John Bunyan Triangle Walk, Keysoe Local History In the 17th century Keysoe was a centre of religious nonconformity and that part of the walk from (D) to (E) follows the route traditionally taken by the early Dissenters on the way to Willow Spinney, where they held open-air religious meetings, at that time illegal. The spinney lies on the parish boundary, so if pursued by the Keysoe constables, the worshipers could avoid arrest by simply stepping over into the neighbouring parish of Riseley. Park Wood, full of bluebells in the spring, was formally much more extensive and it is known that John Bunyan held open-air meetings here. The ancient moat system at Park Farm once surrounded the old manor of Berrystead. It was at this farmhouse that John Bunyan is reputed to have been arrested with some of his followers, prior to his imprisonment. The 14th century spire of St Mary’s Church can be seen on the skyline. In 1718, William Dickens, a mason, fell from this spire, and miraculously survived the fall. The story of this incident is related on a plaque on the west wall of the tower. The full walk includes a visit to the church. The Walk The walk is approximately 4¼ miles but there are a number of short cuts that can easily be made reducing the distance to a ½, 1½ or 3¼ miles. The walks are on well signed footpaths and bridleways alongside woods and fields with good views over the surrounding countryside. We are indebted to Mr William Ward for permitting the short cut (1½ mile walk) by Keysoe Park Farm as the section around the farm is a permissive path and not a public right of way. Start The starting point of the walks is approximately 2 miles along the Riseley Road from the B660 at Keysoe Brook End. Cars can be parked on the roadside verge at Keysoe Park Wood. Ordnance map reference TL 053620. Directions A. The start of the walk is to the left of the locked gate into the wood, through a gap in the bushes and across a sleeper bridge. Walk on a broad green sward to the top corner of the wood, here turn right across a ditch and through the hedge. B. Turn left and follow the field edge to a gap in the hedge on the left where paths cross. C. Continue alongside the hedge at the top of the field to a bridleway junction in the field corner. Bear right with the hedge still on the left for a short distance crossing a bridge to another bridleway junction. D. Turn right and follow the bridleway with a hedge on the right. After crossing a cinder track go forward across an arable field heading for a large oak tree. Enter a track enclosed by trees and bushes and cross a bridge over Keysoe Brook to reach Riseley Road. Continued overleaf. OPENING UP THE SECRET COUNTRYSIDE OPENING UP THE SECRET COUNTRYSIDE www.hidden-britain.co.uk NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE WOLDS JOHN BUNYAN TRIANGLE WALK & DONKEY WALK, KEYSOE Gateway to the Wolds Walkers undertake the routes marked at their own risk. While each one has been walked, unexpected hazards do occur. We are indebted to the following for their support: BRCC For full details of walks and rides throughout Bedfordshire, visit www.letsgo.org.uk Public Transport There are bus services from Bedford, Bus No.153 Bedford Bus enquiries: Tel: 01234 718005 Traveline Timetable Info: Tel: 08712 002233 Accommodation There are a number of bed & breakfasts in the area. Please contact: Bedford Tourist Information Centre Tel: 01234 221712. E. Turn right along the road and on reaching Valbrook Farm look for a footpath fingerpost on the left, go through the adjacent gap in the hedge and follow this footpath, gently uphill to the church. Go through the churchyard and look for the William Dickens plaque on the tower and a magnificent old yew tree. Go through the front gate and turn right on the road. In approximately 240 yards take the bridleway on the right to reach the Keysoe to Riseley road. Cross carefully and take the footpath signed on the opposite side. F. This footpath bears gradually away from the highway and through a gap in a hedge to reach the entrance to Park Farm. G. Bear right into the farm entrance, pass around the traffic barrier and walk forward to reach a way-mark post and a kissing gate into a pasture on the left. Walk diagonally across the field to reach another kissing gate in the far right hand corner. H. Continue on with a hedge on the right to reach Park Wood, then, continue with the wood on the right side to pass over Keysoe Brook to reach Riseley Road and the starting point of the walks. Hidden Britain BUNYAN-DONKEY ART: Hidden Britain BUNYAN/DONKEY ART.qxd 06/10/2010 16:40 Page 1