Taking part in the Flit Valley Walk

We met in Silsoe, then shared cars to Westoning, starting our walk at 9.20am. We entered Flitwick Manor Park via the new gates at the south entrance. The gates are replicas of the ones which stood here next to the ‘Lodge’ when this was the main entrance to the Manor.

After a tour of the park we walked beside the mill leet and through the Greenfield part of Flitwick Moor to Flitwick Mill. Here we stopped for a short break and learnt about the restoration of the Mill by its current owners. We next did an extended route around Flitwick Moor to see the wet woodland part of the amazing site.

We then rejoined the river through Maggots Moor and along the new bridleway to visit the Flit Valley Discovery Centre at Flitton Moor. Here we learnt something about the Silsoe College draining of the Moor, and of the exploits of local artist Jack Crawley and Spitfire pilot during the war.

We then visited Flitton Church and the De Grey Mausoleum, before having an excellent lunch at the White Hart pub. We then went via Wardhedges to the walk’s highest point, with a view down through the ‘Clophill gap’ and the last of many carved benches along the route.

We then passed the Beaumont tree, the site of an ancient attempted robbery of the De Greys and consequent myths. From here we walked along a track parallel to the river, that was once known as Beaumont Tree Lane‘ before turning up the hill to Silsoe. We concluded our leisurely all day walk at the gate to the Millennium Green.

Distance c. 7.8 miles

Thanks to David Sedgley for providing us with this review of the walk on 20th May.

For more information on Greensand Country Festival events throughout May & early June go to the Festival website page.