Sandy RSPB to Everton (9.5 miles/15km, Moderate - Booking Required)

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

A moderately hilly route taking in the largest stretch of heathland in Bedfordshire, the fifth most powerful transmitter in the UK and part of the northeastern section of the Greensand Ridge Walk long-distance path. Please make sure you bring suitable footwear, as it is likely to be muddy in places.

Starting from Sandy Railway Station, we will head straight to Sandy RSPB Nature Reserve and join the Buzzard Trail. Here we will ramble through rolling heathlands enriched with acid grasslands, sand quarries and tranquil coniferous woodlands filled with towering oaks. Large flocks of thrushes feed here in winter.

We will then cross over to the Nuthatch Trail, taking some steep steps through the old wood. We can then enjoy a nice view of the Lodge building (headquarters of the RSPB) while strolling by the pond and wildlife gardens, where we might spot some feeding siskins and redpolls before we head towards the visitor centre for a quick break.

We will then continue along the Skylark Trail, a relatively flat path, before looping around the Sandy Heath Transmitter, which broadcasts television and radio signals to over 2 million people reaching as far as North London.

After passing Sandy Heath, we will continue through farmland to the village of Everton where we will have our lunch stop at the recreation ground. There is also the option to visit The Thornton Arms for a pub stop.

For the final section of our route, we will join the Greensand Ridge Walk and head downhill to join a Roman Road leading us towards Caesar's Camp, which is in fact an ancient British fort, which may have been used by the Romans as far back as the Iron Age, over 2000 years ago. We then return to the start point where all are welcome to stay for a pub stop at The Bell just opposite the station.

Please note this walk is not suitable for dogs (not permitted on the nature reserve trail).

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.