Barton and Pegsdon Hills

Sue Owen

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Pegsdon and Barton Hills are an example of chalk downland and offer stunning views over Bedfordshire.

The Barton Hills are believed to be John Bunyan's 'Delectable Mountains' in The Pilgrim's Progress. The Wildlife Trust and English Nature manage the two nature reserves, with their spectacular steep slopes and chalk valleys. The woodlands and streams offer rare flowers and butterflies not usually seen in other parts of Bedfordshire.

The walk starts and finishes in the village of Hexton next to the Raven Pub, nestled in a favourable position below the remains of the hill-fort of Ravensburgh Castle. The latter is viewed from a distance and is striking for its commanding position, although all that remains are earth mounds and thick tree growth. It all adds to an almost dark, supernatural air to the surroundings. The hills make this one of the most exciting walks in Bedfordshire.

England - Central England - Bedfordshire - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Public Transport, Wildlife

8/21/2021 - Kevin Hilton

My wife and I really enjoyed this energetic walk in an area that is new to us. The views are most impressive, plus there are plenty of benches from which to saviour them. The Icknield Way section is also rewarding. As suggested by an earlier contributor, we did the walk in the reverse direction and utilised the John Bunyan Trail to avoid the busy B655. To cap it all, The Raven pub in Hexton is open all day and is excellent. A big thumbs-up from us.

10/18/2015 - mark archer

Am I missing something? I've read the reviews on here, and, while I enjoyed this walk, the views are pleasant but not really spectacular. As for this walk being the best south of the Pennines I could suggest plenty to outdo this one - the Seven Sisters Coastal Walk springs to mind. I actually preferred Walk 2833 Look over Lilley, with more impressive views from the top of Warden Hill. The walk back along the B655 road is actually dangerous, because the grass verge disappears right on the brow of the hill, where it bends right, so not a route I would recommend with children or dogs.

4/30/2011 - Leslie Glasssmith

The whole family came along for this walk, and it was superb. The views are fantastic, loads for the kids to explore off the path - do take the time to wander into the second nature reserve on the walk. If you just follow the way marked path around the outside you will be missing something very special.

5/29/2010 - J's Walks

What a stunning walk! My favourite so far! A relaxing and most scenic walk through the beautiful hills and open fields of the Pegsdon and Barton hills. Take a peek at my video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw8dDrFOWJw

1/27/2010 - Frank Hopkinson

My first walk from Walkingworld. What can I say, superb views. This will take some beating locally. Thanks for helping me to discover walks in my area.

4/27/2009 - christine mclauchlan

Lived up to its description of being "probably the best walk south of the Pennines"! Only a short section on the road - the rest across the rolling hills and lanes.

5/12/2008 - Robin Philpott

I did this walk on 10/05/08 an it is lovely. Some glorious countryside and beautiful panoramic views. Note that at waymark 4 the footpath referred to is across the main road diagonally to the right, about 60 yards away. The footpath sign is obscured by a group of trees.

11/4/2007 - Jim Porteous

This also works really well in the opposite direction. Avoid the dangerous road section at the end/start by following the Hexton- Barton le Clay footpath along the John Bunyan trail - it adds a good clamber down/up the Barton Hills.

3/18/2007 - Stephen Ison

This is probably the best walk south of the Peak District!

12/28/2005 - Gary Evans

Invigorating walk in snowy December. Take care of the final stretch into Hexton - the road can get very busy.