Great Barford - River Ouse - Willington Lock - Great Barford

Sue Cooper

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This is a circular walk along riverside meadows to begin with, leading to an old wooden bridge crossing the river and a disused lock first built in the 17th Century, now made redundant by river improvement schemes. Willington Lock and weir is next passed, where boats can be seen making their way along the river. An old disused railway is now a long-distance path from Bedford to Sandy and is very attractive, with plenty of butterflies on the route. The final part of the walk is across open farmland with fabulous views across to Great Barford.

The most striking aspect of Great Barford is the part-15th Century bridge over the River Great Ouse. This stone bridge has 17 irregular arches. Sir Gerard Braybroke, in his will of 1429, wished that a bridge 'be performed and finished' and in 1441 the Burghers of Bedford appealed for rent for a bridge to be built. It was somewhat repaired in 1777 and made wider in unattractive brick on the upstream side of the river.

England - Central England - Bedfordshire - Countryside