Bedford circular

A moderate to brisk-paced circular walk led by Thomas G (Mobile No: 07775 676092) joint with Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Group. An almost entirely flat walk north of Bedford and never far from the Great Ouse or the John Bunyan Trail. Following the river out of Bedford, then passing through the interesting villages of Bromham and Stevington. About 6 hours actual walking…opt-out for bus short-cut from Oakley and Clapham. Route: busy road to Sikh Gurdwara, quiet path to banks of River Great Ouse, W along river, NW to Bedford Glf Club, then W along its fries (permissive footpath) to cross A6 and pick up river again, Ouse Valley Way to Bromham Bridge and through Bromham Mill and Park to pick up tracks along fields NW of Bromham (still with OVW), W along dismantled railway line by Skylark Cottage, then NW and NE along footpaths into Stevington (i.e. around 3 sides of field containing Stevington Windmill), along fringe of village and past church and holy well then follow John Bunyan Trail along the river to Paddenham and on to Stafford Bridge, roads through Oakley, then (still with JBT) along railway line and back across A6 into Clapham, footpaths to Clapham Green and along pastures-with-views to fringes of Bedford, quiet route along tracks and through Bedford Park to Bunyan Statue and through City Centre to Station. Lunch: Picnic. No suitable pubs or cafés en route. Joint walk with Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Group. Map: E208, L153.