Luton to Barton Hills Hike (13 miles / 21km - Strenuous, Booking Required)

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

This is a local opportunity for some hillwalking practice ahead of our Wales weekend away, with a route which takes in several hills in the Chilterns National Landscape northeast of Luton. All are welcome, whether or not you are coming with us to Wales, but please note that the walk is suitable only for experienced walkers of above average fitness. Please be prepared and bring sufficient food and water for the hike.

The route is mainly through arable farmland, chalk grassland nature reserves and sections of woodland, on undulating terrain with some steep slopes. 

From Inspire Luton Sports Village on the outskirts of Stopsley, we’ll start by heading to Butterfield Green then walk down a deep holloway cut into Oosey Hill. Next we’ll walk up towards Whitehill and make our way northwards through open farmland, on wide tracks once used by drovers transporting livestock. 

Arriving at Barton Hills National Nature Reserve, we’ll first walk along the ridge on the edge of the reserve, giving us great views of the site’s small hills and narrow valleys and of the flat countryside beyond. Then we’ll loop round and walk up and down the grassy hills, culminating in a steep ascent up the side of the valley known as Windy Hollow. Our reward will be our packed lunch stop at the top and another chance to take in the wide-ranging views.

After this, we’ll head downhill through woodland and past Barton Springs, the source of a wonderfully clear chalk stream. We’ll then detour into the large village of Barton-le-Clay and visit The Royal Oak pub for a quick drink.

Suitably refreshed, we’ll head back into the hills to the south, first walking uphill along a wooded lane and then alongside fields to reach Galley & Warden Hills. This is another chalk grassland nature reserve, which has views over Luton and the surrounding countryside. We’ll bag the trig pillar on Warden Hill then descend towards the suburb of the same name. Paths lined with trees and hedges then take us to Bradgers Hill, where we have our final climb of the day up the wooded slope of this local nature reserve. From here we cross Stopsley Common to return to our start point.

Please note this walk is not suitable for dogs.

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, click 'join waitlist' to get a place if one becomes available and 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.