We completed the walk from Bedford to Sandy on 29th June 2013 to campaign for for a new railway from Bedford to Cambridge, taking an optimum route in terms of cost, environmental aspects, journey time, and social benefit. Click on the picture below for photographs of the event.
2013 is the 50th anniversary of the Beeching Report. The Report recommended developing the Oxford to Cambridge line; yet in 1968 the government ordered it to be closed.
2013 also marks the government's decision to reopen the line from Oxford to Bletchley, linking with the Marston Vale line to Bedford.
We want to see this strategic route opened all the way to Cambridge, realising Dr Beeching’s vision for the Line.
If you missed the opportunity on 29th June but would like to walk or cycle the route for yourself, you can follow the Sustrans national route 51 (the University Way) from Bedford MK41 9DJ to Sandy SG19 1HU. The route is approximately 7.6 miles and sign posted.
Click for Sustrans route
Getting there and back
Bedford rail station (BDM) and Bedford bus station are about 2 miles from Priory Country Park. You can either walk by the riverside path, or take Stagecoach bus no. 4 to Barkers Lane which a few minutes walk to the park.
Click for walk/bus links
To return from Sandy, take half-hourly bus no 73 from Sandy to Bedford bus station (journey time 30 mins).
Useful Links
- Guide for walkers and cyclists.pdf
- Cycle route Bedford-Sandy.pdf
- More info on the walking route.pdf
- Short version of Bedford-Sandy walk.pdf
- PRL-LON:2013.06.14 - East West Rail Rally (Press Release for Bedfordshire)
- PRL-EAA:2013.06.14 - East West Rail Rally (Press Release for Cambridgeshire)
http://www.priorycountrypark.co.uk/
Rail
Journey planner
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk
Rail timetables
London – Bedford
http://www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk/static/timetables/timetable/TL1_SO_RTN.pdf
Bedford – London
http://www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk/static/timetables/timetable/TL1_SO_OUT.pdf
London Kings Cross - Sandy
http://www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk/static/timetables/timetable/GN2_SO_OUT.pdf
Sandy – London Kings Cross
http://www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk/static/timetables/timetable/GN2_SO_RTN.pdf
Bedford area bus information
Bus route numbers:
4 Bedford – Priory Park, & return
73 Bedford – Willington – Sandy - Biggleswade & return
Bedfordshire bus map
http://www.stagecoachbus.com/PdfUploads/Map_14716_73.pdf
Bedford town bus map
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/transport_and_streets/public_transport/timetables_and_maps.aspx
Bedford route 4 map
http://www.stagecoachbus.com/PdfUploads/Map_18501_Bedford%20route%204.pdf
Bus general information and journey planner
http://www.stagecoachbus.com/localdefault.aspx?Tag=Bedford
Bus timetables
Timetable – route 4 – Bedford - Goldington (for Priory Park) and return
http://www.stagecoachbus.com/getTimetable.ashx?code=XEAO004&dir=INBOUND&date=29%2f06%2f2013
Timetable – route 73 - Bedford-Sandy-Biggleswade and return
http://www.stagecoachbus.com/getTimetable.ashx?code=XEAO073&dir=OUTBOUND&date=29%2f06%2f2013