Stockgrove Park and the Three Locks Circular Route

Sue Owen

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The walk starts in the woods of Stockgrove Park, one of the largest in Bedfordshire. It contains evergreens and deciduous trees and many of the latter are multi-stemmed after coppicing. The walk continues cross-country into Buckinghamshire, past some small lakes which (not on the 1:50000 map) often have interesting wildlife, from herons to ducks.

Eventually we emerge at the three locks which has a pub of the same name and continue along the towpath of the Grand Union canal. Heading back up Partridge Hill to fine views back along the valley, we return to Stockgrove and head towards the lake and the country park's cafe.

Finally we head home past some Douglas fir and Norway spruce, back to the start in Heath and Reach. There are many possible alternative paths from the cafe and the lakeside path is suitable for wheelchair access. Some of the trees within Baker's Wood to the south of the cafe are over 800 years old.

England - Central England - Bedfordshire - Countryside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Lake/Loch, Nature Trail, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, River, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

8/25/2019 - Kevan Watts

Can confirm from point 7 to 14 tough going. But still, that's part of the fun.

8/1/2019 - Dennis Johnson

Really nice walk but the signpost at point 7 doesn't even exist anymore. The navigation between points 7 to 14 is tough going with lots of overgrown including stinging nettles between points 7 to 8. Pub at point 15 The 3 Locks is excellent

2/13/2018 - Kieran McMahon

Undertook this walk with 12 other people , Feb 2018. Very sunny day but cold. Confirm other comments re a lovely walk with varied terrain muddy in places which you expect in the winter. Take care after signpost 7 - which says” look out for another sign to a path on the right leading through scrub” the post is on the floor and very easy to miss !. We started and ended the walk at The Three Locksc - where all 13 stayed for lunch - very well looked after. Excellent walk.

1/3/2012 - John Read

A Great walk with a wide variety of scenery which is enjoyable at any time of the year. To up-date earlier comments regarding the path between 6 and 13, much work has been done on this path. There are now a number of new kissing gates which make the track easy to follow so don't be put off trying this walk.

6/17/2009 - Paddy Higgens

We started the walk at 16 (Three Locks) and then followed the route. It is a superb walk and we enjoyed it.

7/20/2008 - helen carroll

Went on this walk with my son and 2 dogs. My son had to carry 10stone between the 2 dogs over two styles. There was barbed wire between the wood.

5/29/2006 - Gary Evans

An excellent walk.

A couple of pointers to help other walkers
1] Section 11. Boggy! You're not kidding! Be prepared for some great squishy moments.
2]Generally. Take a pole or stick as sections will become very overgrown with nettles and brambles in late Spring and Summer.