It really feels good to be back, out and about on the Bunyan Trail. Regular readers might have noticed my absence over the last month or so. The surgery was more complex than expected, resulting in a longer lay off. Will have to make the most of this one as I go back under the knife next week! This time more knee surgery is required. Hopefully the recovery will be fairly quick. Starting point today is the lovely village of Bromham. Situated around 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Bedford Town centre.
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Church of St Owen
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Walking in a clockwise direction we pass through Bromham Park. The parish church dates back to the eleventh century. it is named after the seventh-century French saint Owen (Ouen). It’s an
unusual dedication – in fact there is only one other church dedicated to
St Owen in the whole country.
Second it has two names –
historical records show that it was also called St Andrew’s Church. The church is quite isolated in the parkland. When the church was built it would have been sited at the junction of
the old village footpaths, and the medieval village would have
been scattered around it.
Bromham Mill dates from the 17th century, although there was a Mill on the site at the time of the Domesday Book. Standing on the River Great Ouse provided more than just grinding Flour. The river would have been rich with Eels, and a Blacksmiths was situated close by. Orchards provided the wood needed for the mill. Milling continued here as late as the twentieth century. The mill eventually closed in 1971. It has now been restored (1983) Some of the machinery has been restored, and the mill is now in use again. It also serves as an Art Gallery and Museum and, I believe a Cafe. The Bromham Bridge, with fully 26 arches, spans the river beside the mill.
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We pick up the 'Ouse Valley Way' a 150-mile (240 km) footpath that I'm sure I have mentioned on previous walks. It's source is in Syresham Northants, and the mouth is near to The Wash , at Kings Lynn. There is another 'Ford' thankfully we don't have to cross this one though. I couldn't help wondering though if we could get that tyre to float? It's a hot day and the cooling water looks tempting. We continue past the A6 Junction to Kempston Church End. Passing through 'Green End' there are lots of fruit bushes in the conservation area. We move through the very well maintained cemetery into a lovely green area.
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As we head towards Rushey Ford Farm we get rather a nice sighting. A 'Jersey Tiger Moth'. They are seen more frequently in southern England, particularly the Channel Islands. So quite rare to see this far north I would imagine. They are also quite populous in Devon and Cornwall. They are a beautiful moth though with creamy white strips on It's fore-wing and bold Orange underwings. These colours give the moth a clever mix of camouflage, echoing the
light and shadows of foliage with its fore-wings, and the ability to
flash a bold warning with its bright hind-wings to would-be predators to
let them know that they might not taste very good. We are now on the John Bunyan Trail.
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Jersey Tiger Moth
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We are now walking on the edge of 'Hanger Wood' and the JB Trail encompasses several other walks. 'The North Beds Heritage Trail' a
circular route of approximately 70 miles. A 6 mile circular walk from Bromham Mill to Stagsden. Finally 'The Clay Way' is an 11.5 mile linear walk which stretches the
length of the Forest of Marston Vale taking in spectacular views of the
Vale, Greensand Ridge and other parts of Bedfordshire. As well a being a public bridleway.
It has been a short walk today, around 7.5 miles. Not many John Bunyan references to be perfectly honest, but some lovely countryside nevertheless. As we make our way back into Bromham Park we spot another 'Jersey Tiger Moth' ! Unless it is the same one following us , which would be highly unlikely.
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