17.3 km 10.7 miles. Toughness 4/10
Follow the John Bunyan Trail across the Sundon Hills and later the Sharpenhoe Clappers, both northern outcrops of the Chilterns. The Clappers are home to a neolithic hill fort.
After lunch in Pulloxhill, the alternative ending back to Harlington is suggested. This takes you past the remains of Bunyan’s Oak, where he used to preach.
Or…take a longer walk to Flitwick. A variety of lengths from 11.9 to 15.2 miles, toughness 6/10.
Trains: Get the Thameslink (Bedford direction) from St Pancras at 10:07 (East Croydon 9:34, West Hampstead TL 10:14). Arrive Harlington at 10:54.
4 trains an hour return to London.
From Harlington; xx:03, xx:19, xx:33, xx:48. From Flitwick; xx:59, xx:15, xx:29, xx:45.
A return to Harlington will do for the circular but a return to Flitwick, the further station, costs no more and covers both endings.
Lunch
The circular and some (but not all) main walk options take you to The Cross Keys, Pulloxhill, (01525 712 442).
If continuing to Flitwick, there are two later pubs in Westoning, the Chequers (01525 712 967), and the Bell (01525 643 874) particularly useful if taking shortcut 1. .
Tea
Harlington has two pubs: The Carpenters Arms (opens at 4) and The Old Sun.
Flitwick offers plenty of choice for any taking the main walk but there’s an earlier recommended stop in Steppingley for some options (see directions)
Walk Directions here
For the circular, use the “alternative ending in Harlington” from Pulloxhill.
T=swc.230
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2 comments:
N=9 at the station.
The day was w=cloudy_with-occasional-sun
Off to a bad start when we found the path blocked by a large construction project. We had to double back and follow a track along the railway line till the paths met.
After the Clappers, the onward path was concealed by a forbidding gate at the entrance to Ruby Farm. But it didn’t fool us.
Pulloxhill is too far for a lunch stop and the approach to it was hellish. A long - and I mean long- stretch was overgrown with shoulder-high brambles briars and nettles. Of course, it didn’t stop us, we’re tough.
Those who ate were complimentary about the food. Beer aficionados were unimpressed by the choice of beer. I had cider, as is my wont.
On the way back I was mildly disappointed to not go past Bunyans Oak. I had the impression the walk took us directly past it but apparently not. Or perhaps we were adrift . Most went straight to the station. Yours truly had a thirst to quench
I should add, all opted for the circular walk.
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