Greensand Ridge Walk
Location and Access Information
Grid Reference: SP915251 (start) to TL226533 (finish)
This 40 mile (64km) walk follows the Bedfordshire greensand ridge, starting at Leighton Buzzard and finishing at Gamlingay in Cambridgeshire. The route is well marked and is covered by a leaflet produced by Bedfordshire County Council. Further information on the walk, including car parking areas along the route can be found at:
www.greensandridge.freeuk.com
View the site map on Nature on the Map
Geological Interest
The Greensand Ridge Walk follows the outcrop of the Cretaceous (142-65 million years ago) Lower Greensand outcrop that runs through the middle of Bedfordshire. The Lower Greensand comprises a series of sands, often stained yellow, orange or brown due to the presence of iron. In the east of Bedfordshire these sands are known as the Potton Sands and further west, towards Buckinghamshire, as the Woburn Sands. The sands were formed at the bottom of a shallow sea during the Lower Cretaceous Period 120 million years ago as evidenced by the presence of structures showing the movement of the sands by south east trending tidal currents. Beds of decomposed volcanic ash, known locally as 'Fullers' Earth', are found at some locations in the Lower Greensand succession. The distinctive geological character of the ridge is also reflected by the habitats and vegetation that it supports. In contrast to the surrounding clay vales, the acidic soils of the ridge support areas of heathland and mixed woodland.
