Milton Keynes - Woughton-on-the-Green - Grand Union Canal

Derek Gibbons

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Milton Keynes - Woughton-on-the-Green - Simpson - Caldecotte Lake - The Grand Union Canal

In Milton Keynes, greenery permeates the whole landscape: there are 22 million trees and 20% of the town (or New City as it's generally known) is parkland. You will be walking in two of Milton Keynes' Linear Parks, the River Ouzel Park and along The Grand Union Canal.

The walk starts from the Woughton Marina on The Grand Union Canal at Woughton-on-the-Green. The original village of Woughton-on-the-Green was recorded in the Domesday Book as Ulchestone with a population of about 120. It is one of the string of villages along the River Ouzel. The Green is a scheduled ancient monument site, the extensive earthworks evidencing the growth of the village until its decline after the enclosure of 1769. Historical buildings include the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mercure Parkside Hotel and Ye Olde Swan Inn. Many dwellings around the Green are listed buildings.

You follow the Ouzel, passing the famous Open University and some rare black poplars, then go through a small nature reserve with a bird hide. After skirting round Simpson, another old village (or going through it if you choose the short cut), you reach Caldecotte Lake, one of several balancing lakes in Milton Keynes created to hold excess water during times of heavy rainfall and a popular leisure area. There is a hotel and restaurant a short detour from the route, with all the usual facilities should you need them. The Grand Union Canal then takes you back to the starting point at the marina, with a slight detour passing what was once the Milton Keynes Vineyard (now sadly no longer in use), through an old orchard and onto The Green at Woughton.

Although you're only about two to three miles from Central MK you could almost be in the country.

England - Central England - Buckinghamshire - Aylesbury Vale

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Good for Kids, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

3/18/2018 - Dennis Johnson

Bearing in mind you are only one and a half miles away from central MK this is a surprisingly pleasant walk with a real mixed bag such as Woodland, Lakes Canals, Meadows, Rivers and Orchards to experience on the way. Details and directions of the walk are very clear as well.

4/6/2012 - Michael Selwood

A pleasant, level walk, taking you through unexpectedly rural countryside, so close to the centre of Milton Keynes. The old vineyard and orchard, towards the end of the route, are fascinating. We intend to return in mid summer when the orchard, in particular, should be a lovely place to stop for a picnic on a sunny day.