Key 3. The footpath runs downhill affording glorious 8. This footpath became The Thornton Walk Route views of the valley of the Great Ouse, with a private road between Short cut Ravensden water tower, 1953, visible in the distance. Chalton and Great Barford Chalton with and Moggerhanger; an Optional visit during the 18th Century but ancient history and a delightful 5.8 miles/9.4 km. 4. The path cuts through a hedgerow and we now walk now crosses the cycle track walk. on the other side of the ditch with views eastwards (Route 51) on the old railway towards the Ivel and beyond it the Greensand Ridge line on the way to Great Blunham and Moggerhanger lie in the angle where Blunham and Sandy Heath transmitter. Cross over the farm Barford bridge. Turn right the Ivel runs into the Great Ouse. They were for Grange track and continue straight ahead after the culvert. and follow the footpath to centuries the same parish and form an attractive Chalton. You can return to m combination of low and high ground. Chalton, a K 5. Signposted to turn right Moggerhanger church from 5 mere hamlet today, was once the important manor . 1 12 after the plank bridge, the here by turning right and / e held by Adelaide, sister of William the Conqueror. l i footpath follows the sloe hedge following the road past

The Domesday Book entry refers to Adeliz, wife of m

1 planted at the time of the Chalton Manor farmhouse

Hugh of Grandmesnil. : 1796 Enclosures. Before then (where the Thornton family once lived) on the right m

m this would have been entirely and the village hall on your left. If you want to 4 5

M “in Wixamtree Hundred Adelaide holds open field. From this point extend your walk to Moggerhanger Park see point 14. : 13 e Chalton herself. It answers for 10 hides. Land l Blunham there is an excellent view of a c for 10 ploughs. In lordship 5 hides… King S the old listed dovecote (Late 9. From point 8 walk from Chalton following the Edward held this manor. It was Earl Tosti’s 18c) on the Chalton Manorial road down a hill to a triangle of grass by Chalton before 1066” site. Terrace. Cross the road to the footpath sign and 14 take the path across the field diagonally towards the 1. Park outside St John 6. For the shorter walk continue ahead through a little tunnel with a signpost to Blunham. Here you the Evangelist church in short wooded stretch to return to your car passing cross the cycle path (Route 51 University Way) . This Moggerhanger. The church Cemetery 11 Moggerhanger Lower School and the Victorian old footpath went under the railway as a direct route is open every day for the vicarage on your left. for worshippers from Moggerhanger and Chalton to community shop. Coffee 10 get to Blunham church Dismantl is served by volunteers. ed Railway before 1861. Go through St John’s was consecrated the tunnel and look out in 1861 by Elizabeth for the WWII Farm Camp Dawkins as a memorial to huts standing on the ridge her husband who died in and furrow to the left 1859. The Dawkins family 8 before going through the had bought Moggerhanger House (Park) after the South kissing gate at the far end. Thornton family. Oak grown on the estate was used 9 Mills for the roof of the church and its walls are local 7 Chalton sandstone from Kempston and . 5 10. This stretch is now part of the Kingfisher Way which follows the river Ivel on your right towards 2. Walk to the crossroads and turn right past 4 6 Blunham Old Rectory built 1873/4 to the designs of the Guinea public house. Walk beside the A603 7. The longer walk follows a path northwards John Usher. A marvellous spot for seeing water vole, towards . As the road descends from across an open field until you reach a much more damselflies and kingfishers. At the right time of day the village there is a public footpath sign 3 ancient hedgerow of mixed planting which marks you may be lucky enough to see one of our rarest on the right. This is the remnant of the 1 the boundary of the Domesday Book Chalton mammals, the otter. Pass through the next two kissing old road that led to Great Barford from 2 Manorial desmesne. It is bounded by a deep ditch gates and turn right Moggerhanger. Take this path and note on the Moggerhanger unchanged since the Norman Conquest in 1066. towards Blunham weir. left the remains of the gravel workings The mill to this manor was at South Mills (now the Cross the weir bridge Airfield belonging to the Thorntons, squires of Abbey Corrugated plant). William the Conqueror enjoying the view and Moggerhanger Park between put his trusted immediate family and loyal barons in then turn sharply left 1790 and 1812. Moats strategic manors bounding the river Great Ouse for through the gates and 4 Moggerhanger A603 north of this was the Danelaw. House © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. County Council LA 1000 1735 2008. follow the Kingfisher The poet John Donne Planning your Walk Way along the Ivel. was once rector here. Take care not to This church dates back Public Transport: disturb the cattle. to the 11th Century The walk can be accessed by train at Sandy. and is constructed A Monday to Saturday bus service operates in 11. Following the from local sandstone. Moggerhanger (route M3), please phone for further river Ivel on your It is open every day details. There is a Sunday and Bank Holiday service left you will see and there is a Hidden (also route M3). across the water the recently restored Blunham Mill Britain information before you reach the main road and twin bridges. point inside. The Thornton mausoleum, built For bus times: Th e Cross the road to read the information board about 1805/6, lies behind it. Many of the Thornton family Bedfordshire Bus Information Line 01234 228337 the river Ivel navigation describing the history of are at rest here. (office hours) river trade here in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Traveline 0871 200 22 33

12. For a shorter walk turn left along the road to For train times: reach Blunham village passing the Post Office on Thornton National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 your left. The nearest train station is on the Eastcoat Mainline, 4km/ 2.5miles away at Sandy. For a longer walk continue along the Kingfisher Way until you reach the next available bridge. Cross Parking : over and turn left following the river upstream. Car parking is available at various points along the Walk Cross the stile and proceed until you reach a foot - route, please park sensibly if parking on the road. path turning right at the signpost. This is a good stretch to observe water fowl. Turn left along the Accommodation: road until you reach the grass triangle with the post 14. Pass through the churchyard and turn left There are several guest houses and B&B’s in the box. The village pound site nearby is still indicated down the hill, pass through the barrier on your left vicinity. For further details on accommodation, please by a low brick wall and has its name preserved in and take the kissing gate on your right to retrace contact Sandy Tourist Information Centre 01767 682728. Pound Close. Follow Blunham High Street into the your steps along the river towards Chalton, village centre where some of the interesting historic Moggerhanger. Useful Maps: buildings include the Old Rectory, the former Manor The walk is covered by Ordnance Survey Landranger Court House /Brotherhood House and onion sheds. To extend your walk from Moggerhanger you may sheet no. 153 and Explorer sheet no. 208. wish to visit Moggerhanger Park. Cross the A603 using the crossing on your left. Walk straight over into St Johns Road turning right into Park Road. At The walk is 5.8 miles/9.4 km. the end of Park Road you will see the gates to Moggerhanger Park. A 33 acre estate containing Moggerhanger House, a late 18th century grade 1 listed country house designed for the Thornton family by Sir John Soane. Here you may partake of light refreshments or a full meal and gain more information about the house.

13. Blunham High Street takes you past the thatched John Donne Lower School on your left and the village shop on your right before you see the Line drawings are produced by courtesy of Keith Lawrence entrance to the church of St Edmund or St James.