Look Over Lilley

Sue Owen

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The rounded chalk hills around Lilley provide superb views over Bedfordshire. The initial climb is steep but is well worth it once the old 17th Century racecourse plateau of Lilley Hoo is reached. From here the walk is relatively flat to Telegraph hill, the site of the old admiralty telegraph system from Great Yarmouth to London. A beech-lined avenue leads us downhill along one of the oldest roads in England, The Icknield Way. This leads to Galley Hill, with its ancient barrows and witch's burial of horse's skull and dice. Finally Warden Hill, the highest point at 195m at the trig point, is reached with an amazing 360º panorama covering Luton Town, the rolling hill country and flat downland of Bedfordshire. The walk continues down the rolling hillside back to the church at Lilley.
Most of the hills apart from the first could be cut out of the route. A lowland path could be taken at a number of points and other circular routes are possible. It is even possible to start in Luton below Warden Hill and then follow the route in a circle back to there.

England - Central England - Bedfordshire - Countryside

Features

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

3/29/2018 - Kieran McMahon

Completed this walk with a group of people (12) on Monday 19th March - the weather was sunshine but cold and a couple of inches of snow had fallen the previous day. Easy to follow walk and concur some lovely views across Herfordshire and Bedfordshire. The group had lunch at The Warden (Beefeater) not far from the golf course car park. The party all agreed spectacular views - enhanced by the blanket of snow and the blue skies.

9/30/2015 - mark archer

I actually disagree with the last two posts. There is probably a parallel path that runs through the trees up to the Icknield Way, but route finding round this part is so obvious - you're simply following a northerly heading. I really enjoyed the climb up Galley Hill and Warden Hill with extensive views westwards over Luton and beyond. At WP17 the fence posts across the field don't appear to exist anymore, but the path is quite evident back to Lilley. Cracking walk!

6/8/2015 - steve williamson

Agree with previous comment. The guide is not idiot proof and we lost our way at point 6.We never did find the house referred to. Shame as views from the top worth the effort.

3/21/2015 - Honor Davison

14/3/15 At point 5 the direction says 'take right fork.' This is misleading. Do not take the first right fork through the small wood but continue on the next right fork.

7/9/2013 - J's Walks

A great walk with some fine views over Bedfordshire. Make sure you choose a clear day, you will see for miles from the high points on the walk. I would strongly recommend going in the early to mid summer months where you will see a fantastic array of poppy and rapeseed over vast areas of Galley and Warden Hill.. looks so beautiful. If you cant get out - take a look at my new video of the walk: http://jswalks.blogspot.co.uk

3/25/2012 - helen crouch

Keep your eye on the weather for this walk. At its best on a bright clear day. Binoculars are a must. Between point 13 & 14 look over to the Control Tower at Luton Airport and just beyond it in the far, far distance you will see, believe it or not, Canary Wharf! Some steep climbs but well worth the reward. Dogs will have to be kept on leads at a couple of points to cross South Beds Golf Course and a field of sheep. Took us 3 hours 30 minutes with a couple of stops to admire the views.