A Walk Around Bow Brickhill Woods
A Choice of 3 Walks From 1.1/2 to 6 Miles in Peaceful Woodlands.
This route guide should be used in conjunction with Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer Sheet 192 (Buckingham & Milton Keynes) or 1:50,000 Landranger Sheet 152 (Northampton and Milton Keynes area)
BOW BRICKHILL
Settled on the side of the steepest hill in the district, Bow Brickhill is one of three villages in a row on the edge of the Duke of Bedford's estate. Years ago, many villagers would have worked for the estate, cutting larch trees for railway sleepers or quarrying ironstone from the Sandy ridge. The women and girls worked in a vast cottage industry plaiting straw hats, using the skills they learned at special plaiting schools. Some contributed to the other great Buckinghamshire industry of lace making
BRICKHILL WOODS
Parts of the area were wooded in 1086 and there have probably been some trees here throughout the last 10,000 years. Iron Age people built a hill fort at least 2,000 years ago and since then people have changed the landscape over and over again, by creating arable land from forest, then heathland from arable, then forest from heath and so on.
The woods themselves change in nature from place to place on the walk and will continue to do so as areas are harvested and replanted.
A surprising variety of trees are grown showing how different managers over hundreds of yeas have tried to grow trees for cash or pleasure on both good and poor soils.
IN THE FUTURE
The latest plans will turn the wood into an attractive patchwork of trees of different ages and colours. A proportion of hardwood trees will be planted as the existing conifer stands are felled.
Many of the larger oak and sweet chestnut trees planted between 1880 and 1900 are ready for felling, so regular walkers on the route will see the woods change. The ash wood is used for tool handles or fencing posts and some is still made into hurling sticks. The conifer trees may be pulped for paper and board or used for poles and construction timber.
ON THE WALK
From London End, the walk follows a pine-lined bridleway which was once a coach road to Little Brickhill. Below the hill, young Norway spruce (Christmas Trees) are protected by fencing. Mature conifers are dark and lifeless, but young plantations hold many birds - so look for hunting sparrowhawk. The rich birdlife elsewhere includes crossbill, redstart, owls, nightjar and woodpeckers.
Wild flowers include bluebells, lady's smock, gorse and ramping fumitory. Beyond the storm-wrecked spruce, a mysterious pond, alder swamp and damp meadow add habitats for wildlife.
If quiet, you may see barking deer, or muntjac. The males' call can be terrifying close by or at night. Brought to Woburn from China, they escaped and are now seen even in Central Milton Keynes. Look for their tiny hoof prints in muddy places.
The walk across the pond was built by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers to give access to the walk from Little Brickhill.
At Broomhills Wood past the redwoods and rhododendrons, the short cut 'A' turns left via steps to cross the golf course as far as Bow Brickhill Church.
BUTTERMILK WOOD AND LITTLE BRICKHILL COPSE
Throughout Buttermilk Wood, there are many taller trees which have been allowed to grow into their natural shapes, including some attractive conifers such as the larches and Douglas fir. Grassy ridges lead to Shire Lane, the Bucks/Beds border which forms part of the long distance Greensand Ridge Walk. This border path continues through Little Brickhill Copse in more open surroundings.
WOBURN GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
The two courses, known as the Dukes and the Duchesses, occupy The Heath, an area of such sandy soils that the old-time foresters despaired of ever getting trees to grow there. The club hosts important national and international tournaments such as the Dunlop Master.
BOW BRICKHILL PARK
The Huge beech trees here filter the sunlight making dappled effected on the bare ground. Here and there a giant has crashed revealing how unstable the roots become on the thin soils. Squirrels also caused bark damage and so beeches are not really an economic proposition on the Brickhills.
BLIND POND
The large pond has a place in a legend about a richly bejewelled lady drowning with her coach and four horses. It is known that a laden horse and cart disappeared at the spot once, leading Reverend Morrell to record this tale from an old villager in 1934.
"Ole pee-pul as lived years ago allus yold us when us was bo-eys that us maunt goo up the meddow neew the pond, a cartur was coamin up the road alloan and un a horese un cart a whait, the wind was blowing an e ant niver sin it since, e baint a gooin to tell ye it is true or not"
OR
In "A Tale of Woods" H Harmen recorded this story;- There was a young chap from Bletchley starting working at one of the farms and the first night he walked up through the woods. It was an awful dark night and when he got in the middle, he heard such a row a coming up behind, and all at once, a funny shaped coach came tearing past him in the wind. It was full of people and such funny looking fellas too that he was frit out of his wits. Did he ever see it again? No fear, he never went to work again at that place"
CIRCULAR WALKS
The full walk of 6 miles id described from Bow Brickhill and shorter choices may be made. We recommend the following:
Via Back Wood, golf course (short cut 'A')and Bow Brickhill Park - 4 miles.
Via Bow Brickhill and Church Road - 1.1/2 miles.
From access area car park via Bells Copse (short cut 'B') Buttermilk Wood and golf club (short cut 'A' - 3 miles
GENERAL INFORMATION
PARKING
The woodland roads can be busy at weekends. Please use one of the following parking place:
At the end of Parkway in Bow Brickhill village.
Little Brickhill Community Centre opposite the church.
Access area car park 1/4 mile east of Bells Copse.
At Bow Brickhill Church.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities in the wood at the present time. Most local villages have pubs serving food. The nearest public conveniences are at Woburn Sands.
GOLF COURSES
Quite frequently the golf course bridleway is closed for a major tournament. The alternative route on these occasions is along the woodland road back to the church. Closures are advertised in the local press.
GENERAL INFORMATION
FOOTWEAR
The walk follows several bridleways and footpaths which can be very muddy in wet conditions. Boots will be essential at these times.
WAYMARKS
Most rights of way in the woods are marked with yellow arrows (footpaths) or blue (bridleways). Special "Circular Walk" versions are used for the main route.
COUNTRY CODE
Please respect the country code especially guard against fire and litter.
To protect wildlife, please keep dogs on leads.
On bridleways be prepared to meet horses and cyclists.
FORESTRY WORK
Take special care where forestry work is in progress and follow any diversions provided.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Buses - Services to Bow Brickhill, Little Brickhill and Woburn Sands
Trains - There is a stop 1/2 mile west of Bow Brickhill on the Bedford - Bletchley line.
For further information telephone Traveline (Public Transport Information) on 0870 608 2 608 or log onto
www.traveline.org.uk
ACCESS
Part of the woods north of the road from Bow Brickhill to Woburn is a public access area with additional walking opportunities.
ASSISTANCE
A part of the wood is patrolled by Bedfordshire County Council rangers.
For further information or comments on this walk please contact:
Milton Keynes Council,
Countryside and Rights of Way Section,
Landscape Services, Streetcare
Chesney Wold, Bleak Hall
Milton Keynes.
MK6 1LY.
Telephone 01908 - 252406.
Fax: 01908 - 252070
e-mail:
rightsofway@milton-keynes.gov.uk
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