Starting from Dunstable Downs.
Saturday the 7th of September saw the start of Bedfordshire walking festival, (www.bedswalkfest.co.uk) so Ranger Jon and myself led a group of keen walkers on a circular walk from Dunstable Downs around Totternhoe Knolls. This was an 8 mile (well actually I think 9 mile!) walk packed with loads of information from Jon about the Downs, Totternhoe and surrounding parts. We were blessed with a beautiful sunny day and so clear that you could see the now disused towers of Didcot in one direction and for miles in every other.
Pascombe Pit in the sunshine.
Our walk took us along the Downs past the Five Knolls down the sledging slope and across the pegasus crossing, this was a new experience. A pegasus crossing is what horse riders use to get across roads safely, it even has a picture of a horse on the crossing lights!
We then headed down the Green Lanes; a great spot for elderberries, blackberries, and raspberries. This takes you past Maiden Bower an iron age fort. My first time down the Green Lanes and first time seeing Maiden Bower. I’ve lost count now of how many first’s I’ve achieved in this role, in fact there were a few more on this walk!
Maiden Bower
Onwards down the Green Lanes were we arrived at Totternhoe Quarry.
The old Quarry
No longer used but it provides some lovely scenic walks, and a diverse wildlife habitat. Totternhoe is famous for its stone, which has been used in St Albans and Woburn Abbey’s.
Totterhoe stone.
Our final point on the walk was Totternhoe Knolls a 11th-century Norman motte and bailey castle, and a rareity as it has three bailey’s.
The short but steep climb up to Knolls.
Our reward for our physical exertion was a fantastic panoramic view, incorporating Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade Downs and Aylesbury Vale. I could’ve stood and looked for hours.
Totterhoe trig point and view.
Whilst walking back through Totternhoe we were blessed to see a pair of Red Kites only about 30 feet above us, almost dancing with each other on the wind. It was definatly worth a 5 minute pause on our walk to take in the spectacular show. Then onwards and upwards, quite literally! back to the Visitor centre.
The climb back up the Downs.
Bedfordshire Rangers 