Ampthill, Bedfordshire – Town on the Greensand Ridge

Woodland Ridges, Open Parkland, and Far-Reaching Views

Ampthill is a small market town in central Bedfordshire set on the Greensand Ridge, where walking routes follow wooded slopes, parkland, and elevated ground above the surrounding countryside. The Greensand Ridge Walk passes close to the town through Ampthill Park, linking routes between Leighton Buzzard, Sandy, and the wider Greensand Ridge across mixed woodland, heath, and farmland.

The town is arranged around a compact centre with historic streets and a large open park on the ridge edge. Footpaths and tracks lead directly from the town into Ampthill Park and surrounding woodland, allowing walking to continue along ridge-top paths and down into the vale.

Ampthill offers useful services for walkers. There are shops, cafés, pubs, places to eat and drink, and accommodation within the town, making it a practical place to stop, resupply, or stay while walking routes across the ridge.

Beyond Ampthill, paths continue along the Greensand Ridge through woodland and heath east toward Maulden and west toward Woburn, while lower routes descend into farmland and clay vale landscapes to the north and south. Terrain varies between firm woodland tracks, sandy paths, and grassy sections, with gentle but steady climbs along the ridge.