Distance - 27 miles

This attractive circular ride around mid-Bedfordshire, meanders through several lovely villages, and visits the historic Georgian
market town of Ampthill on Bedfordshire's Greensand Ridge. It begins in Bedford on the cyclepath running along the north side of the River Ouse.

Join the cyclepath in Horne Lane, Bedford, beside the Market Place. Follow the path to Kempston, then join the main road
leading past the Saxon Centre and fork right at the roundabout into the High Street.

Follow this road for 2 miles to Wootton and continue on it for a further 2 miles. Take the left turn to Lower Shelton. Make sure to take the subway on the right, leading under the A421.

At the end of Lower Shelton Road turn right into Marston Moretaine. Take the left turn to Millbrook and in 2 miles, just past the Vehicle Proving Ground, turn right and follow the lane to Millbrook village. At the T-junction with the A507 turn left to Ampthill. After about a mile turn left again into Ampthill, passing the Ampthill Park, which is well worth exploring.

In Ampthill town centre go left over the first mini roundabout, and then straight over the second one into Church Street. Continue on this road for 1 mile to Maulden, then turn left at The Brache which is signposted to Haynes. Follow this lane to a T-junction, and turn left still heading for Haynes. TAKE CARE at the A6 staggered junction which you must cross.

Continue on this road through Haynes Church End, and head towards Old Warden and Ireland. Pass straight across the A600 and then fork left and left again, following the signposts to Cardington. From the A600 to Cardington is approximately 5 miles.

In Cardington turn left and then, in just under ½ a mile, take the first left towards Harrowden. TAKE CARE to watch the traffic on the A600 as you turn right at the end.

Go straight across the roundabout into Eastcotts Road, and then turn left into Cardington Road. Follow Cardington Road along for about ¾ mile going across the Beach Pool roundabout and following the signs for the town centre. Then take a left turn down Fenlake Road to join a signposted cycle track leading back to the town centre. TAKE CARE crossing Cardington Road and Longholme Way.

The cycle route follows a path to the left of the Riverside Car Park. Follow the signposted route, staying on the south side of the  river, and eventually passing under Town Bridge. Turn sharp left here to come out on St Mary's Street. Join the traffic and follow the one-way system back around St Paul's Square to Home Lane.

Places to Visit

Ampthill Park was popular with King Henry VIII. Here Catherine of Aragon was imprisoned. The present park was originally
a medieval deer park belonging to the former Ampthill Castle. It is now owned by Ampthill Town Council and is open to the
public for walking, picnicing etc. Car Park, Children's Playground.

Ampthill is an attractive Georgian market town, full of antique shops and picturesque narrow streets.