Medium: 67km, sounds a long way but it’s not too difficult, the ride will still need 3+ hours to complete.

South of Bedford the treelined Greensands ridge rises up from the fields. Here are some of the most continuous gravel trails in the county. Subtle inclines make this a clockwise preferred route, that can be as fast and loose as you want to make it.

The Route: Familiar local trails take us as far as Kempston. Aiming for Priory Country Park, one option is to follow the river Great Ouze, or there is a quicker route skirting the edge of town. Apart from the horrendous A6 interchange junction (just use the lights to cross when its busy) the roads here are okay. 

Follow Sustrans Route 51 but only as far as Danish camp. Again there are two options, the official route is metalled and winds along the river but in dry weather the more direct tree covered arcade is very pleasant.

At DC go through the car park, then along the quiet lanes crossing the main road at a complex junction. Take care.

Wood Lane starts as a road, becomes a classy gravel climb and over the summit rolls gently down with field and wood on either side. In the other direction it’s a blast down the hill, but patience, rewards are coming.

The lane offers nice views to the east, at the junction find the bridleway to head straight on. Now in winter this will be a bit muddy to start, in summer the horses have left it bumpy, but continue on, until after the trail widens with trees either side and the gravel is back. You’re now heading to Old Warden and the Shuttleworth planes likely fly over head. 

Back on the road, loop around and climb back to the entrance of Warden Woods. This is beautiful straight gravel fire road. And it’s fast.

Directly across the A600 a short field crossing leads to Haynes ‘city centre’. Where the route connects with Bedfords popular and longest gravel trail. First up, look out for the unusual farm building on stilts, then fly down the hill with the plains all laid out ahead.

In the old days, there wasn’t much of an option from Elstow other than to retrace your tracks on the way home. But now Wixams is a through route across what feels like the worlds largest building site. It’s not too pretty but when finished maybe it will be a bit Milton Keynes. Enjoy the skylarks, they are singing their last 😦

Kempston Hardwick provides a cut through to Wootton. If you spot it, (concrete barriers) there is a much nicer than the road gravel trail to the bridge.