We’re a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s, 30s and slightly older, offering led walks and social events across Herts, Beds and south Cambs.
This walk is for up to 25 people, including the leader.
If you’re a fan of massive holes in the ground then this is the walk for you, as it takes in the UK’s largest chalk pit! The walk also includes a visit to Whipsnade Tree Cathedral and extensive views from Dunstable Downs. Although this is a shorter walk, it is relatively hilly so walkers should be comfortable with inclines.
Starting from the Chilterns Gateway Centre at Dunstable Downs we’ll walk down through woodland to the edge of Dunstable. We’ll then climb up to the edge of Kensworth Quarry, from where there are good views of Dunstable and the quarry itself. We’ll then walk clockwise around the perimeter of the quarry before turning south towards Kensworth.
Passing through rolling countryside and heath we eventually reach Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, where we’ll stop for our packed lunch. The Tree Cathedral, a vast living monument of trees and shrubs laid out in the shape of a cathedral, was planted after the First World War by a former infantryman as a tribute to fallen colleagues.
After lunch we’ll pick up the Icknield Way Trail, which includes some lovely views from the top of Dunstable Downs, before returning to the Chilterns Gateway Centre and another optional refreshment stop.
Toilet facilities are available at the start and end of the walk, at the Chilterns Gateway Centre.
Dogs are welcome on a lead. Livestock may be present in some pastures.
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, click 'join waitlist' to get a place if one becomes available and 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.
This is a circular walk.
The start time is when we aim to start walking and the finish time is an estimate.
Walks are graded Easy, Leisurely, Moderate or Strenuous in increasing order of difficulty. Please read the walk description to check it is within your abilities and contact the group if you are unsure.
Please:
We are a Ramblers group, non-members are welcome to try us out for three free walks before joining Ramblers as a full member.
As a charity we ask that non-members consider making a voluntary donation to Ramblers until they purchase membership. We suggest £3-4 per walk. You can donate in person or online.
The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number: 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales number: 1093577. Registered office: First Floor, 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE.
Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade LU6 2GY. Meet in front of the entrance. Ample parking available in the main or overflow car parks; free for National Trust members or £3.50 all day. Accessible by Centrebus Zoo service from Luton Station Interchange and Dunstable Town Centre.
