オークリーの湖・トップ6

Nice lake that can be found in Marston Vale Millennium Country Park. There are plenty of trails around the lake to chose from, all with that great view of the lake.

There are some secluded spots, accessible via gaps in the shrubbery, great way to rest your feet or have a quick spot of lunch. Particularly peaceful on a warm sunny day.

Great waterside riding through the park on Route 51 or using the cycle friendly paths and trails around Priory.

We did the 3.63 mile loop from Harrold Odell county park. It's a fab park and route, although you'll need wellies after a wet winter! There is also a lot of farmland in the area and we heard bird scarers almost the whole way round, even walking through the village, so if you're bringing a dog with a noise aversion, you may want to keep them on the lead.

At the eastern end of the Bedford River Park is the 297-acre (120 ha) Grange Estate. Situated on the River Great Ouse's floodplain, there are many pleasant trails by little lakes and along brooks. It’s a great place to spot kingfishers. South east of the estate is the village of Willington, where you find Danish Camp, one of the few remaining water-filled moats left from the Viking Age. Today, there's an adjacent restaurant in a Norwegian log cabin. This characterful eatery is a great place to relax after a walk in the Bedford River Valley Park.

Kempston Riverside Park follows the River Great Ouse as it meanders into central Bedford. Myriad trails explore the surrounding greenery and there are a few small lakes and ponds that offer numerous wildlife spotting opportunities. Kingfishers are a common sight along this stretch.

Harrold is a picturesque Bedfordshire village on the banks of the River Great Ouse. The village enjoys a prime location on the edge of the Harrold-Odell Country Park, which comprises two large lakes, parkland and water meadows. The village is notable for its ancient bridge, which spans the river and connects to an equally ancient causeway to the village of Carlton.

A "Green Flag" Country Park managed by Bedfordshire Borough Council. It sits in a large meander on the River Great Ouse and is made up of meadows, lakes (Priory Lake & Finger Lakes), reed beds and woodland. A nice spot for a relaxing ride and just off the disused east-west running railway line between Bedford and Sandy. Cycling's not permitted in some parts of the country park, so be mindful of others.