The John Bunyan Trail (15) Ridgmont & Bromborough

Starting on the Greensand Ridge

He's back! Been a low key start to 2026, the weather has been appalling , hardly stopping raining. Illness and injury to the poor old knee has also kept me out of action. I have been able to attend all of 'The Cobblers' home matches at Sixfields since Christmas. I might do a blog entry on a future game. 

Thankfully the rain has subsided and the Weather Wizards have promised a sunny, if a little chilly day. We are starting off from the small village of Ridgmont today. We are very close to Junction 3 on the M1' and the famous Woburn Abbey. The Ridgmont Brickworks were established in 1935. In 1979 as part of the London Brick Company it was one of the largest in the world, with 25 chimneys. The walk today will link up with the previous ones we ave done in this area. A good part of it will be on the 'Bunyan Trail'.

We cross a wooden Bridge over the A507. Behind us the traffic has been stopped on the M1 by the Police following an accident. Hopefully nothing too serious and the traffic will get moving.

 

Chinese Water Deer in the distance

We pass under the Iron Bride we went over on a previous walk. In the fields the Chinese Water Deer are massing. I counted 16 of them in one particular gathering. Quite unusual really as I always considered them as fairly solitary creatures. We continue in the direction of Brogborough close to the railway line. 

The lake at Brogborough looks beautiful in the Winter sun. We follow the brick towards Lidlington. It is an uphill climb once we get over the railway line. The recent rain has made it very difficult to get a decent foothold. There is a lot of pressure on my damaged knee. It is with a lot of relief that I make it to the top.

View from the top

We are still on the Bunyan Trail  and have passed 'Flying Horse' Farm. Although, perhaps 'Abandoned Vehicle' farm might be more appropriate. We continue past 'Hamcorner Spinney' where we spot the splendid Piggy pictured above. The most interesting part of the walk continues with the remains of All Saints Church (Segenhoe) Ridgmont. Segenhoe being the original name according to the Domesday book of 1086. 

Abandoned All Saints Church

The church was abandoned in 1855 when a larger church was built in Ridgmont. The earliest parts of the building are constructed from brown cobbles. Ironstone was used from the 12th century onwards and limestone for the internal columns, arches and mouldings.

 

The cemetery continues to be used for burials.The church was most likely built after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The building is designated a scheduled Ancient Monument. I noticed this particular gravestone in the cemetery. 'James Boon', who died aged 100 on August 13th 1845 . That would have been quite some age at that time! 

We continue back towards Ridgmont and the site of the 'new' church. Arriving back at the start point after some 8.5 miles of very muddy walking at times. Another section of the 'Bunyan Way' completed. Probably about 5 more legs to go. Talking of which it might be a close race with my poor old knee to get it finished....