Clay Way

Brogborough Picnic Site This information has been provided courtesy of Let's Go. Simply log onto their website for more information.

This description should be read in conjunction with the route map. A link to the map is given below.

Route Map (PDF, 906kb)

Introduction

The Clay Way is an excellent 11.5 mile linear walk which stretches the length of the Forest of Marston Vale taking in spectacular views of the Vale, Greensand Ridge and other parts of Bedfordshire. The route mainly follows public bridleways and passes through the villages of Bromharn and Cranfield.

The walk is situated on the clay soil of the West Bedfordshire Ridge. Paths can become very boggy during winter months. It is strongly advised that if the route is used during these months appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are worn.

There are opportunities to stop for refreshments at various places along the route:

The Swan Public House, Bridge End, Bromham
The Cross Keys Public House, 159 High St, Cranfield
The Swan Public House, Court Rd, Cranfield
The Rose and Crown Public House, 89, High Street, Ridgmont
(camping facilities available here)
Bromham Mill is the suggested starting point for this walk, however you can begin at various other points and walk in either direction. The walk is clearly waymarked with the special Forest of Marston Vale circular waymarking; blue on public bridleways, yellow on public footpaths, and white on permissive footpaths.

PPlease remember the Country Code. Most land within the Vale is private, without open public access, and provides the livelihood for many of our farmers. Care for the land in the Vale, and keep to the waymarked paths.

Start/Finish Point

Bromham Mill is the suggested starting point and the walk is described in a clockwise direction. But you can also pick up the route at Ridgmont station.

Use the below journey planner to plan your journey by bus to the start point from Bedford station. The start point is in the Bedford PlusBus zone.


Get directions from Bedford station to the Clay Way by public transport with Transport Direct.
On

You can buy tickets to Ridgmont and Bedford stations on our website.

Access and General Information

Distance: 11.5 miles
Surface Types: You will walk across surface types ranging from hard and firm with no stones larger than 5mm, to hard and firm with some loose stones, to grass or uncultivated earth paths with and without ruts and mud, to cultivated farmland.
Linear Gradient: The steepest linear gradients are steeper than 1:6 at the start and end sections of the walk. Along the route, there are gradients of between 1:6-1:9 and 1:10-1:13.
Cross Falls: There are short sections of the walk with cross falls of 1:9 or steeper, especially near to Lambert’s Spinney.
Width Restriction: There is no width restriction less than 1000mm.
Steps: The maximum step height is 250mm on the edge of Holcot Wood.
Barriers: There are five 1-way opening gates with a width of greater than 750mm, and two one-step stiles.
Refreshments: There are pubs at Bromham and Cranfield, and a shop at Cranfield Refreshments can also be obtained from Bromham Mill (subject to opening times).
Public Toilets: None recorded.
Picnic Tables: At Brogborough Hill Picnic Site.
Seats: There is one seat at the end of Holcot Wood, and at Brogborough Hill Picnic Site.

Directions

Use the map!

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