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A sense of Deja Vu today as we park up in exactly up in exactly the same spot as on our previous visit. By the side of the 507 parked next to 'Eric's Removals' van just like last time. The weather is equally as grim too, the added bonus being an Amber weather warning for sleet an snow later in the day. Hopefully we should be on our way home by then. I do think these weather warnings are dished out far too often , spreading panic and worry. All part of the plan to keep people at home and not to travel. Look at me, sounding like a conspiracy theorist...
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We follow the fast flowing River Flit as far as Campton. Instead of turning left, we continue past the impressive looking Campton Manor towards 'Chicksands'. The house was erected between 1581 and 1591 for the Ventris family.in 1645, Sir Charles Ventris, a Royalist supporter, resided in the property with his family because of an incident which led to the damaged oak panelling in the house. In 1645 a "small armed band of Roundheads came to Campton, crept up to the House, peeped through the windows and saw Sir Charles in the main downstairs room. One of the band drew his firearm and fired. Fortunately his aim was poor and he missed and the shots were embedded in the oak panelling. Outside were 3.5 acres of grounds, side and rear gardens an orchard, a sun terrace and a double garage.
We follow the flood plain of the River Flit through a variety of Wetland habitats. The include Reed beds, marshes, ponds and ditches. Or as I like to call it 'Muddy Boots' time. Looking towards the sky through the trees there is a very watery sun losing the battle to break through. A sign warns us that Deer Culling is taking place in the area. I hate the killing of animals , however I do appreciate that controlled culling has to take place to keep the population healthy and manage the countryside. We have a more immediate problem though as 'Archie' the dog has gone missing. Being close to 14 years old his hearing is virtually non existent these days. We split up and look for the errant pooch. After about 5 minutes the Old Boy comes bounding out of a field blissfully unaware of any worry caused.
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After we cross the Ampthill Road we have worries of a different kind. We are on the edge of Ministry of Defence land 'Chicksands'. There are plenty of signs letting us know the dangers , which include being shot from the nearby rifle range. Named after Chicksands Priory, a 12th Century Gilbertine Monastery located within the perimeter of the camp. The site was previously 'RAF Chicksands' which closed in 1997. It then became under the control of the British Army. Today, the Defence Intelligence Training Group (DITG) is based at MOD Chicksands, and is the Headquarters of the Intelligence Corps.The base will close and be disposed of in 2030. Which is quite sad really, no doubt thousands of houses will appear on the site.
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During World War Two Chicksands was a top secret listening post. Intercepting and logging enemy coded enemy transmissions. These would then have been taken to the famous 'Bletchley Park for de-coding. Several pivotal radio transmissions were intercepted at Chicksands Priory, including the transmission which led to the sinking of the battleship Bismarck. It once housed a so-called 'Elephant Cage, or radar antenna array, That too has all been dismantled with very little sign of it ever existing. The two pictures above show how it would have looked in it's heyday. I'm pictured standing on one of several thick concrete platforms that do still remain.
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We continue towards 'Appley Corner' passing a lovely pond. We pick up the 'John Bunyan Trail' for the first time on this particular walk. We make the turn back towards Shefford following the footpath that runs parallel to Rowney Warren Wood. A mixture of walking trails and BMX and Mountain bike trails for the more adventurous. From here you can also link up to the Greensands Ridge walk.Rowney Warren is jointly managed by the Southill Estate and the Forestry Commission. The wood is predominantly planted with mixed pine trees, but also contains many old oaks and beech trees dating back over 100 years old.
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We follow the Bedford Road back towards Shefford crossing over North Bridge as we go. The water is very high with al the recent rain as you might expect.There are some very nice buildings in Shefford. We are particularly drawn to the one called 'The Brewery Tap'. A former Banks and Taylor pub looking at the designs on the outside wall. We had a B & T pub in Northampton at one time and the Beers were great. Sadly brewing ceased completely in the Summer of 2020. We popped in for old times sake at least. Mainly an old fashioned drinkers pub drinkers pub, with several Real Ales available. I stick to the Diet Coke though as I'm on the 'Dry January' campaign. Another very enjoyable walk in the Bedfordshire countryside. Total miles covered 9.43. 
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