Walks from Bedford

Largely flat riverside paths, fields, woods, parks and pedestrianised town centre.

Warnings: Can be muddy.

Walk details: the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).

An almost completely flat route following the River Great Ouse out of Bedford and then the line of the former Oxford-to-Cambridge railway (National Cycle Route 51), 100 percent tarmac or concrete and 90 percent dead straight and with one pleasant 'snail loop' diversion with river views. A short hill over the A421 bridge; restricted headroom (183cm) under Bedford bridge. Follows National Cycle Routes 51 and 12 along the former Oxford-to-Cambridge Varsity line; can be split using bus links, with refreshments and toilets at Danish Camp (check opening days) and Priory Park.

Time: 4h–8h

1 lunch spot: Danish Camp Cafe

Warnings: Parts of the 'snail loop' sometimes flood in autumn and winter, needing the straight-line diversion. No barriers near the river and Willington Lock at points — a safety issue for children and dogs. Restricted headroom of 183cm under Bedford bridge.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A flat-ended route with a considerable hill between Willington and Northill. A high proportion is on tarmac (disused railway cycle track then quiet village roads); off-tarmac stretches through the woods can be very muddy and greasy. Follows the disused Bedford to Cambridge railway (now a cycle track) and the Greensand Ridge Walk.

Time: 6h–11h30

Lunch: Pubs at Willington and Northill (the Northill pub is the last refreshment before Biggleswade).

Warnings: The footpath crossing of the dual-carriageway A1 is dangerous; use the right-hand fork to the culverts under the road rather than walking across. Crossing the busy A603 in Willington needs care. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Flat riverside paths, old railway track, fields and road sections.

Warnings: Largely on road.

Source: A shorter variant of Bedford Circular – the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).