周辺の天然記念物・トップ18

Popular area for kite flying and paragliding

As you turn off Dagnall Road, get into a low gear and take it easy. You don't want to be going into the red before the twisty steep bit, as it feels really narrow and if you put your foot down it might be hard to get going again.

Batford Spring Nature Reserve hosts a number of fresh springs that are the source for many chalk-lined streams and ponds. There are a network of footpaths that will lead you around the reserve past grasslands, woods and rivers.

Ranked in "Ten of the best cycling climbs in the Chilterns" by RCUK. Short and Sharpe even strong riders will end up gasping a bit. 8% average but peaks at 17% with a short ride of 10% at the end when you think the worst is over. https://roadcyclinguk.com/sportive/ten-best-cycling-climbs-chilterns.html

well worth the climb!

Beautiful Views and the N/T Cafe

Good changes in terrain for a short walk.

Great views of the downs and great place watch the gliders take off

Watch gliders set off

The Dunstable Downs has some Beautiful breathtaking views 🔭

Dunstable downs is a great place to bring a bike, once you have put the effort into riding up you are rewarded with great views and visitor centre where you can grab a coffee. Bridleways and tracks for those on mountain or gravel bikes and surfaced multi user path along the ridge for other bikes.

Great for children and dogs to wade into the river.

beware you brakes get very hot by the time you get to the bottom.. allow extra braking time when you come to stop at the end.

Great place to spend some time here with family.

It's names Bison Hill because of the Bison that live in the neighbouring field. Look out for them on the way up, but not on the way down - keep your eyes on the road, as it can get hairy if you don't quiet read the bend when a car is coming the other way.

At Dunstable Downs there is a group of seven round barrows, consisting of two bowl barrows, three bell barrows, and two pond barrows. It is thought that they were initially used as burial grounds for Kings or Chiefs, although excavations of two of the bell barrows in August 1850 revealed no treasure to support this. Excavation history When the northern-most barrow was excavated in 1928 by Sir Mortimer Wheeler, a crouched female skeleton with a late Neolithic knife at her shoulder was found. This was later put on display at Luton Museum and Art Gallery. Other excavations throughout the 1920s revealed over 90 skeletons from various periods. For instance, in Saxon times about 30 bodies were buried there with their hands apparently still tied behind their backs. Gallows were set up on the northernmost barrow in medieval times and some of the people hanged there were also buried there. Witch lore has also been connected with the barrows, as in the trial of Elizabeth Pratt of Dunstable in 1667. She was arrested whilst meeting with three other women, plotting to bewitch the children of Thomas Heyward.

Batford Springs is a nature reserve with fresh springs that are the source for a network of chalk-lined streams and ponds. The River Lea flows through the reserve, which also has open grassland and a small wooded area to explore.

The Smithcombe, Sharpenhoe and Sundon Hills cover 86 hectares in Bedfordshire. With thick forests, gentle slopes and wildflowers, the area is a lovely place to cycle, hike and enjoy a picnic. The hills make up part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are considered a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Here, you will find plenty of interesting plants and wildlife. As the hills are made mostly of unimproved chalk grassland, there are lots of rare species. Look out for rabbits too!

With breathtaking views, scheduled monuments to explore, and several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Dunstable Downs is a fantastic place to spend some time. Situated within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is the highest point in Bedfordshire. There are lots of footpaths to explore across the chalk grasslands, including several circular walks. The site is managed by the National Trust and there is a visitor centre. For more information, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate.

Climb up from Dagnall Road to Whipsnade Zoo, take a moment to enjoy the amazing view on your right before finishing by the penguin enclosure. Averaging 9% it has a nasty kick at the start but once you get past that, you can spin it out to the top.