할링턴‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪14‬개의 천연기념물

The Clappers is a fascinating clump of trees on top of what was an Iron Age fort (!) The ascent is easy, but hikers should note that the descent (down a perilously steep set of makeshift wooden stairs) is challenging in the wet.

Deacon Hill (172m), from which there are stunning views in essentially any direction (as long as you don't stare at your boots) is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (the summit area is rich in plant species, and there are birds here such as buzzards and numerous species of butterflies, too). There is a bench to sit on as well. The hill is a gorgeous place to be and marvel at the beauty of the world.

A fantastic forest walk with amazing views from above over the Chilterns, particularly towards the north. On the way, you will encounter a memorial by W A Robertson, who gave this area to the National Trust in memory of his brothers who died in the Great War. A great and enjoyable steep set of wooden stairs by the end of this stretch, too, as you rejoin the Chiltern Way.

Lovely views, and a trig point to bag

Good changes in terrain for a short walk.

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.

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!

The Five Knolls are prehistoric burial mounds or barrows. There are two pond barrows, which are circular flat areas surrounded by raised banks. The mounds are believed to be from the later Neolithic and early Bronze Age period, around 4,000 years ago. Excavations have found the remains of a middle-aged woman buried with a polished flint knife, as well as Bronze Age cremated remains in an urn. It is also believed that during the 5th and 6th centuries gallows were placed at this spot for Saxon invaders as a warning to others. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate/trails/walk-in-the-steps-of-history-giants.