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Route map
Route details
From Pavenham the route follows the river. Make sure you stick to the high ground as springs from the limestone ridge to your right keep sections of the path marshy all year round. It may by an annoyance for walkers but is a delight for bio-diversity. As a result, it has earned its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The constant flow of water to the river takes on a different significance at Stevington. Here you might see people who have come from miles away to fill up Jerrycans of water from a holy well which passes under St Mary’s church (and graveyard). One person I spoke to only drinks water from here.
The church is well worth a look inside as its pews have some lively medieval carvings.
The village has a community-run shop in the village hall and if you are passing through on a Wednesday, you are welcome to join the locals for lunch.
The route carries on crossing over the old railway line and past the Stevington postmill.
Continuing into Bromham, the route meets back up with the Great Ouse at Bromham Mill. It’s now a nice park and popular cafe and is next to Bromham Bridge which is attractive but not pedestrian friendly.
The official route continues along the riverside and is accompanied by the unrelenting sound of traffic from the A6 before ducking unexpectedly into a housing estate at Great Denham. Alternative routes have been marked on the map…
Heading into town, you’ll pass near to the Guru Nanak Gudwara Temple which welcomes passersby and the Eagle Brewery which, alas, does not. If you are desperate for a brewery tour, then you could visit their new facility at Brewpoint
Bedford makes the most of its river setting and a stroll through the parks that run along the river is a chance to see how it is actively used by local schools and enthusiats alike for rowing and kayaking.
You could also hire a canoe here to complete the next leg from Canoe Trail who regularly run canoe excursions to Great Barford.
Spending time in Bedford is also a chance to visit the John Bunyan Museum and visit the Panacea Society.
Audio downloads
John Bunyan and the Pilgrim's Progress
Between Pavenham and Bromham Mill, the Ouse Valley Way joins another walking route - The John Bunyan Trail. I met with John Pestell from the Bunyan Museum to find out more about the man and his greatest work.
Bunyan Museum
Guru Nanak Gurdwara Temple
There's an impressive temple visible from the Ouse Valley Way. Let's go visit it and learn some lessons for people of all faiths and none.
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20th Century Preppers
What would you do if an Apocalypse was imminent? Museum director, Zara Matthews, shows us what one incredible group of ladies decided to do.
Panacea Museum
Remembering the R101
Why did the R101's maiden flight end in tragedy? Lydia McDonald, Keeper of Social History at the Higgins helps us find out.
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Public transport
The No. 25 bus goes between Pavenham and Bedford.
Bus times: Grant Palmer.
Next Leg: Bedford to Great Barford
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