The Ampthill Countryside Circle (6 miles/10 km - Leisurely, Booking Required)

This walk is for up to 25 people, including the leader.

A refreshing circular walk through scenic lanes, green spaces, open fields and woodland, with a few gentle slopes.

We begin our walk in Ampthill Great Park, a historic and scenic public park located in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, known for its Capability Brown–designed landscape and former royal connections to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon, who has a memorial in the park, Katherine's Cross. Going right through the heart of the park is the Greensand Ridge Walk, which we will follow to Houghton House.

Houghton House is a ruined 17th-century mansion known for its panoramic countryside views and its reputed link to John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. Built as a hunting lodge, it is now managed by English Heritage and is free to visit. After visiting the house with all its rooms, we can enjoy our early packed lunch on the grassy area - consider bringing something you can sit on, like a sit mat or a bag.

After our lunch break, we resume the Greensand Ridge Walk for the final stretch before entering King's Wood, a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for its ancient woodland and rich wildflower meadows. The wood is a popular spot for walking, hiking, and enjoying nature, especially noted for its bluebell displays in spring; the King's Wood route is a permissive path.

From the woodland, the path leads us through a horse paddock, after which we continue through open fields, enjoying the beautiful scenery as we return to Ampthill Great Park.

If you’d like, there’s an option to stop at a pub after the walk to unwind and reflect on the scenery.

Please wear sturdy walking boots, as several sections in the open fields and also in King's Wood may be muddy.

For those planning to join the pub visit afterwards, please be prepared to change footwear before entering.

Dogs are welcome on a lead.

For information about walking with the group, including our dog policy, please visit the Stag Walkers website.

Booking your place: Please book your place using the free Meetup website/app. Join the Stag Walkers Meetup group and click the 'Attend' button on the event page.

Please do not turn up for a walk without booking, as places are limited.

If the walk is fully booked, please click 'join waitlist' then please check back regularly as you will likely get a place. The waitlist gives priority to single bookings so if you wish to bring a guest, we recommend booking separately.

Unless you opt in to further communications, we will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk.