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| Water Buffalo |
Another trip into the Wilds of Bedfordshire and the village of Turvey. Situated on the River Great Ouse we are on the Buckinghamshire border. No 'John Bunyan' Trail today though, hopefully some nice countryside and parkland. We get parked up in a lay-by on the A428 between Northampton and Bedford. We cross the road and take the steps towards Pictshill House. Over to our right is the largest, craziest Llama I have ever seen. Not that I have seen that many if I'm honest. This one is safely been fenced in despite it's best efforts to escape. It stands upright and must be over 10 feet tall and broad with it too. The main thing is it seems very happy as it charges along the fence perimeter.
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As if a Llama isn't enough! There are also three Water Buffalo enjoying a good feeding session. Not quite what you expect to meet crossing a Byway in the Borough of Bedford. They are also part of a private collection on the Pictshill House Estate. The path takes us towards Great Oaks Wood , passing over the Old Railway bridge. We loop back round through some beautiful countryside towards 'Boons Barn and back to the bridge.
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This time we cross the bridge and enter the Parkland. The Water Buffalo have also moved on too, they are now having a sleep in the sun. Something I expect they do a lot of, along with eating. We take a small detour to look at the derelict 'Moat Farm'. It would be great to have a closer look but it is all fenced off, along with solar powered CCTV. I do manage a look inside a n out building and a stunning Barn Owl takes flight feeling most put out no doubt.
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| Abandoned 'Moat Farm' |
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Back at the Bridge we drop down onto the dismantled Railway line. It's a bit soft underfoot and shady , the ideal habitat for the 'Butterbur' plant. The small purple and white flowers are just starting to emerge in the Spring warmth. They seem to be a favourite of the Brimstone Butterfly too which are plentiful. The Railway line 'St John's' connected Northampton to Bedford. The St John's Station in Northampton is no longer in existence. It was situated near to Victoria Gardens, by the Cattle Market and closed in 1939.
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We leave the Picsthill Estate passing some interesting buildings, new and old. There seems to be a number of Cottages and Barns that are rented out. It's a great location amongst the Deer Park and other assorted Wildlife. I forgot to mention we also saw a startled Hare earlier? We cross over the A428 once again to continue the walk. We pass the edge of Pictshill gorse and pick up the North Bedfordshire Heritage Trail. The Trail passes through 23 villages in Bedford and Bedfordshire including Bromham, Odell, Riseley, Wilden and Sandy, long with two country parks and goes by 30 public houses. It connects with the Greensand Ridge Walk at Sandy, Old Warden and also with the John Bunyan Trail at Bromham Mill.
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| Wide open spaces |
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| Interesting fascias |
Passing Grindstone Hill we meet our old friend the railway line once again. This time we go under the tunnel which takes into Turvey Abbey Park. We pass 'Abbey Farm as we head towards 'Turvey Abbey'. The views of the Abbey are very limited from the rear. We continue to get a view from the front from the road. On the other side is a fine looking house with some interesting inscribing on the wooden fascia boards. 'Except the Lord Build The House' 'Their Labour is but Lost that Build it'. Which I believe comes from Psalm 127:1. It essentially means Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted.
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| Turvey Abbey |
Turvey Abbey is dated 1605 on the north facade and 1608 on the south facade. It now belongs to the "Priory of Our Lady of Peace", a Benedictine Order of Nuns. A Roman Catholic community living according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. Next door is the Monastery of Christ our Saviour. The monks share daily worship with the nuns.We make our way back through the park area before arriving back at our start point.
A really scenic route with plenty of interest for sure .I total a distance of just over 8 miles covered.
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