Walk in the steps of wooden giants at Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire
With the National Trust, follow the bridleway that leads towards Whipsnade Village, discovering the surrounding countryside and chalk hills of Dunstable Downs and the peace and tranquility of the uniquely designed Tree Cathedral.
Suitable for families.
Map
Start:
Chilterns Gateway Centre, grid ref: TL008193
1
From outside the Chilterns Gateway Centre facing the downs, walk left picking up the bridleway, walking past the wind catcher. Once you pass the hedgerow on the left hand side turn immediately left (keeping hedgerow to your left).
The view overlooking the Bedfordshire countryside from Dunstable Downs.
2
Go through the gate into a long grazing area. There is a belt of conifers to your left. Continue walking until you reach a gate. Leave the grazing area through the gate and immediately turn left continuing along the bridleway until you reach the beginning of a housing area. Turn left through a gate following the path alongside a housing boundary until you reach a kissing gate, and walk through into a field with fencing on the right. The next gate leads into the lawns around the Tree Cathedral.
Tree Cathedral
The now Grade 2 listed Whipsnade Tree Cathedral was the vision of Edmund Blyth after World War 1, and is laid out to look like a medieval cathedral. The best view at ground level is from the Nave. From the car park follow the Avenue of Hornbeam where you will reach the cathedral porch made of oak trees. Each area of the cathedral is distinguished by a different tree species, for example the Christmas Chapel is made up of Norway spruce and the Easter Chapel of cherry. The area is designed as a place for peace and relaxation, but also to encourage wildlife with a particular rare species of lichen in this area. More information about the Tree Cathedral is found at the site or website, and by visiting the Dunstable Downs Gateway Centre.
3
After enjoying the tranquility of the Tree Cathedral, walk back to the entrance and head towards the car park. Leave the car park out into Whipsnade Village.
Whipsnade Village
The village of Whipsnade is home to the Tree Cathedral and the Zoo.
4
Crossing the road ahead follow the road towards Kensworth, past the old church on the right and down the hill. The Hunter Lodger public house will be on your left. You will eventually come to a small roundabout. Cross the road with care towards Whipsnade Heath car park. Follow the tarmac path and then follow the footpath straight ahead through a small woodland. Continue through the woodland reaching the kissing gate and cross into pasture, cross the field to the roadside opposite Greenend Farm, following the footpath indicated to the left. This fenced footpath leads down to Codling Bank.
Codling Bank
Codling Bank at the Valley Bottom
5
At the valley bottom turn left into kissing gate and walk diagonally up hill until the hill flattens out. The footpath will continue straight until you reach a kissing gate in the corner of the field. Following the track with the fence to your right, join the gently rising headland path along the left hand field edge where the track will go slightly up hill. There is a tall aerial in the skyline and a mixed plantation to your left. At the way-marked post to your left, follow the path into the plantation, and continue until reaching the roadside. Turn right onto the Isle of Wight Lane and continue walking to the junction with the B4541 to Robertson Corner where you will see the Gateway Centre straight ahead of you.
Gateway Centre
Make time to stop in the Gateway Centre; visit the shop or have a bite to eat and something to drink in the café.
End:
Chilterns Gateway Centre, grid ref: TL008193
