Now that winter is over and spring has arrived, you might be keen to get out and about and make the most of the wonderful landscapes and walks in our area. This might be especially true if you have a dog and want to spend time exercising it while enjoying the wonderful views the county has to offer.
If so, read on to discover 10 brilliant dog walks in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire that you can enjoy with your pet.
1. Pitstone Common
Located near Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, this popular trail is great for a wide range of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and of course walking your four-legged friend. The trail overlooks the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its oak woodlands, commons and chalk downlands.
There are a number of walks in the area you can take, but the circular route starting at the Chilterns Gateway Centre is one of the most popular.
2. Dunstable Downs
This is an excellent destination to head to with your dog, as it offers miles of footpaths and chalk grasslands to explore. Dunstable Downs is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and sits within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), providing breath-taking vistas as you walk.
If you walk to the top of Dunstable Downs you can enjoy great views of the Vale of Aylesbury and Chiltern Ridge. There are also several historical sites in the area, including the ramparts of a neolithic hill fort and burial mounds.
3. Whiteleaf and Chequers Circular
This walk provides plenty of hills and spectacular views along the way, and starts on Peter’s Lane, Whiteleaf, on Brush Hill. You and your dog will walk through the grounds of the prime minister’s country house retreat of Chequers, passing several archaeological features including a neolithic barrow along the way.
Brush Hill is a nature reserve and wildlife site, which is thought to be more than 400 years old. Whiteleaf Hill is a nature reserve that looks over the market town of Princes Risborough, providing a wonderful walk that is full of great views.
4. Buttons Ramsey
This trail is great for walking your dog, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people whilst on your walk. The route starts at the carpark in Wood End Lane, from which you can join the circular route.
After working up a thirst and an appetite during your walk, you and your pet could drop into the Cross Keys and Country Pub when you return for a drink and bite to eat.
5. Maulden Wood
This is one of the largest remaining areas of ancient woodland in Bedfordshire, and is home to some of the most magical trees. There are dark and dense woodlands in parts as well as grassland and heaths for you and your dog to enjoy.
There are also miles of trails throughout the broadleaved woods and conifer plantations, with a diverse array of flora and fauna. You and your dog can enjoy a variety of walks, from shorter strolls on surfaced paths to narrow and meandering woodland trails.
6. Stockgrove and Rushmere Circular
Situated near Leighton Buzzard, this circular is not overly demanding if you’re healthy and relatively fit. While it’s popular for hiking, running, and walking, you can also enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day.
There are also areas you can let your beloved pet off lead, as well as nearly four miles of beautiful woodland paths when you make your way through King’s Woods and Rushmere Country Park.
7. Leighton Buzzard to Bletchley
Dubbed one of the best dog walks in the region, the towpath of the Grand Union Canal provides a superb walk for you and your dog and is suitable for all ages and ability. The linear walk takes you from Leighton Buzzard to Bletchley, and follows the canal side along the whole route.
8. Ampthill Great Park
The park is a superb place to walk dogs thanks to its varied landscape. It offers 160 acres of parkland and woodland, with the park being an important historic site after King Henry VIII hunted there.
The parkland landscape enjoyed today was created by Lancelot “Capability” Brown in the 18th century and is home to a variety of interesting wildlife and veteran trees. Dogs can get plenty of exercise and there is dog-friendly café for you to enjoy refreshments when you and your pet have finished your walk.
9. Greensand Ridge
This diverse trail is a popular destination for many dog walkers thanks to its flat open spaces, hills, and wooded areas. Greensand Ridge is one of the few places in central England where thin, sandy soils support lowland heathland and acid grassland providing a distinctive landscape teeming with wildlife.
With just about every environment you can think of, it makes for a very exciting walk for your four-legged friend.
10. Harrold-Odell Country Park
A family- and dog-friendly country park in Bedfordshire that provides paths that you and your dog can follow around its two lakes. There is also plenty of wooded and field areas to explore, although some have livestock in them so be careful when letting your dog off-lead.
The park also provides plenty of places to picnic with tables dotted around, as well as a cafe where dogs are allowed to sit outside. Be careful about letting your dog swim in the lake if there is green and blue algae present.
Parking is free, but the park suggests a donation of £1 that can be paid in the Visitor Centre.
Get in touch
We hope you found the above list of dog walks informative and interesting. If, on the other hand, you would like to discuss your finances, pension strategy, investments or wider wealth, please contact us on info@janesmithfinancial.com or call 01234 713131.
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