Discover the countryside: Bedfordshire

WALK THROUGH HISTORY: Follow one of Britain’s oldest routes

Alice Wiggins, Trustee at CPRE Bedfordshire, recommends exploring the Icknield Way, one of Britain’s oldest known routes and believed to have been used since prehistoric times. 

It follows the chalk ridge across Bedfordshire, with the stretch around Barton-le-Clay one of its most atmospheric sections. 

Places such as Barton Hills, Sharpenhoe Clappers and Pegsdon Hills may be familiar destinations, but what many people don’t realise is that the Icknield Way is the ancient thread connecting them. 

Many local footpaths are fragments of this route, used by traders, farmers and pilgrims over thousands of years. 

LOOK – AND LISTEN – IN SPRING: Listen for skylarks on Barton Hills

For Alice, Bedfordshire’s countryside is particularly special in spring. Head to Barton Hills and listen for skylarks and yellowhammers singing over the chalk landscape. 

More hidden gems from the Bedfordshire branch are available here: https://www.cprebeds.org.uk/discover/bedfordshire-hidden-gems/