Distances - 33 miles
Short cut - 23 miles

This ride visits thirteen villages in the north of the county, and meanders through some lovely countryside.

The route starts from Harrold-Odell Country Park. Turn right outside the park, and follow the road through Hinwick and Podington. Hinwick House, on the left, is an impressive Queen Anne mansion.

Continue to Wymington and turn right at the New Inn, signposted to Bedford. This lane emerges at the A6; turn right and ride along the A6 for ¼ mile. TAKE CARE as this is a very busy road. Turn left at Avenue Road, leading to Newton Bromswold and Yielden.

At the T-junction turn right, and at Newton Bromswold right and almost immediately left to Yielden. Ride through Yielden, passing the earthworks of a Norman motte and bailey castle, and follow the road on for 3 miles towards Swineshead, through open rolling countryside.

At the T-junction in Swineshead, turn right for the shorter ride through Riseley and Sharnbrook. Alternatively, turn left to take in some more interesting villages beginning with Pertenhall. Just before the village of Pertenhall turn right to Chadwell End and continue to Green End to reach the B660.

Turn right on the B660 towards Keysoe. At the top of the hill go right to Hatch End, and then follow Hatch Lane on the right, leading to Thurleigh around the edge of the airfield. Notice on the left the USAAF memorial to the 306th Bombardment Group.

At the T-junction in Thurleigh turn right for Sharnbrook. In approximately 1 mile at the end of the road turn left and next right down a delightful quiet lane to Bletsoe. Turn right at the church and left at the end of the lane towards Sharnbrook. TAKE CARE crossing the A6.

In Sharnbrook turn left at Church Lane, and follow the signposts back to Harrold-Odell Country Park.

Places to Visit

Harrold-Odell Country Park has 150 acres of attractive landscaped lakes and water meadows. Walks and attractive Visitor Centre. Car Park.

Forth Foot Lane Picnic Site is a quiet and pretty place to stop off for some refreshments.

Villages; all the thirteen villages and worth exploring. To visit Harrold village a short detour is required from the main route.