| Ridgmont 'Clay Way' circular walk Leaving
Ridgmont Station, turn right towards Ridgmont village (1.5 miles
distance) and take the bridleway, on the left just before reaching the
M1 overbridge. The bridleway signs bear the "Clay Way"
motif. Look out for these throughout the walk.
Continue ahead, with a field to the left and the M1 to the right for
about 100m before turning left and taking a path across the field.
Follow signs ahead to a grassed path with hedgerows to your right. The
path bears left passing a farm, towards the railway and industrial
park. Cross the railway by a bridge then follow the path straight
ahead towards the Roundhouse. Bear left at the ruins of the Roundhouse,
towards the A421 trunk road, but descend to the right just before
reaching a blue bridge over an old wagonway. The wagonway is now a
footpath and bridleway.
At the bottom of the slope turn right and follow the path down
hill. At the bottom, turn left and walk under the A421. Take
a sharp left turn immediately on the other side and walk up a steep
slope and then right onto an old road.
This leads to Brogborough Hill picnic site (to the left).
Before reaching this site, on the right is access to the Forest Trail
and Reynold Wood. This site was bought by the Woodland Trust in
1992. Since then more than 60,000 trees have been planted to
create a new wood within the Forest of Marston Vale.
Impressive views across west Bedfordshire can be seen on a clear
day. There is good signage provided for additional possible walks
to Holcot Wood and to Cranfield and Bromham following the Clay Way. Cross
the picnic site and take the steps down to the A421 and take great care
in crossing this busy road. Alternatively retrace your steps back
to the wagonway under the road. If you have crossed the road you
need to cross the wagonway by the blue bridge (mentioned earlier ) and
descend to the wagonway path. Turn sharp left and walk under the
bridge, uphill, towards Brogborough village, The Industrial Park, called
'Marston Gate' is to the left. The wagonway ends in a children's
playground. Bear right then left towards a lane leading onto a
cycle path. This leads through Marston Gate and back to Ridgmont
Station. For more details of the local area see Stations
on
the line also
The Forest Centre, Forest of
Marston Vale and Marston Vale-iums |
