Natural England

The Ridgeway Link walk was launched on 20th June at the Chilterns Gateway Centre by Sir John Johnson of the Chilterns Conservation Board, the National Trust and Natural England. Over 30 people from many different organisations gathered to walk a section of the route, including representatives from Local Access Forums, the Chiltern Society, Friends of the Ridgeway National Trail, local councillors and local authority officers.

The Ridgeway Link is a 7.5 mile linear walk connecting the Chilterns Gateway Centre on Dunstable Downs to Ivinghoe Beacon, the start/end point of the Ridgeway National Trail. The route follows the ancient Icknield Way and passes through rolling chalk hills and woodlands, enjoying some of the finest scenery in the Chilterns. People can walk the route one way and catch a bus back, or opt for a shorter loop if they prefer.

The project was a joint initiative between the Chilterns Conservation Board, Buckinghamshire County Council, Bedfordshire County Council and the National Trust. A series of access improvements was carried out to bring the route up to a high standard, including the removal of 11 stiles en route (the route is now entirely stile-free) and the installation of 88 steps and a handrail on a steep and slippery section of the route on the Ashridge Estate. In addition new waymarking has been installed, showing distances to the start/end point of the Ridgeway Link and to the main settlements and attractions along the way.

The Chilterns Conservation Board is keen to promote walking as a sustainable means of encouraging people to enjoy the countryside, healthy lifestyles and at the same time bringing business to the local economy. Annette Venters, Strategic Access Officer at the Chilterns Conservation Board says “the Chilterns Gateway Centre is an excellent starting point for a wide range of walks and we hope the Ridgeway Link Walk will encourage local people from Dunstable and visitors to get out and explore this beautiful area”.

For a free copy of the Ridgeway Link leaflet call 01844 355504 or you can download it from the web site www.chilternsaonb.org. Leaflets are also available at local tourist information centres and libraries.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. For further information and images contact Annette Venters at the Chilterns Conservation Board on 01844 355508 or aweiss@chilternsaonb.org
2. The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) was designated in 1965, covers 833 sq kms (326 sq miles) stretching from Goring, in Oxfordshire, to near Hitchin, in Hertfordshire, and has a resident population of 80,000.
3. The Conservation Board was set up following the passing of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000, to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and increase awareness and understanding of the Chilterns AONB. The Board, which also aims to foster the social and economic well being of local communities, is supported by all local authorities in the area and by Natural England, The National Trust and The Chiltern Society.
4. For more information about the AONB or the Conservation Board, phone 01844 355500, email: office@chilternsaonb.org, website www.chilternsaonb.org