Thursday 6th November Wilstead Walk led by Sheila & Mike Briggs

 Nine walkers started off from the large lay-by north of the village.It was drizzling as we started but undeterred we walked through the village, past the pub now not serving food at lunchtimes. We left the main road  by turning left on to a dog walkers footpath meeting many of them coming in the opposite direction. After about a mile we turned right to ascend Firtree Hill. Almost at the top we stopped at a seat for a coffee stop. We should have had a wonderful view over Bedfordshire but the drizzle & mist partially spoiled it, although we could see the Cardington Hangers. We reached the summit & then came to a wood where we turned left along a track which led us to join the John Bunyan Trail. We turned left onto this  with the drizzle ceasing. We came to Manor Farm where we heard some very noisy geese.

The walkers at Manor Farm with the geese

 

The noisy geese

After our photoshoot we followed the path back to Wilstead shedding layers as we went, due to the lack of rain & increasing temperatures. We arrived back at our cars mostly dry after an enjoyable 6 mile walk.

Saturday 1st November 2025 Steppingley Holy Halloween led by Sue Fox

Hilary, Anna, Jenny and Ged joined Beryl and Sue for a short, sunny and windy short walk to Steppingley for the Holy Halloween Cafe.

Nita and Penny joined us at the church and a surprise visit from Pam Buckley. So lovely to see members we do not see for a while. 

Jenny, Ged, Beryl, Anna & Hilary

There was the usual delicious buffet, savories and delicious homemade cakes.

Raffle, Pumpkin making and a climb to the church tower if you wished.

  

On our short walk back, we saw lots of houses decorated for Halloween and we all had fun on the Zip Wire.

Thursday 9th October - Walk around the Ivinghoe area on led by Lynn

 There were 16 people who met at Pitstone Hill car park in Stocks Road to join Lynn on her walk:

 Tony R., Tony P., Beryl, Jean, Maureen, Diane, Cathy, Kate, Geoff, Torunn, Sandra & Paul, Janet & John, Ruth and Linda, another lady from Toddington, who was joining us for the first time.

 

After introducing and welcoming Linda, we set off up a hill straight away. Apparently, this is known locally as Paul's Knob, which got some giggles!

There can be excellent views from the top here on a clear day but unfortunately it was very grey and murky on the day. 

 

At the top of the first "Incline"

We carried on along the ridge and then headed down to Aldbury Nowers, through woods and a nature reserve and as the Ridgeway turned right, we headed up the hill again to the edge of Stocks Golf Club, where we found some logs and tree stumps to sit and have our elevenses.

 

Janet and John poised on a bit of a See-Saw of a branch

 

Elevenses on Logs

The route carried on along the edge of the course, through trees to reach Stocks Road again, a little way up from Aldbury and joined the Icknield Way for a short distance. We turned left and walked across a couple of fields to come out on the track to Duncombe Farm, going across that to start the long, gradual climb up the escarpment to Duncombe Terrace.

 

Continuing in the same direction, we came out of the woods at Bea​con Road and crossed over to head up to Ward's Hurst Farm. On the other side of the farm, there is a nice view of the escarpment heading round to Dunstable Downs and the chalk lion at Whipsnade Zoo.

 

We turned left here, picking up the Icknield Way again as it goes through a nice, wooded area called The Coombe. The Ashridge Estate (and National Trust?) have been doing a lot of work clearing trees affected by ash dieback as well as reducing the number of conifer trees - which meant there was a very nice smell of pine - to then plant more native broad-leaved trees.

 

In the Coombe looking towards the Whipsnade Lion

At the other end of the wood, we came out into the open again with views of the Ivinghoe Hills and Beacon Hill. We walked towards Beacon Hill but stopped on the east facing side, where we were sheltered from the cool breeze and had our lunch.

 

View from the lunch spot overlooking the Whipsnade Lion

 

Candid snap of the Lunch spot!

Once we were refreshed, we crossed the road and headed up the path on the other side to Steps Hill, then followed the Ridgeway down the other side and then on to the car park.

 

Everyone seemed to enjoy the walk, despite the disappointing weather and hopefully Linda will be joining the Club!

Thursday 2nd October Where Julius Caesar marched 6.5 miles Led by John Dixon

Meeting at two different locations, the cricket club car park walkers set off across the pitch and through the woods to meet with walkers who were parked in the Nomansland common car park.
Both groups joined up a John D took the lead on towards the Elephant & Castle pub, unfortunately to early to call in for some well earned early morning refreshment.

Passing the Elephant & Castle

Some road walking brought us to Aldwickbury Golf Club, skirting the perimeter we walked through a field of sheep where some shearing had taken place, with a lot of wool just left stacked on the floor.

 A well earned coffee break was taken with views of Marshals Heath in the distance.

 Pushing on, we stopped of at St Helen’s church for a look inside and the impressive lead clad steeple.

Members looking round inside the church & Geoff outside

 

The 2 Tonys considering a job advert

 

Through Wheathampstead, turning onto the track walking us along the river Lea towards Marford Farm.
Walking along Devils Dyke, we turned and headed back towards Wheathampstead, crossing the road we were now on our way back to the car park for the end of a very enjoyable walk.

Hilary, Kate, Cathy, Lynn & Geoff sitting with John D & Torunn standing.

Many walkers took the opportunity to have their picnic lunch overlooking the cricket club on a pleasant October afternoon.    Regards    Anthony Price

Thursday 25th September Harlington walk led by Tony Price

After meeting at Harlington village hall 7 walkers set off through the village making our way through the new housing and taking the tracks out towards Dyers Hall Farm.

Crossing the road we joined the Bottoms to make our way to the tracks skirting the bottom of the Sundon Hills,

Neal, Cathy, Tony R, Torunn, Jean S & Diane enjoying their coffee

After stopping for a well deserved coffee break, we were soon on our way again heading on towards the Moleskin Hills, carrying on until we came out at the bottom of Sharpenhoe Clappers.

  

Tony P, Torunn, Cathy, Tony R, Jean S & Diane

 

Walking through the village joining the tracks taking us towards Wateroff.

Continuing on we were soon on our way back towards Harlington and the end of a very enjoyable walk in lovely autumnal sunshine.

 

Thursday 11th September Beds Walk Fest Walk

This 6 mile walk was part of the Beds Walk Fest, but led by the chairman of TRC.
Sadly only 9 walkers took part, 7 from TRC & 2 others.
We started from Sundon Hills car park & walked through a kissing gate, across a meadow, through another gate. We then descended several "flights" of steps before climbing again to reach the old lime pit. 
It was pointed out that the depressions in this pit were caused by US soldiers practising their mortar firing during the second world war. We left this pit passing the old seat overlooking the Bedfordshire countryside. After descending a slope with redundant steps we reached the path along the bottom of the hills. We continued until we reached kissing gate on the right. On the is gate was a notice saying that "sheep were coming" & the gate was to be locked. No timescale given. Thankfully it was open. We ascended a steep path, stopping for a photo at the top taken by Geoff.

John, Tony R, Tony P, Janet, Lynn, Lucy, Graham & Sue at the top of the slope.

We continued to finally cross the road & enter Sharpenhoe Clappers NT site. Here we stopped for a coffee break.  Afterwards we continued along the path around the Clappers perimeter entering the woods at its northern extremity. We left the woods making a detour to avoid descend a steep bank & then followed a path for almost half a mile before turning sharp right along a hedgerow to the road again. We crossed the road & followed a path leading into the woods. After a steep descent of a short flight of steps we reached a sheep meadow. Here we could see rain clouds approaching so we quickened our pace. Continuing we eventually reached the car park just as the rain started. A great walk enjoyed by all.

Sunday 7th September - Flitwick Moor & Folly Wood nature reserve led by Tony P

Five of Toddington ramblers finest walkers met by the track leading to the Flitwick gun club for the start of a very pleasant 4 mile amble around Flitwick Moor & Folly Wood nature reserve, on what was a very pleasant & sunny autumn morning.

Penny, Annie, Cathy & Neal outside the memorial hut

The gun club was in action on the ranges, the wildlife trust were carrying out maintenance and along the river Flit heavy machinery has been cutting down many trees & re-profiling the river banks.

Cathy, Penny, Annie & Tony P

We returned to our cars along the track for the end of what was a lovely Sunday morning amble in the sunshine.

 

 

Thursday 28th August Clophill walk led by Debbie

I Just made it in time to lead the walk due to a van blocking my drive & in no rush to move, followed by a road closure !!  I was joined by a very good turnout of 20 members. Some parked around the green, but others parked nearby & walked to the green.

We walked along the High Street turning left up Mill Lane.  We looped round the lanes re-joining the High Street and turning off up Old Church Road where we passed the Eco Lodges before coming to the old Church ruins where we had our coffee break in the sunshine.  Some sitting on the boundary wall, some in the adjacent grassy area & some on the bench next to the church.

Members on the boundary wall

  

Members sitting in the adjacent grassy area

On the church bench

We continued up the lane through a track & field joining Great Lane then turned right into Old Kiln Lane, passing a farm before taking a footpath on our left. We crossed a grassy meadow through a small holding and  copse before joining The Slade.  
This brought us back onto Mill Lane joining the High Street at the bottom after 3.5 miles of walking.. 
Thank you all for joining me. Debbie  

Thursday 21st August Ampthill walk led by John & Janet

15 walkers met at the west car park in Ampthill on a dry,  overcast but warm morning for a slightly abridged version of Katherine’s walk. 
We set off downhill towards Millbrook where we crossed the road by the church and were soon climbing uphill through trees and ferns.
This path brought us out on the Woburn road where we made use of the crossing to navigate safely over onto the edges of Center Parcs holiday village. This is a pleasant path amongst trees and passes a piggery. 

Soon afterwards we stopped for a coffee break on very handy logs. 

We were soon on the way again towards Steppingley passing the church. We turned left down the fields rather than carrying on the official walk to avoid the housing estate. 

A suitable bridge made a great photo opportunity. 

 

From here we walked past the reservoir and crossed the busy road. This pleasant path led to a clearing where we stopped for lunch with a couple of benches and carved wood of frogs, tadpoles and frog spawn! The carvings gave extra, though somewhat slightly uncomfortable, seats! 

We then had to cross the train line up and down steps. The path led us to Coopers hill which was covered in heather. From here we passed the rugby ground and back into the park. 

Total of just over 7miles that everyone said they enjoyed.     Report by Janet 

Track of walk 

 

Thursday 14th August - Wilstead led by Tony P

Eight walkers met in the Methodist church car park for the start of a 6 mile walk around the Wilstead countryside.
Leaving the village, behind we joined with the track that would take us out towards Manor Farm.

Sue & Tony R chatting followed by John, Joy, Llyn, Geoff & Graeme.

Passing through fields of noisy sheep, we negotiated an insulated electric fence which was at low level across the footpath, before passing through the farm.

Now once again we are on our old friend the John Bunyan trail (he seems to be everywhere ?)

Along the trail we stopped for a deserved water break before climbing the incline up towards Northwood End Farm, where we came across this Grade 2 listed Granary, English Heritage ID 37625

It is a granary with high brick plinth to all sides, brick straddles with stone caps, timber frame with weather boarding to exterior, pyramidal clay tile roof, small square structure, small plank doors on the N & W elevations.

Geoff, John, Llyn, Tony P, Joy, Sue & Graeme in front of the granary

On through the farm we arrived in Haynes & along Plumbers Lane turning into Park Palings where we stopped for a well earned picnic break, overlooking the Bedfordshire countryside.

Suitably refreshed, we were once more on our way taking in views of Haynes Park, the spiritual place of Radha Soami Satsang Bead (science of the soul)

Continuing along until we came to Firtree Hill which offered us  more fantastic views of the Bedfordshire countryside, with the old airship hangers centre stage.

Geoff, Tony R, Llyn, John, Joy, Tony P & Sue 

 Walking alongside Wilstead wood we joined with the track we used to start the walk, we were now heading back to the car park for the end of a lovely walk on a nice warm sunny day enjoyed by all walkers.                 Thanks to Tony P for the photos & script

Track of walk, walked generally in anti-clockwise direction.

 

Saturday 2nd August 2025 – Richmond Park, London. 7 miles.

 

5 members of the Club – Tony R, Sue, Geoff, Maureen and Beryl were joined by a visitor, Maggie.

We travelled to London on the 9.29 /9.33 am train from Flitwick / Harlington. Denise, Beryl’s friend

who lives in Brentford, met us at Ealing Broadway Station (Elizabeth Line) and we boarded the 65 bus to

Richmond. We were a bit like excited school children on the bus – claiming the front upstairs seats and

delighting in views of magnificent houses, the River Thames and Kew Gardens including the Pagoda.

After a Banana/Coffee stop Denise guided us around the vast Park. It was difficult to believe that we

were in the great metropolis of London – so much open grassland and beautiful trees. There were

many felled trees in the Park and we made use of one where we stopped for our picnic lunch break.

After lunch we diverted a little from the planned route and enjoyed a stroll through Isabella Plantation

making use of the toilet facilities.

For a while we were lost and had to double back on ourselves.

On the way back we decided to leave the bus at Kew Bridge and walk along the River Thames path to

Strand on the Green where Denise directed us to a lovely riverside pub, The Bull, and we enjoyed a well

earned meal and watched the tide quickly rise on the river outside our window. (Tony R had left us

earlier because he needed to get back to be with Cynthia.)

So being well fed and feeling happy on the lovely sunny evening we boarded the 65 bus again and

wended our way back to Ealing Broadway Station (Denise lift us before the station as we drove by the

end of her road). Unfortunately, Maggie had a fall on the stairs going down to the platform. She was

obviously in great pain, but it was decided to continue to Bedford A & E . The station crews were very

helpful but also limited by where they were allowed to take the wheelchairs – each train line having to

keep their own chair. Sue, Maureen and Beryl finally managed to get Maggie to A & E but being a

Saturday night, with long queues, it was decided that she should be returned to her family in Silsoe who

would take her to the hospital the next morning. (Maggie had a spiral break of her left tibia.)

We all (including Maggie) agreed that it had been a great day out and that we would not allow the

accident to dampen our enthusiasm and enjoyment.

2025 Garden Party held on 7th August at the Chairman's house

This garden party was originally scheduled for a week early but was postponed due to the weather forecasters predicting storm conditions which never happened.
We had a very enjoyable afternoon with 37 attending. The weather turned up trumps, although there was a slight breeze it was warm but not too hot. The day was brightened by many of the ladies wearing their summer dresses, never seen on walks. Members brought a variety of delicious cakes & other items which were sampled by all present. Committee members worked hard in the kitchen making many pots of tea. Hilary walked around the garden taking photos which can be seen below.

Members enjoying themselves in the garden

Jenny, Tracey, Maureen, Brenda & Malcolm

John with the ladies

Mike, Richard, Keith & Tony R

RUTH’S Memorial Walks Thursday 24th July led by Bob and Celia

 
WALK 1 - A 5 mile morning walk starting from the Woodland Burial Ground car park at Keysoe (MK44 2JP) at 10.00am, returning about 12.30pm for a picnic lunch. The walk explored the countryside of North Bedfordshire and the various ‘ends’ of Keysoe.

 This walk was on the year anniversary to the day, of the Tragic accident that took Ruths life in a mountain fall in Glencoe.

The gathering before the afternoon walk

 

 

About 20 fellow members of the Toddington Ramblers  and family of Ruth joined up to walk around the adjoining fields and village of Keysoe. The weather was drizzly and ground muddy in places. Most were glad to arrive back at the Keysoe cafe for a sociable lunch.

 We were joined by Ruths sons James and Mike and Beth (Mikes wife) with Ruth's granddaughter Freya (almost 2yrs)  to head out on the second shorter walk in the afternoon. 

  

WALK 2 – A short 1.5 mile afternoon walk will start from the Woodland Burial Ground car park at Keysoe at 1.15pm, walking through the attractive parkland of the Keysoe International Equestrian centre and finishing up at Ruth’s graveside. 

Freya walked the whole 1 and half miles to keep with the group of now 25 of us even though the weather had turned to intermittent rain. It was comforting to see so many supporting the family in a moving walk for all of us.  

  

The walk ended up at Ruth's resting place.

 

 Members of the Ramblers placed lovely flowers on the Grave in remembrance.

    

 

 

 

 

Mike, Beth and Ruth's granddaughter Freya

Thank you to all those able to support the family in this remembrance.

 

Geoff 

SUNDAY 13TH JULY Strawberry Tea at East End Farm Harlington

 Strawberry Tea at East End Farm Harlington  2pm till 5pm 

Sue was joined by Beryl, Hilary, Tony and David and we had a short leisurely walk from Harlington Village Hall car park to East End Farm.

 

Harlington Flowers in Bloom

In places it was hot, so a big well done to us. It is always a lovely walk some of the crops were golden in colour. 

 

David and Hilary

We stopped in a sheltered copse for a short break, Beryl had a try a rope swing. Well Done, Beryl!  Unfortunately, the bench had seen better days. 

 

Beryl tries the rope swing!

...sadly the bench was no longer.....

Sandra, Paul and Nita were already there when we arrived and we were later joined by Penny, Sandra, Tracy, Wendy and her sister who had driven there. 

 

We had a really lovely time enjoying our cream tea and cakes in the sunshine, listening to music and exploring the wonderful gardens and taking a look at the horses.  

 Carol from the Farm gave some of us a guided tour of her interesting garden, the follies had been brought from other places and restored them because her son could not see them being knocked down. There is just so much to see in her garden.

 

All donations will go to Harlington Church restoration fund.

 

Thank you so much for coming it really was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon