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.
A moderately hilly route taking in the largest stretch of heathland in Bedfordshire, the fifth most powerful transmitter in the UK and part of the northeastern section of the Greensand Ridge Walk long-distance path. Please make sure you bring suitable footwear, as it is likely to be muddy in places.
Starting from Sandy Railway Station, we will head straight to Sandy RSPB Nature Reserve and join the Buzzard Trail. Here we will ramble through rolling heathlands enriched with acid grasslands, sand quarries and tranquil coniferous woodlands filled with towering oaks. Large flocks of thrushes feed here in winter.
We will then cross over to the Nuthatch Trail, taking some steep steps through the old wood. We can then enjoy a nice view of the Lodge building (headquarters of the RSPB) while strolling by the pond and wildlife gardens, where we might spot some feeding siskins and redpolls before we head towards the visitor centre for a quick break.
We will then continue along the Skylark Trail, a relatively flat path, before looping around the Sandy Heath Transmitter, which broadcasts television and radio signals to over 2 million people reaching as far as North London.
After passing Sandy Heath, we will continue through farmland to the village of Everton where we will have our lunch stop at the recreation ground. There is also the option to visit The Thornton Arms for a pub stop.
For the final section of our route, we will join the Greensand Ridge Walk and head downhill to join a Roman Road leading us towards Caesar's Camp, which is in fact an ancient British fort, which may have been used by the Romans as far back as the Iron Age, over 2000 years ago. We then return to the start point where all are welcome to stay for a pub stop at The Bell just opposite the station.
Please note this walk is not suitable for dogs (not permitted on the nature reserve trail).
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, please click 'join waitlist' then 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.
Sandy railway station, Station Road, Sandy, Beds SG19 9AW (Kings Cross/Hitchin/Peterborough line). Meet in front of the ticket office. Parking available on both sides of the station via APCOA (£3.60) or free parking 10 mins' walk away at Town Centre Car Park, 55-57 High St, Sandy, Beds SG19 1AG.
