Silsoe & Shillington Circular Walk
 

Introduction

Enjoy the undulating countryside from the Lower Greensand Ridge in the north, to the chalk hills of the Chilterns in the south. Because the ground in the area is very marshy most of the villages were built on higher land, from where there are splendid views of the surrounding countryside. The place names of the area are mainly Saxon in origin and reflect their situation, eg Silsoe - Sifel's hoh (hill), Shillington - Scytlingedune (hill of Scyttel's people), Gravenhurst - Grafan hyrst (a wooded hill top).
The lovely 17th and 18th century gardens of Wrest Park House can also be seen on these walks, along with a variety of fascinating Norman and mediaeval earthworks.

Wrest Park House is situated on the A6 between Luton and Bedford, near the village of Silsoe. The car park is used with permission of English Heritage and is not a public car park. There is also a car park in Shillington by the side of the playing field.
 

Start/Finish Point
Wrest Park House car park is the suggested starting point. However, you can begin at other points on the route. Grid Ref TL 088357
 

General Information
Distance 9.3 miles (15km) Time 3.5 hours
Surface Types: You will walk across surface types ranging from hard and firm to grass or uncultivated earth path with ruts/mud. You will walk across cultivated farmland which can be muddy in winter.
Refreshments: T
There are pubs and shops in Shillington and a pub in Upper Gravenhurst ; The Green Dragon

 

Route Description
Click here to download the route description and map. 
 

Acknowledgements
This is one of a series of circular walk leaflets produced by Central Bedfordshire Council.