17.3 km 10.7 miles. Toughness 4/10
This walk takes you over a northern outcrop of the Chilterns into the landscape of Pilgrims Progress. You follow the John Bunyan Trail across the Sundon Hills and the Sharpenhoe Clappers. These hills, which offer good views in several directions, inspired Bunyan’s “Delectable Mountains”.
After lunch in Pulloxhill, take the "alternative ending" back to Harlington, on the way passing Bunyan’s Oak, where he used to preach.
Trains Get the Thameslink (Bedford direction) from Blackfriars at 9:24 or St Pancras at 9:34. (This train stops at a number of stations on its way through London including East Croydon 8:56, Kentish Town 9:38, West Hampstead 9:42, Hendon 9:48). Arrives Harlington at 10:32.
Trains return from Harlington at xx:20 and xx:50. Get a return to Harlington (or Flitwick - same price - for longer options).
Lunch
The Cross Keys, Pulloxhill, (01525 712 442).
Tea
Harlington has two pubs: The Carpenters Arms (01525 872 384) and The Old Sun (01525 877 330)
Walk Directions here
The circular walk uses the “alternative ending in Harlington”
The full 15 mile walk to Flitwick is a bit long for this time of year, but, if anyone is tempted by it or the intermediate options (using shortcuts and a different lunch stop), trains return from Flitwick (one stop further) at xx:16 and xx:46.
T=swc.230
4 comments:
I like the titles of your walks. Sorry I don't usually walk on Sundays.
Planning on doing the long walk...
N=4 off the train. 3 set off on the truncated long walk. 1 on the circular. Quite muddy underfoot in places. After climbing out of Harlington, up to the Ickneild Way, the circular 1 (who by this time was on his own) looked round and noticed that what had been mist was now fog. Having gone adrift in the area once before and being averse to doing so again in worsening visibility, he thought “sod this” and retraced his steps to the station. Hardly the Cairngorms but hey. The Flitwick 3 will have to report separately. W=cold-damp-cloudy-misty-turning-foggy
Sad to hear this. Us other three were led by the walk author, who led from memory, inevitably taking a wrong turning here or there, but not to worry. We indeed walked Shortcut I, by-passing Pulloxhill, to ensure we could lunch at The Chequers in Westoning, rumoured to be a nice gastro-pub. As we arrived, there was nobody at the tables, but the bar was crowded, so we were sceptical. But it turned out to be very nice indeed. Competent roasts (I was assured by the other two), an interesting menu, quick and friendly service and a choice of good beers.
On to Steppingley for tea at the marvellous The French Horn, and then through Flitwick Wood to the station. No views due to the fog, but still a good day out, especially in the morning on freshly snow-covered ground.
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