We recently discovered another place for a walk in our area. Sundon Hills Country Park is perfect if you just want somewhere quiet. There aren’t really any facilities or playgrounds, which is probably why it’s way more peaceful than the nearby Rushmere Country Park.

Situated at one of the highest points in Bedfordshire, Sundon Hills offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside. It is well worth walking to Sharpenhoe Clappers for a different angle and views towards the Barton Hills National Nature Reserve.

How to get there

By train: You can take the train from Euston to Harlington (45min) and then walk.

Parking: There is a car park called Sundon Hills Country Park Car Park. The Sharpenhoe National Trust Car park is also nearby and a good alternative option. Both are free.

Sundon Hills Country Park Map

You can also download my GPX files from our walk if you want to follow this route. We normally use the OS Maps app or AllTrails to navigate on our walks.

Walk to Sharpenhoe Clappers

We decided to walk to Sharpenhoe Clappers from the Sundon Hills Car park. The trail is waymarked and went through nice woods and grasslands. This route was a bit hilly, but not too strenuous. You should expect the trail to be muddy after heavy rain. It is not suitable for pushchair and wheelchairs. The round trip hike was 7.6 km with 280 m elevation gain.

The first section of the walk is hilly grassland with views to some small dry valleys.

Then you will arrive to a small woodland, which has a steep section. There is a rope here which can be helpful, when the ground is slippery after rain.

You will soon reach the Sharpenhoe Road. This is where the Sharpenhoe National Trust car park can be found.

Walk up the hill through the wood and you will reach a clearing. Take in the views. Sharpenhoe Clappers is a classic chalk escarpment and you might find traces of an Iron Age hill-fort. There are also a couple of rope swings hanging from the giant beech trees.

Facilities

There are no facilities on this walk apart from a couple of picnic tables at the Sundon Hills Car park.

The Red Lion Sundon pub is within walking distance if you fancy a beer or meal after your walk.

Wildlife

The site is part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is important for many species of plants and animals. We spotted many burrows along the way, which are presumably home to badgers and rabbits. We also saw jays, red kites and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. In the spring and summer, the flowers and butterflies provide a riot of colour.