We’re a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s, 30s and slightly older, offering led walks and social events across Herts, Beds and south Cambs.
Alastair M
This walk is for up to 30 people, including the leader.
The walk is hosted by Stag Walkers as part of the Spring 2024 Chilterns Walking Festival. 15 spaces are available through Stag Walkers and 15 through the festival website.
This six mile circular walk begins atop Dunstable Downs, a long section of the northwestern escarpment offering wide and expansive views over the Ouzel valley and the Vale of Aylesbury.
We set off along a path around the edge of the very large and striking Kensworth chalk quarry, making our way next through Kensworth village. We then cross Whipsnade Heath, continuing into Whipsnade village. Here we will visit the Tree Cathedral, a unique sight for those who have never seen it, stopping for a snack break here.
Finally, we follow part of the Icknield Way long distance path back up the southeastern side of the escarpment, returning to the start point while enjoying more of the impressive views from Dunstable Downs.
Public toilets are available at the start and end of the walk at the Chilterns Gateway Centre. The National Trust cafe is also there for those wanting to buy refreshments. We will not be stopping for lunch enroute, but if you wish to eat a packed lunch there are picnic benches available at the end of the walk.
Dogs are welcome on a lead.
For information about walking with the group, including our dog policy, please visit the Stag Walkers website.
Booking your place: If you would like to join, you must book in advance using the Stag Walkers Meetup group - see Notes for how to book & what to bring. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your booking so that someone else can take your place.
Please do not turn up for a walk without booking, as places are limited.
Unless you opt in to further communications, we will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk.
Please car-share or use public transport if possible. To offer a lift or ask for one from a fellow walker, please use the Meetup event page.
This is a circular walk.
Please be aware of the walk grade: walks are graded Easy, Leisurely, Moderate or Strenuous
Use our Meetup group to book your place on the walk: https://www.meetup.com/StagWalkers/
Book your place via the Stag Walkers Meetup group by clicking the ‘Attend’ button on the event page. If the walk is full, click ‘join waitlist’ and you will be added if a place becomes available. If you’re on the waitlist, please check back regularly to see if you have been added to the attending list.
Please:
DO NOT book onto a walk unless you are pretty sure you will be able to make it.
UPDATE YOUR RSVP. We understand ‘life happens’ so if you need to change your RSVP please do this at least 24 hours before the walk and before booking closes to enable someone else to take your place.
DON’T NO-SHOW on the day unless it is absolutely unavoidable (we do understand ‘life happens’) because it prevents others from enjoying a walk if it is fully booked.
*TAKE NOTE that if you no-show and/or cancel after the booking closing deadline three times, without extenuating circumstances, we will decline further bookings from you for a period of six weeks.*
Bring a packed lunch/snacks and drinks, appropriate clothing for the conditions and optionally a basic first aid kit.
Please follow NHS guidelines and do not attend the walk if you are unwell.
We are a Ramblers group, non members are welcome to try us out for two or three free walks before joining Ramblers as a full member.
As a charity we ask that non-members consider making a voluntary donation to Ramblers until they become a full member. We suggest £3-4 per walk. You can donate in person or online.
The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number: 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales number: 1093577. Registered office: First Floor, 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE.
Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade LU6 2GY. Ample parking available in the two main and one overflow car park. National Trust members can park for free. Otherwise it costs £3.50 all day. The direct bus to the start point at the Chilterns Gateway Centre does not run on Sundays. However local buses serve nearby Dunstable around a 30 minute walk away.
