The PinnacleThe Pinnacle is owned by the Pym family and is leased toSandy Town Council.The outcrop ofthe Greensand Ridgethat was formed about 125 million years ago is 300 feet abovesea level and provides excellent views over the Ivel Valley.‘Caesar’s Camp’near the Pinnacle is the site ofa British hillfort ofPre-Roman origin.

TempsfordTempsford Airfield was built in 1941 and during World War IIwasused as a base for Special Operations Executive (S.O.E.)agents.The airfield was closed to the RAF in 1947,and is stillintact.The field barn beside the bridleway,once formed part ofGibraltar Farm and remains as a memorial to those agentswho took part in many dangerous operations in occupiedEurope,while assisting the various Resistance movements.Equipment for these operations was issued in the barn andracks for supplies and equipment can still be seen.

White WoodThis is an ancient woodland ofabout 60 acres and recordsindicate that a wood has been on this site from at least 1297.Most ofthe trees are pine but there are some fine specimensofnative trees.The lime trees are thought to be about 200years old when the wood was extensively replanted but someofthe oaks date back 300 years.Evidence shows that it wasmanaged as a plantation from the early 1800’s with a variety ofexotic trees that were probably planted when Woodbury Hallwas first built.

Referred to as Sandie in the Domesday Book,taken from theOld English meaning a sand island,Sandy is dominated by anoutcrop known locally as the Sand Hills,and formed part ofthe early English kingdom ofMercia.By 1290 it was split intothree smaller estates – Sandy Manor under the Beauchamp’sand two under local monasteries.

Roman SandyThere is evidence ofa settlement in the Sandy area from atleast the middle Iron Age suggesting that early Sandy wouldhave been a self-sufficient farming settlement using theplentiful water supply as a resource.Excavations haverevealed remains ofa roundhouse and pottery has beenrecovered in the cemetery and allotments area.

The town gained importance when the Romans arrived in AD 43 and grew up around a Mansio (mansion) on the Romanroad that ran from Baldock in Hertfordshire to Godmanchesterin Cambridgeshire and developed to meet the needs oftheRoman Imperial Post system.This was a network ofmessengers and later ofrelay posts,where the samemessenger could change horses and continue the journey.The collapse ofthe Roman Empire and withdrawal oftheRomans from Britain in 410 AD would have initiated the returnofSandy to its agricultural roots.

Alarge number ofRoman remains have been found in Sandy,and it seems likely that it was once a thriving Romansettlement.Some ofthe remains are on display at SandyTown Council Offices.

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Woodbury HallThis was one ofa number ofimportant country houses built inthe early 18th century along the top ofthe Greensand Ridge,which runs through Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.Amongthem Everton Hall and Hazells Hall close by,and further to thewest,Ickwell Bury,Ampthill Park and Woburn Abbey.

Tetworth HallThe Hall,built ofsandstone in approximately 1710 for JohnPedley MP,was damaged by fire in the 1940s and has sincebeen rebuilt in brick to a design by Sir Basil Spence.

Valley Farm,a medieval farmhouse at the foot ofthe hill belowTetworth Hall is believed to have been built about 1650 on thesite ofhuge stone circles in part ofCanons Manor.A significantmoat system lies around it,fed by nearby springs.

St Mary’s ChurchThe major feature ofthe village ofEverton,the present buildingdates from the 12th century with 14th century additions to thetower and porch.The 11th century Domesday Book records achurch on the site.Until the boundary changes in 1974,muchofthe present Everton parish,including the church,was in theformer county ofHuntingdonshire.

The LodgeThis is the national headquarters ofthe RSPB and is a naturereserve opened in 1961.The woodland,heath and acidgrassland here cover 180 hectares,and are being restored toform the largest stretch ofheathland in Bedfordshire.

Explore the countryside between the market town ofSandy and the village ofEverton

Following part ofthe Greensand Ridge Walk along the way

Main Walk:9.6 Miles/15.5km Shortcut 1:7.2 Miles/11.5km

Shortcut 2:8.2 miles/13km Time:The whole routeapproximately 5 hours.

CIRCULAR WALKS

Sandy and Everton3 Walks: 7.2 Miles/11.5km – 9.6 Miles/15.5kmTime: 5 hours to complete whole route

Did you enjoy the walk ? If you have any comments about the walk or encounter anyproblems please contact the Rights of Way Section,Countryside Access Service, Central Bedfordshire Council,PO Box 1395, Bedford MK42 5AN or emailRightsofway@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

This is one of a series of circular walk leaflets produced byCentral Bedfordshire Council. For further information andavailability please contact us on 0300 300 8085

Healthy WalkingWhy not get out and get healthy? There is no better way tostart than by taking a walk. Just 30 minutes a day canimprove health and well-being, reduce the risk of heartdisease, help to prevent diabetes, improve muscle strengtheven reduce anxiety & depression. So make today the dayyou start to enjoy Bedfordshire and enjoy good health. Forinformation on healthy walking log on towww.walk4health.org

Other walksFind out about more of Bedfordshire’s walking and ridingroutes as well as nature reserves and country parks byvisiting www.letsgo.org.uk

Attractions: The route comes out opposite the RSPB headquarters and thegrounds are open for the public to visit. 01767 680541.Roman Sandy Story is based in the Sandy Town Counciloffices 100m from the car park.01767 681491.

Refreshments, Parking and ToiletsThere is a free car park on Sandy High Street, which also hasa post office, bakery, several shops and pubs and a publicconvenience The Thornton Arms public house at Evertonwelcomes walkers and even has a Ramblers Menu and haskindly agreed to allow parking for walkers who takerefreshments there. Large groups should book ahead on01767 681149. For details of accommodation please contactthe TIC 01767 682728

Public Transport For information contact Traveline 0871 200 22 33 orwww.travelsmartuk.com There is a train station in Sandy, which runs between LondonKing’s Cross and Peterborough.

Ordnance Survey MapsThe route is covered on Ordnance Survey Explorer map 208available from local bookshops and some petrol stations.

Countryside Codel Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs

l Leave gates and property as you find them

l Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home

l Keep dogs under close control

l Consider other people.

www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk

Tips for enjoying your walkParts of the walk can become muddy especially after heavyrain, so strong waterproof footwear is recommended. Takecare where conditions are rough and do let someone knowwhere you are going. Please be aware that much of the walkis unsuitable for wheelchairs and difficult for pushchairs.

Village signManx sheepThe Gatehouse St Mary’s Church,Everton

Printed on paper made from 75% recycled post consumer waste

l SANDY

The PinnacleThe Pinnacle is owned by the Pym family and is leased toSandy Town Council. The outcrop of the Greensand Ridgethat was formed about 125 million years ago is 300 feet abovesea level and provides excellent views over the Ivel Valley.‘Caesar’s Camp’ near the Pinnacle is the site of a British hillfort of Pre-Roman origin.

TempsfordTempsford Airfield was built in 1941 and during World War IIwas used as a base for Special Operations Executive (S.O.E.)agents. The airfield was closed to the RAF in 1947, and is stillintact. The field barn beside the bridleway, once formed part ofGibraltar Farm and remains as a memorial to those agentswho took part in many dangerous operations in occupiedEurope, while assisting the various Resistance movements.Equipment for these operations was issued in the barn andracks for supplies and equipment can still be seen.

White WoodThis is an ancient woodland of about 60 acres and recordsindicate that a wood has been on this site from at least 1297.Most of the trees are pine but there are some fine specimensof native trees. The lime trees are thought to be about 200years old when the wood was extensively replanted but someof the oaks date back 300 years. Evidence shows that it wasmanaged as a plantation from the early 1800’s with a variety ofexotic trees that were probably planted when Woodbury Hallwas first built.

Referred to as Sandie in the Domesday Book, taken from theOld English meaning a sand island, Sandy is dominated by anoutcrop known locally as the Sand Hills, and formed part ofthe early English kingdom of Mercia. By 1290 it was split intothree smaller estates – Sandy Manor under the Beauchamp’sand two under local monasteries.

Roman SandyThere is evidence of a settlement in the Sandy area from atleast the middle Iron Age suggesting that early Sandy wouldhave been a self-sufficient farming settlement using theplentiful water supply as a resource. Excavations haverevealed remains of a roundhouse and pottery has beenrecovered in the cemetery and allotments area.

The town gained importance when the Romans arrived in AD 43 and grew up around a Mansio (mansion) on the Romanroad that ran from Baldock in Hertfordshire to Godmanchesterin Cambridgeshire and developed to meet the needs of theRoman Imperial Post system. This was a network ofmessengers and later of relay posts, where the samemessenger could change horses and continue the journey.The collapse of the Roman Empire and withdrawal of theRomans from Britain in 410 AD would have initiated the returnof Sandy to its agricultural roots.

A large number of Roman remains have been found in Sandy,and it seems likely that it was once a thriving Romansettlement. Some of the remains are on display at SandyTown Council Offices.

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Woodbury HallThis was one of a number of important country houses built inthe early 18th century along the top of the Greensand Ridge,which runs through Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. Amongthem Everton Hall and Hazells Hall close by, and further to thewest, Ickwell Bury, Ampthill Park and Woburn Abbey.

Tetworth HallThe Hall, built of sandstone in approximately 1710 for JohnPedley MP, was damaged by fire in the 1940s and has sincebeen rebuilt in brick to a design by Sir Basil Spence.

Valley Farm, a medieval farmhouse at the foot of the hill belowTetworth Hall is believed to have been built about 1650 on thesite of huge stone circles in part of Canons Manor. A significantmoat system lies around it, fed by nearby springs.

St Mary’s ChurchThe major feature of the village of Everton, the present buildingdates from the 12th century with 14th century additions to thetower and porch. The 11th century Domesday Book records achurch on the site. Until the boundary changes in 1974, muchof the present Everton parish, including the church, was in theformer county of Huntingdonshire.

The LodgeThis is the national headquarters of the RSPB and is a naturereserve opened in 1961. The woodland, heath and acidgrassland here cover 180 hectares, and are being restored toform the largest stretch of heathland in Bedfordshire.

Explore the countryside between the market town of Sandy and the village of Everton

Following part of the Greensand Ridge Walk along the way

Main Walk: 9.6 Miles/15.5km Shortcut 1: 7.2 Miles/11.5km

Shortcut 2: 8.2 miles/13km Time: The whole routeapproximately 5 hours.

CIRCULAR WALKS

Sandy and Everton3Walks:7.2 Miles/11.5km – 9.6 Miles/15.5kmTime:5hoursto complete whole route

Did you enjoy the walk ? Ifyou have any comments about the walk or encounter anyproblems please contact the Rights ofWay Section,Countryside Access Service,Central Bedfordshire Council,PO Box 1395,Bedford MK42 5AN or emailRightsofway@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

This is one ofa series ofcircular walk leaflets produced byCentral Bedfordshire Council.For further information andavailability please contact us on 0300 300 8085

Healthy WalkingWhy not get out and get healthy? There is no better way tostart than by taking a walk.Just 30 minutes a day canimprove health and well-being,reduce the risk ofheartdisease,help to prevent diabetes,improve muscle strengtheven reduce anxiety & depression.So make today the dayyou start to enjoy Bedfordshire and enjoy good health.Forinformation on healthy walking log on towww.walk4health.org

Other walksFind out about more ofBedfordshire’s walking and ridingroutes as well as nature reserves and country parks byvisiting www.letsgo.org.uk

Attractions: The route comes out opposite the RSPB headquarters and thegrounds are open for the public to visit.01767 680541.Roman Sandy Story is based in the Sandy Town Counciloffices 100m from the car park.01767 681491.

Refreshments, Parking and ToiletsThere is a free car park on Sandy High Street,which also hasapost office,bakery,several shops and pubs and a publicconvenience The Thornton Arms public house at Evertonwelcomes walkers and even has a Ramblers Menu and haskindly agreed to allow parking for walkers who takerefreshments there.Large groups should book ahead on01767 681149.For details ofaccommodation please contactthe TIC 01767 682728

Public Transport For information contact Traveline 0871 200 22 33 orwww.travelsmartuk.com Thereis a train station in Sandy,which runs between LondonKing’s Cross and Peterborough.

Ordnance Survey MapsThe route is covered on Ordnance Survey Explorer map 208available from local bookshops and some petrol stations.

Countryside CodelBe safe – plan ahead and follow any signs

lLeavegates and property as you find them

lProtect plants and animals,and takeyour litter home

lKeep dogs under close control

lConsider other people.

www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk

Tips for enjoying your walkParts ofthe walk can become muddy especially after heavyrain,so strong waterprooffootwear is recommended.Takecare where conditions are rough and do let someone knowwhere you are going.Please be aware that much ofthe walkis unsuitable for wheelchairs and difficult for pushchairs.

Village sign Manx sheep The GatehouseSt Mary’s Church, Everton

Printed on paper made from 75% recycled post consumer waste

lSANDY

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. – Central Bedfordshire Council 100049029 2010

NNBywayThe walk

Footpath

Bridleway

Permissive path

Parking

Local shop

Public house

Woods

Church

Main Walk: 15.5km / 9.6 milesShortcut 1: 11.5km / 7.2 miles

Shortcut 2: 13km / 8.2 miles

Time: The whole route approximately 5 hours.

From the Car Park turn left andfollow the High Street for 180m.

Turn left into St. Swithun’s Way and rightinto Cherrycroft. After 25m turn left andfollow the alleyway over the railway bridgeon to the Pinnacle Recreation Ground.Continue straight across the meadow intothe woodland and follow the waymarkedpath to the left until you reach Sand Lane.

Turn right and follow Sand Lane for500m. Turn left to follow the

Greensand Ridge Walk through meadowsand along field edge paths and farmtracks. Continue to follow the bridlewayfor 2.5km / 1.5miles until reachingTempsford Road. Shortcut Option 1:Pass Fernbury Farm and after 7.5mturn right to follow the field edge path.Continue straight ahead across themeadows and up the hill into Everton.On reaching Sandy road turn lefttowards the Thornton Arms (7).

Cross the road with care andcontinue straight ahead along the

bridleway for 1.1km / 0.7miles, follow thetrack then join an old runway pastGibraltar Farm. Shortcut Option 2:Opposite Gibraltar Farm, turn right andfollow the waymarked footpath up thehill into Everton. On reaching ChurchRoad turn right towards The ThorntonArms (7)

Leave the Roman road by taking thetrack to the right towards Joan’s

Wood. Follow the field edge paths to zigzag past Joan’s Wood and Hare’s HomeWood and on towards Woodbury Sinks.

On reaching a field gate, leave theconcrete track and bear left to climb

the hill to pass Woodbury Sinks on yourleft. Continue straight ahead along a trackfor 200m.

At the metal kissing gate turn rightand follow the waymarked path

through the Woodbury Estate passingthough a second kissing gate and over acattle grid at Story Farm. Continue straightahead along the track and into the centreof Everton, passing St Mary’s church.

At the Thornton Arms public houseturn left and follow Potton Road, for

1.1km / 0.7 miles. Take great care whenwalking along the road where there is nopavement.

At Ashmore Farm turn right andfollow the Byway to Deepdale

passing through a small woodland.

At the tarmac road turn right alongthe track and pass the Sandy

transmitter on the left. After approximately800m/ 0.5 miles, turn left to follow the LongRiding bridleway to Potton Road.

With care, cross Potton Road andenter The Lodge. This is the national

headquarters of the RSPB and a naturereserve. Immediately inside the entrancegates, turn right along the waymarked‘Fir’s Trail’, following the trail towardsSandy. On reaching Potton Road, turn leftand follow the pavement back into Sandyand the start of the walk.

As no dogs are allowed in the RSPBreserve, an alternat ive route for dogwalkers is to follow the roadsidepavement from the entrance to TheLodge all the way into Sandy.

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The walk

Start point

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Everton

Joan’sWoods

Hare’sHome

White wood

ThePinnacle

Fernbury Farm

Gibralter Farm

Story Farm

Ashmore Farm

RSPB The Lodge

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WoodburySinks