Keysoe and Bolnhurst (21km) Print

Keysoe and Bolnhurst Waypoint 1
Keysoe and Bolnhurst, Ride 3 in the Bedfordshire on Horseback series. Approx 21km (13 miles). Ride described clockwise, as this provides best canter opportunities but can be ridden either way. One gate which may require you to dismount. This ride is also mostly on field headlands and farm tracks includes several places for a good canter. The route includes about 3km of roadwork (increase to 4.5km if you take the first option to shorten) some quite busy. Parking available at The College Equestrian Centre in Keysoe, please phone 01234 708400 in advance. The Centre is well signed from the B660, and has a tack shop, cafe, toilet facilities. Start from The College (GR 071616). Turn right on the road for about 1km (Traffic mostly horseboxes, can be heavy if big event on at The College). At junction with B660 cross straight ahead down Mill Lane and onto Bridleway (BW) continue to road.

Keysoe and Bolnhurst Waypoint 2
Cross the road (slight stagger to right) to join Byway (signed). After about 1km, take care to bear right where a BW forks off to the left (signed) - watch out for rabbit hole at this junction. Follow this Byway for another 1.5km to Wood End Farm. At this farm, the Byway follows a grassy track to the left of farm drive. Do not use the drive to the road. Alternative Route: Turn right on the road and continue to cross B660 into School Lane. Continue on this lane, which becomes BW (farm track) until you pass Mount Pleasant Farm and come to road at 8 below. This shortens ride by 4km (2.5 miles).

Keysoe and Bolnhurst Waypoint 3
Turn right on the road for about 470m. Turn left on BW (signed), past Westwood Farm on your left and continue along BW for about 2km, past Cherry Orchard Farm to the B660. This is a fast road but traffic is slowed at this point by two sharp bends and 40mph speed restriction.

Keysoe and Bolnhurst Waypoint 4
Turn right on to road (at the bend) and continue for about 280m (wide grass verge for most of this).

Keysoe and Bolnhurst Waypoint 5
Ignore first BW on left and take the second one (signed) through small gate next to main gates at Gate Cottage. You may need to dismount, unless the main gates are open. Follow this BW for about 1.5km past Brook Farm.

Keysoe and Bolnhurst Waypoint 6
Past wood copses on right and then on left, take BW (signed) to right past Crowhill Farm (excellent view of the isolated Bolnhursh church).

Keysoe and Bolnhurst Waypoint 7
At road, turn right (this is a quiet road but you are on a sharp bend so take care) After about 180m, go straight ahead up drive to Greensbury Farm (BW signed). Follow this BW (farm track) for about 1.2km to a T-junction near Mount Pleasant Farm - turn left here and follow the BW past the farm and out to road.

Keysoe and Bolnhurst Waypoint 8
Turn left and follow road (quiet road, traffic generally considerate to horses) for about 800m. You will see the perimeter of Thurleigh Airfield Business Park to your right. Just past this is the entrance, on your right, to a BW around the perimeter fence. Take this new BW for about 1.5km until you emerge onto a dead-end road at the Hatch End gate. Alternative Route: Turn right here and follow the road (very little traffic) to a T junction, turn left and The College is on your right after 175m. This will shorten ride by 3km (2 miles).

Keysoe and Bolnhurst Waypoint 9
Continue to follow perimeter fence onto BW (farm track) ahead. But where fence turns left in about800m, DO NOT continue on the perimeter BW, instead follow the track for a further 1.5km through Buryfields Farm and down to road.

Keysoe and Bolnhurst Waypoint 10
Turn right through small goup of trees onto road. After about 180m, take Byway (signed) to right and follow this for about 1.2km to road. Turn left and then left again at T junction. The College is on your right after another 180m.