We’re a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s, 30s and a bit beyond, offering guided hikes and social events across Herts, Beds and south Cambs.
This walk is for up to 25 people, including the leader.
Join us for the first in a series of hill training walks, in anticipation of a possible weekend away in the hills this summer. We’re going to start fairly gently, on a walk with a short but significantly steep climb which is suitable for reasonably fit people with some experience of country walking. Expect varied terrain, including some undulating sections, steps, and open fields, with fantastic views along the way. The trail is often linked by permissive paths, kissing gates, and short stretches of minor road, creating a moderate and rewarding hike through the Chilterns. Whether you’re planning to come on the potential weekend away or just fancy a walk, join us for the first in our series of hill training treks.
We’ll begin at Harlington Village Hall Car Park. Harlington, in Bedfordshire, is the village where John Bunyan was interrogated at Harlington Manor before being imprisoned, which ultimately led to his writing of The Pilgrim’s Progress. John Bunyan was a 17th-century English Puritan preacher and writer.
From here, we’ll head east towards the Church of St Mary the Virgin and into the recreation ground. The path leads us through open fields before reaching Sharpenhoe village, where we begin our ascent onto a wooded chalk ridge called Sharpenhoe Clappers, a National Trust site and part of the Chilterns National Landscape. The park sits at one of the highest points in Bedfordshire, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Sharpenhoe Clappers also serves as a key intersection for several of Bedfordshire’s most prominent long-distance trails, including the John Bunyan Trail, Icknield Way Path, and Chiltern Way.
From Sharpenhoe Clappers, we’ll walk through stunning chalk grasslands and beech woods, along sections of the ancient Icknield Way. We’ll take a lunch stop in the woodlands between Sharpenhoe Clappers and Sundon Hills Country Park before continuing on.
As we leave Sundon Hills Country Park, we’ll continue along the Icknield Way Trail through narrow paths and then under the Midland Mainline railway. After exiting the underpass, we’ll cross more open fields before leaving the Icknield Way Trail and heading northeast back to our starting point—though not before passing under the Midland Mainline railway once again.
We have the option to visit one of the pubs in Harlington for those who wish to stay for a post walk drink.
Please note this walk is not suitable for dogs.
For information about walking with the group, including our dog policy, please visit the Stag Walkers website.
Booking your place: Please book your place using the free Meetup website/app. Join the Stag Walkers Meetup group and click the 'Attend' button on the event page.
Please do not turn up for a walk without booking, as places are limited.
If the walk is fully booked, click 'join waitlist' to get a place if one becomes available and please check back regularly as you will likely get a place. The waitlist gives priority to single bookings so if you wish to bring a guest, we recommend booking separately.
Unless you opt in to further communications, we will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk.
This is a circular walk.
The start time is when we aim to start walking and the finish time is an estimate.
Walks are graded Easy, Leisurely, Moderate or Strenuous in increasing order of difficulty. Please read the walk description to check it is within your abilities and contact the group if you are unsure.
Please:
We are a Ramblers group, non-members are welcome to try us out for 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 purchase membership. 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: Stone King LLP, Boundary House, 91 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HR.
Harlington Village Hall Car Park, Sundon Road, Harlington, Bedfordshire, LU5 6LS. There are limited parking spaces so we recommend car sharing, and the parking is also limited to 6 hours. Alternatively there is a car park next to the train station which cost £3.50 for the whole day. If you are travelling by public transport, the Village Hall is 5 minutes walk from the train station. Harlington is accessible by Thameslink railway from Luton, Bedford, St Albans etc.
