Dunstable Downs

Dunstable Downs, November 2024.

Yesterday we went on a 5 mile circular walk on the Dunstable Downs.

“Look down on a breathtaking landscape, sculpted over time, decorated by nature and enjoyed by generations.

Stand on top of Dunstable Downs for a view that will simply take your breath away. There are several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designated for the quality of the chalk grasslands.

As well as two Scheduled Ancient Monuments (Five Knolls and Medieval Rabbit Warrens) there are many other historical features and the site has much to offer.

There are miles of footpaths across the chalk grasslands of the Downs including several circular walks. The Downs have a fascinating history and an abundance of plants and wildlife.

Dunstable Downs is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is the highest point in Bedfordshire.

The wind-swept ridge provides ideal conditions for a variety of air sports, especially kite flying. On calmer days it’s the ideal site to enjoy the view and a picnic.” (National Trust)

The landscape in the AONB is indeed sculpted over time. For the last ten years Cemex has been quarrying chalk and their work is only too visible as a horizontal white scar across the landscape. In the gushing description above the NT seems not to have noticed this rather prominent feature. Cemex have so far extracted sixteen million tonnes of chalk and are proud of their landscape enhancement.

“Cemex Dunstable offers a captivating experience for visitors with its picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and the operational quarry. The public footpath provides excellent vantage points to observe the quarry’s activities, and the bright chalk shines beautifully on sunny days. Additionally, the natural integration with the environment, featuring lush grass, enhances the aesthetic appeal.” (Cemex Dunstable)

Cafe and Toilets, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs, November 2024.

However, the NT has made its own distinctive mark on the skyline. The views from their cafe are superb and the coffee and cakes pretty good too.

Wind-catcher,Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs, November 2024.

It looks like a sculpture but is a wind-catcher. The wind goes in through vertical vents and passes along an underground pipe to the cafe keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter. Don’t ask me how it can do both.

It was a magnificent walk taking three hours as we didn’t hurry and only thirty-eight miles from my front door.

2 comments

  1. The north face of Ivinghoe Beacon good training for Mount Kilimanjaro and in contrast Pitstone Hill a gentle climb near the windmill.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *