Kempston Rural Walk
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 this map is given below.
Route Map
(PDF, 232kb)
Introduction
The Kempston Rural circular walk is an excellent 4 mile walk within
this pleasant part of the Marston Vale Community Forest. The route
follows mainly signed footpaths and quiet stretches of road. Some
of the route crosses open arable land which may be muddy during the
winter months. It is strongly advised that if the route is used
during these months appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are
worn
Start/Finish Point
For rail users, we recommend starting at Vicarage Farm on Box
End Road. The below directions are given from Green End Road. The
nearest station is Bedford St Johns. Plan your journey to the start
point by bus from Bedford St Johns station by using the below
journey planner. The start point is in the
Bedford PlusBus zone.
You can buy tickets to Bedford St Johns on our website.
Access and General Information
Length: 4 miles
Directions
A Begin your walk on the Green End Road, following the signed
footpath between the painted cottages. This path follows the edge
of the cemetery. In the distance and to your north you can see the
clay ridge that borders the vale and ‘Hanger Wood’, an
ancient woodland referred to as far back as 1200AD. Woodlands such
as this would have supplied timber to the village nearby.
B Once past the cemetery take the path's route south west (left)
and follow it to the signed crossroad.
C At the crossroad take the signed field edge path, follow it north
(right) over the next two fields, crossing a bridge and to the
road.
D Once at the road turn east (right) and take the signed path on
the opposite side of the road. This follows a grassy field edge
path that eventually crosses a stile and then diagonally across a
pony paddock, coming out on the West End Road over a stile.
There are several ‘ends’ in Kempston Rural, some are
descriptive – such as Wood, Church and Box. Kempston, as with
many other villages, is characterised by a series of inter
connected ‘ends’. Many of these fused together to form
the modern urban area. Until the creation of Kempston Urban
District of 1894 the historic parish was one of the biggest in
Bedfordshire.
E At the road turn west (left) and follow the road taking the fork
signed for Stagsden.
F Opposite West End Farmhouse take the signed footpath across the
next two fields crossing a very narrow bridge and coming out, via a
stile, on Tithe Road. To use the short cut, turn left.
On the end of one of the West End farm outbuildings you will see a
Victorian wall post box. Pillar boxes were very costly to provide
in rural areas so, to save villagers waiting out in the cold for
the mail coach, wall boxes were introduced.
G Once at the road follow it west (right) taking the signed
footpath at the first bend.
H This path crosses two stiles and a small bridge. It then follows
a field edge path for some distance. This path gives superb views
over the surrounding area and offers the opportunity to roam
Kempston Wood which is managed by the Woodland Trust. The path
eventually rejoins Tithe Road across a sleeper bridge.
The word ‘Tithe’ defines the ancient obligation of all
parishioners to maintain their priest from the fruits of the earth
in his parish.
I At the road turn south (right) and follow it past the Cross Keys
public house and past Wood End Farm.
J Take the signed footpath opposite and to the east of (past) Wood
End Farm. This path follows a field edge path, through a kissing
gate and diagonally across a large field of pasture. Following a
worn path you will exit the field, at the gate, east (to the right
of) the quaint thatched 'Rose Cottage'.
K Cross the track and follow the signed path through the kissing
gate to the right of the farm gate (behind a tree). This path
follows the line of fencing to the north east (right) and comes out
on the Green End Road.
The area of land that the path crosses has been planted up with
various tree species. Although privately owned, The Community
Forest is keen to encourage landowners to enhance their holding
with planting schemes. This tract of land has now been returned to
what would have been part of the surrounding park land to Kempston
House. The building is effectively screened behind planting,
demonstrating yet another use of trees!
L Once at the road follow it north (left) back to the start of the
walk.
Weather Forecast
Below is the weather forecast for Bedford.
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