Having lived in the area for many years, I have run along the Greensand Ridge Walk between Lidlington and Ampthill Park many times. It is also part of The John Bunyan Trail and The Marston Vale Timberland Trail, all three are worth exploring. This is a great trail and hill running route, combined with a few circuits of the park. It has been good training for the various events I have entered including Mountain Marathons and the LDWA's Hundred Mile Challenges. Over the years I have seen it through all the seasons and many different weathers and spied many of the local wildlife. Some of my favourite times have been out on a beautiful sunny winters morning, in the snow, and not seeing a single soul, wondering why no one else is out! Then on arriving at Ampthill Park, I see all the families out with their sledges and having fun.
This section of the Greensand Ridge Walk contains the highest points of the walk, so be prepared for a little hill walking. Together with Forest of Marston Vale land on Lidlington hill, there are some magnificent views of Bedfordshire to be had. There are also glimpses into Millbrook Proving Ground, to spot the vehicles on the various tracks.
Beware the odd mountain biker on this route. Not sure I approve of them disturbing my peace and quiet, but having ridden it myself a few times it is good fun, so I can't complain too loudly!
I have been considering placing my first cache along here for some time, but it has taken a gentle push from my son Edward to start the ball rolling. The cache container was made by him, and presented to me for my birthday. I'll leave you all to judge it. Other birthday presents were three Travel Bugs from my three grandchildren:-
William - mission to travel around the coast, visiting beaches, rock pools and caves.
Heidi - mission to commute between Lidlington and Sydney, Australia.
Sam - mission to climb as many high mountains as possible around the world.
One of these will be placed in the cache, and the others will follow.
Please disturb the area around the cache as little as possible and replace it as you find it. Treat the woods and trail with respect and take any litter home with you. No hint, as I don't think any experienced geocachers will have any trouble finding it, but do allow for the trees! Sorry, It's not suitable for wheelchairs, due to the slopes, but maybe fit owners of an all terrain buggy! For those with young children, be aware there was a pond nearby.
Direct access to the cache can be from three routes.
1. Millbrook car park at (N52 02.336' W000 31.601). Just follow the GRW signs up the hill.
2. Lidlington village roadside parking, and follow the High Street up the hill (very carefully) and turn left to Jackdaw Hill and onto to the GRW. There may be limited parking at the top at Boughton End Lane (N52 02.062' W000 33.398') to avoid the hill.
3. And my favourite, from Lidlington village, the bridleway behind the children's park and village graveyard, follows an undulating route with a great view and then into the depths of the woods. It joins the GRW near the cache.
Also, thanks to PhilMorris60, who joins me for my geocaching jaunts, for his inputs and help in placing this cache. Sorry Phil, you can't claim a FTF as you were there when we placed it!
Look out for the old balding guy with a white beard running by, it could be me!