Pub of the Year by CAMRA.
The Flying Horse 2 The Green, Clophill, Bedfordshire, MK45 4AD (01525 860 293). The Flying Horse is located 15.2 km (9.5 mi) into the full walk and 7.2 km into the short walk.

Various options in Maulden (6 km from the end of the walk) and in Flitwick. For details see the Walk Directions pdf.

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National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Nov-25 Thomas G