Walking in the Sundon Hills

On a bright breezy Saturday at the end of March a few stalwarts of OFS met at Thornhill P & R to drive to Harlington, near Luton, for a bracing walk in the Sundon Hills.

Climbing up out of Harlington we joined the Icknield Way and followed this to the Sundon Hills Country Park entrance. Here the Way joined the John Bunyan Trail, the path he used to take when out preaching.

We continued along the ridge with fine views over the Bedfordshire plain. As we approached the summit of Sharpenhoe Clappers the wind was howling through the trees. After a lunch break by the Monument we descended the steep steps to Sharpenhoe village then continued on the John Bunyan Trail eventually curving back to Harlington. As we climbed the path through the last field we came to the old oak tree that John Bunyan used to use as a pulpit.

After a brief sermon from the 'Rev. Michael' we were soon back at the village hall car park and a refreshing drink in the local pub. For those who enjoyed this walk I would like to venture in that direction again to walk on Dunstable Downs.

Gwyneth Tyson