Sunday 21 June 2026 Midsummer walk led by Beryl

It had been an extremely hot day,  but when 10 ramblers set off from Ampthill Great Park at 6 pm it was perfect with a pleasant cooling breeze.   We walked at a very gentle pace along the ridge in open parkland with views over Bedfordshire. 

We continued on through the wooded area and out onto Bedford Road.

We safely negotiated crossing the road at a nasty bend and proceeded to stroll along the path and track to Houghton House.   At the small car park we were pleased to be joined by Penny.  

When we arrived at the ruin we could hear a man singing and a young person was videoing him.   We later discovered that the group of young men were all family from Romania.  They told us that they were recording Christian Songs to send home.  From time to time we could hear the gentleman serenading us.

We sat on the steps admiring the view across the vale contemplating how it would change when Universal Studios UK was completed.  Some bubbly and nibbles were handed round to supplement our picnic meal.    

Gill, Diane, Mary, Anna, Tony, Keith & Beryl with Brenda, Sandra & Paul at the rear.

 Finally, we wended out way back through Ampthill Great Park to the cars.   All in all it had been a pleasant evening

Thursday 18th June Harlington to Pulloxhill 7 miles led by Tony Price

Leaving the village hall on an overcast but humid morning, 11 of Toddington Ramblers finest walkers crossed Bury Orchard then walking along Barton Rd, before taking the track into the fields giving us views of Bunyans Oak and Sharpenhoe Clappers,

On through the plantation, through a field of cattle, coming out at Upper Sampshill farm.

Carrying on through Portobello farm which looked deserted, we continued on to the church yard at Pulloxhill where we stopped for a well earned coffee break. 

On our way again with the weather changing to hot and humid, we followed the track past Meadhook Farm.

With the leader to busy talking he missed our turn once again and had to double back on ourselves to get back onto the right track.

With that little mishap behind us we walk past Meadhook woods, now in full sunshine and very little shade we continued along the John Bunyan trail onto Grange Farm and the derelict house, crossing the busy road into Wateroff.

Crossing the little stream we continued up to the Bottoms walking along the road before turning into the fields taking us back into Harlington.

One last incline and we were crossing the playing fields back towards the village hall.

On what turned out to be a very hot and humid day, I think all walkers were grateful to be back for the end of the walk.    Regards   Anthony Price 

Track of walk, walked in clockwise direction