WALKING FESTIVAL FRIDAY 10TH - SUNDAY 12TH MAY 2019 A variety of walks across three days for all ages and abilities

Wondering where to walk now?

If you’re feeling inspired after joining us for our Walking Festival, don’t stop now as there are many ways to keep walking in .

We organise a range of walks across the city, both during the week and at weekends, for people of all ages and abilities. Alternatively, a selection of self-guided walks can be downloaded from our website, including our 25-mile Challenge Walk.

For more information: Visit: www.theparkstrust.com Email: [email protected] Call: 01908 255379

theparkstrust @theparkstrust theparkstrust Welcome DATE AND TIME: Fri 10 May 2019, 10:00am WALK TITLE: HOSPICE WALK WALK DESCRIPTION: Take a walk by Willen Lake with the company and support of the Willen Hospice Walking Team. Come prepared for countryside walking and uneven paths. This walk Walk 1 will be at a gentle pace. Tea and coffee will be available after completing the walk. WALK LENGTH: 1 hour. GRADING:

LOCATION: Willen Lake North. MEETING POINT/PA RKING: Meet at The Wellbeing Centre, Community Hub entrance via car park 2 at Willen Hospice, Milton Road, MK15 9AB. COST: Free. BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379.

DATE AND TIME: Fri 10 May 2019, 9:00pm WALK TITLE: BAT WALK WALK DESCRIPTION: Take a walk with local bat enthusiasts and discover these fascinating nocturnal Walk 2 creatures. Come prepared for countryside walking and uneven paths. WALK LENGTH: 1.5 hours. GRADING:

LOCATION: Howe Park Wood. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Meet at Howe Park Wood Education Centre, off H7 Chaffron Way, opposite the Westcroft District Centre. COST: £2/person. BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com Welcome to your guide to The Parks Trust’s For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379. 2019 Walking Festival DATE AND TIME: Sat 11 May 2019, 8:00am WALK TITLE: 25-MILE CHALLENGE WALK DESCRIPTION: A special walk for the '10th Anniversary' of MK Walking Festival. This walk is only Walk 3 There are a wide variety of walks available; suitable for all ages and abilities. suitable for those who are used to long distance walking and have a high level of Walks are located across the city, with the difficulty level indicated in each walk fitness. This walk is a considerable distance and very challenging. A coach will take walkers who have parked their vehicles at the finish point to the start point description; the more boots, the more challenging it is. For most walks booking (Howe Park Wood) where all walkers will start the challenge together. is essential or preferable, please see the individual walk’s descriptions for details. WALK LENGTH: 25 miles. GRADING:

You will be required to sign in upon your arrival at your walk and sign a declaration LOCATION: Milton Keynes. of good health. Please ensure you have proper clothing, footwear and carry adequate MEETING POINT/PARKING: Meet in the car park at Caldecotte Lake, Bletcham Way, Caldecotte, MK7 8HP. COST: £5/person (includes coach and finishing medal). refreshments for the duration of your chosen walk. BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com Be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379. Please note all walkers take part at their own risk.

DATE AND TIME: Sat 11 May 2019, 10:00am Dogs: Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome on walks 4, 13 & 17. WALK TITLE: WOOF WALK Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate dogs on the other walks. WALK DESCRIPTION: Join The Parks Trust Rangers as they tour through the park with our four-legged Walk 4 friends. Social led walks for dogs and their owners around our nature reserve. Ideal walk for well-behaved dogs on leads. This walking programme is put on with thanks to The Parks Trust’s volunteers and staff WALK LENGTH: 1.5 hhours / 2-3 miles. GRADING: and support from Milton Keynes Council, MK Health Walks, MK Nordic Walking, Willen Hospice and Friends of Manor Park. LOCATION: . MEETING POINT/PARKING: Meet in the car park at Stony Stratford Nature Reserve, off Queen Eleanor Street. Nearest postcode: MK11 1DB. COST: £1/dog. BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379.

To book: Visit: www.theparkstrust.com Email: [email protected] Call: 01908 255379 EASY MEDIUM HARD DATE AND TIME: Sat 11 May 2019, 10:00am DATE AND TIME: Sat 11 May 2019, 11:00am WALK TITLE: DISCOVER NEW MILTON KEYNES WALK TITLE: WALK FROM WHADDON VILLAGE WALK DESCRIPTION: Take a walk through some local woods and discover the recently built new WALK DESCRIPTION: Circular walk starting at Whaddon Village and walking along the North Bucks Way Walk 5 developments of Milton Keynes. and part of the MK Boundary walk. Discover the location of Snelshall Priory on return.. Walk 9 WALK LENGTH: 2 hours. WALK LENGTH: 4 miles. GRADING: GRADING:

LOCATION: Whitehouse, Hazeley and Oxley. LOCATION: Whaddon and North Bucks Way. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Park in Hazeley Wood car park, off Dansteed Way, Grange Farm, MK8 0PY. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Park in Whaddon Village and meet at St. Mary's Church, Whaddon. COST: Free. COST: Free. BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379. For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379.

DATE AND TIME: Sat 11 May 2019, 10:00am DATE AND TIME: Sat 11 May 2019, 2:00pm WALK TITLE: GYOSEI ART TRAIL WALK TITLE: CAMPBELL PARK ART TRAIL Walk 6 WALK DESCRIPTION: Starting and finishing at The Giffard Arms Pub. A long walk along both sides of the WALK DESCRIPTION: Join the Saturday Swans for their weekly Saturday walk around beautiful Milton Walk 10 from H3 Monks Way to H5 Portway and back again to discover the Keynes parkland. This walk will include the Campbell Park Art Trail - 11 pieces of art along the Gyosei Art Trail. Learn why a Japanese school was built in Milton Keynes. public art and sculptures scattered around the park for all to enjoy. The collection has We will have some of the artists who created the lovely art pieces with us to talk been added to in recent years with the latest addition being the Milton Keynes Rose about their art work and discuss their life as artists. Bring a packed lunch for a picnic completed in 2013. Free parking is available. Refreshments are available to purchase and come prepared for countryside all-weather walking. at the David Lloyd Club after the walk. WALK LENGTH: 4 hours / 3-4 miles. WALK LENGTH: 3 miles. GRADING: GRADING:

LOCATION: Grand Union Canal. LOCATION: Campbell Park. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Starting and finishing at The Giffard Arms Pub, Broadway Avenue, Giffard Park, MEETING POINT/PARKING: David Lloyd Club Reception area, Livingstone Drive, Newlands, MK15 0DT. MK14 5QN. There is plenty of parking either at the pub or in the shopping COST: Free. centre opposite. BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. COST: Free. Book online at https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/content/saturday-swans?mini=2019-05 BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com For further information please contact: [email protected] For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379.

DATE AND TIME: Sat 11 May 2019, 9:00pm DATE AND TIME: Sat 11 May 2019, 11:00am WALK TITLE: BAT WALK WALK TITLE: NORDIC WALKING TASTER SESSION WALK DESCRIPTION: Take a walk with local bat enthusiasts and discover these fascinating nocturnal Walk 11 Walk 7 WALK DESCRIPTION: Join this free Nordic Walking taster session with one of our volunteers. Learn the health creatures. Come prepared for countryside walking and uneven paths. benefits of Nordic Walking and meet new people. Poles will be provided. WALK LENGTH: 1.5 hours / 2-3 miles. WALK LENGTH: 1 hour. GRADING: GRADING:

LOCATION: Stony Stratford. LOCATION: Campbell Park. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Meet in the car park at Stony Stratford Nature Reserve, off Queen Eleanor Street. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Meet at Campbell Park Pavilion, 1300 Silbury Boulevard, Campbell Park, MK9 4AD. Nearest postcode: MK11 1DB. COST: Free. COST: £2/person. BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379. For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379.

DATE AND TIME: Sat 11 May 2019, 11:00am DATE AND TIME: Sat 11 and Sun 12 May 2019, Various WALK TITLE: OLNEY WALK WALK TITLE: TRY NORDIC WALKING IN MK Walk 8 WALK DESCRIPTION: A circular walk from the churchyard in Olney out to the west and back into the town WALK DESCRIPTION: Join this local Nordic Walking group for a variety of different walks from taster Walk 12 again including a mix of countryside, riverside and urban walking. Learn about the uses sessions to workout sessions - there is something for everyone to try. Nordic Walking and folklore of some local trees and hear about the creation of the brand new Public Right helps improve fitness and provides health benefits. Please be aware limited poles are of Way which forms part of this walk. Come prepared for muddy countryside walking. available. WALK LENGTH: 1.5 - 2 hours / 3 miles. WALK LENGTH: 1-4 miles. GRADING: GRADING: - LOCATION: Olney. LOCATION: Caldecotte Lake, Wolverton Mill or -on-the-Green. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Meet in the churchyard at St Peter and Paul Parish Church, Church Street, Olney Street, MEETING POINT/PARKING: Various. Olney, MK46 4AD. COST: Free - £30. COST: Free. BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at https://mknordicwalking.co.uk/activities/ BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com For further information please contact: [email protected] For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379. DATE AND TIME: Sun 12 May 2019, 10:00am DATE AND TIME: Sun 12 May 2019, 10:30am WALK TITLE: CIRCLES TO THE NORTH WALK TITLE: LOOK AROUND SIMPSON AND WOUGHTON-ON-THE-GREEN WALK DESCRIPTION: Enjoy this walk visiting villages throughout the north of Milton Keynes. Please wear WALK DESCRIPTION: Take a stroll through Simpson Village and Woughton-on-the-Green and view their Walk 13 appropriate footwear as the footpaths can be muddy and slippery. The walk will beautiful churches. Enjoy walking along the canal and around north Caldecotte. Walk 17 include a stop for lunch - this can either be purchased at the local pub or bring along This walk is mostly level ground, but footpaths may be muddy. Well-behaved dogs your own packed lunch. Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome. on leads welcome. WALK LENGTH: 6 hours / 12 miles. WALK LENGTH: 2 hours / 3 miles. GRADING: GRADING:

LOCATION: North of Milton Keynes. LOCATION: Simpson and Caldecotte North. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Meet at the Clock Tower in , Newport Road, MK13 0BN. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Meet at the car park Simpson Drive, Simpson, MK6 3AY. COST: Free. COST: Free. BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379. For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379.

DATE AND TIME: Sun 12 May 2019, 10:30am DATE AND TIME: Sun 12 May 2019, 2:00pm WALK TITLE: CANAL WALK AND BOAT RIDE WALK TITLE: GUIDED WALK WALK DESCRIPTION: Join The Parks Trust for a walk along the Grand Union Canal, starting at Great Linford WALK DESCRIPTION: Take a short walk through a cultural heritage trail as we teach you about the rich Walk 18 Walk 14 Manor Park head down towards Campbell Park where you’ll be greeted by a canal boat history of Great Linford Manor Park and our efforts to reveal, revive and restore this to return back to Great Linford. Discover the history of the canal in Milton Keynes wonderful open space. Enjoy tea and coffee at St Andrews Church after the walk. and the hidden gems of heritage and art along the route. WALK LENGTH: 1.5 hours / 2-3 miles. WALK LENGTH: Walk: 1.5 hours / 2 miles. Canal boat ride: 30 mins. GRADING: GRADING: LOCATION: Great Linford Manor Park. LOCATION: Campbell Park and Great Linford Manor Park. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Meet at the Arts Centre, off Parklands, Great Linford, MK14 5DZ. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Meet at MK Arts Centre, Parklands, St Leger Drive, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. COST: Free. COST: £3/person. BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379. For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379.

D ATE AND TIME: Sun 12 May 2019, 10:30am WALK TITLE: OUSE VALLEY PARK AND COSGROVE WALK Walk 15 WALK DESCRIPTION: Join this walk starting from Road Viaduct and walking along the Ouse Valley towards Cosgrove lock. Enjoy Cosgrove Village and walk under the main railway line and pass the clay pigeon shooting range to join the footpath back to the car park. Come prepared for countryside walking. WALK LENGTH: 2.5 - 3 hours / 4 miles. GRADING:

LOCATION: Ouse Valley. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Meet in the Haversham Road car park, Wolverton, MK12 5EP. COST: Free. BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379.

DATE AND TIME: Sun 12 May 2019, 10:30am WALK TITLE: FIGURE OF EIGHT WALK DESCRIPTION: Enjoy parts of Loughton and Bradwell throughout this walk. Discover Lodge Lake Walk 16 and the unique public art within it. A great walk for all abilities - take on the first part of the figure of eight only for a shorter walk. WALK LENGTH: Half walk: 1.5 hours / 2-3 miles. Full walk: 3 hours / 4.5 - 6 miles. GRADING: - LOCAT ION: Loughton and Bradwell. MEETING POINT/PARKING: Meet at Lodge Lake car park off Bradwell Road, Great Holm, MK8 9LG. COST: Free. BOOKING INFORMATION: Booking essential. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com For further information please contact: [email protected] 01908 255379.

EASY MEDIUM HARD