[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”] [av_gallery ids=’14815,14814,14813,14812′ style=’thumbnails’ preview_size=’portfolio’ crop_big_preview_thumbnail=’avia-gallery-big-crop-thumb’ thumb_size=’portfolio’ columns=’4′ imagelink=’lightbox’ lazyload=’avia_lazyload’ admin_preview_bg=”] [/av_one_full] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]

Background

The Milton Keynes Boundary Walk is a long distance footpath around Milton Keynes boundary, going through the valleys of the Rivers Tove and Ouse. It includes canal towpath, forest and thatched cottages. There is a link with the Swan’s Way at Salcey Forest. The route is around 60 to 65 miles in total As a challenge for Redway Runners in 2020 we are going to have the ‘Redway Runners Milton Keynes Boundary Run’ (RRMKBR). Runners can during the 10 days run parts of the route or if they want run the whole route. If you want a flavour of what the you have to expect you can read Steve Rose’s blog at: https://deestevetravels.blog/ Once you have run a part of the route let us know distance and time taken and send it at the end of the challenge to us at:  xxxxx

Challenge Dates:

To be confirmed

Suggested routes

We have broken the route down into these suggested sections 1             Stony Stratford to Cosgrove – 3 miles 2             Cosgrove to Salcey Forest – 7 miles 3             Salcey Forest to Olney (Burial Ground) – 8 miles 4             Olney (BG) to Turvey – 10 miles 5             Turvey to Salford – 10 miles M1 Bridges are closed for the foreseeable, so would need to start the other side of M1 6             Lower End to Great Brickhill – 8 miles 7             Great Brickhill to Tattenhoe Valley – 7 miles 8             Tattenhoe to Stony Startford – 7 miles

Assistance

During the 10 days we are hoping that run leads will hold runs along the route

General

Remember the logistics you will need to make arrangements after each run to get back to the start if you park or home [/av_textblock] [av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]

Leg 1

Stony Stratford to Cosgrove

Distance

3 miles

Parking

Stony Stratford (park at northern end of High Street by Ouse Valley Walk)

About

A nice leisurely start to the MK Boundary Run as you set off along the River Great Ouse and then changing to the Grand Union Canal heading up towards Yardley Gobion (look out for Mick and Jen Bates with their Plan B canal boat). Several other highlights include the locks at Cosgrove and of course the famous Iron Aquaduct Bridge, great photo opportunities! Do not let this leg fool you as it is perfectly flat, perhaps the only part of the route that is flat.

Route GPX File

Desktop users: click the menu icon  within the map to access the GPX download. Mobile users: click the orange button below the map to access the GPX download – you may need to view the page in landscape to see this option. [/av_textblock] [av_gallery ids=’14873,14872,14871′ style=’thumbnails’ preview_size=’portfolio’ crop_big_preview_thumbnail=’avia-gallery-big-crop-thumb’ thumb_size=’portfolio’ columns=’3′ imagelink=’lightbox’ lazyload=’avia_lazyload’ admin_preview_bg=”] [/av_one_full][av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]

Leg 2

Cosgrove to Salcey Forest

Distance

7 miles

Parking

The Navigation, Thrupp Wharf, Station Road, Cosgrove   MK19 7BE

About

This leg will see you leaving the canal behind you as you head out into the farms and fields, although there are a couple of little bridges and stiles to navigate, along with of course the odd field of cows, all friendly and just slightly inquisitive of strangers. You’ll know as you approach Salcey Forest when you get what almost seems a surreal feel crossing a motorway bridge on foot and see all the traffic heading north and south.  Today’s activities are also the start of some wonderful countryside along with stunning views of the city that we love!!

Route GPX File

Desktop users: click the menu icon  within the map to access the GPX download. Mobile users: click the orange button below the map to access the GPX download – you may need to view the page in landscape to see this option. [/av_textblock] [av_gallery ids=’14879,14878,14877′ style=’thumbnails’ preview_size=’portfolio’ crop_big_preview_thumbnail=’avia-gallery-big-crop-thumb’ thumb_size=’portfolio’ columns=’3′ imagelink=’lightbox’ lazyload=’avia_lazyload’ admin_preview_bg=”] [/av_one_full][av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]

Leg 3

Salcey Forest to Olney Burial Ground

Distance

8 miles

Parking

Salcey Forest, Main car park is £4 for 2 hours and £6 for all day, or there are a few lay-by’s locally.

About

A real fields and farms day today although there are several great city views, along with the rural beauty of traditional villages when passing through Ravenstone and Weston Underwood.  If you’ve not visited these villages before you’ll likely be going back at a later stage, unbelievable that they are just a few miles from MK.

Route GPX File

Desktop users: click the menu icon  within the map to access the GPX download. Mobile users: click the orange button below the map to access the GPX download – you may need to view the page in landscape to see this option. [/av_textblock] [av_gallery ids=’14888,14887,14886′ style=’thumbnails’ preview_size=’portfolio’ crop_big_preview_thumbnail=’avia-gallery-big-crop-thumb’ thumb_size=’portfolio’ columns=’3′ imagelink=’lightbox’ lazyload=’avia_lazyload’ admin_preview_bg=”] [/av_one_full] [av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]

Leg 4

Olney (Burial Ground) to Turvey

Distance

10 miles

Parking

Olney (Burial Ground)  The only real parking is on roadside grass verges near Burial Ground, Yardley Road, Olney MK46 5EH. The Boundary Walk is over a mile out of town (there is a small industrial area on edge of town).

About

A wonderful day of fields, farms, woodland and country trails with awesome views for miles over the rolling Bucks and Beds hills and countryside. I’m suggesting that you should bring a few pennies with you as there is a delightful finish in the old village of Turvey with…. a couple of pubs that might have re-opened following lockdown…now this is what running is all about!

Route GPX File

Desktop users: click the menu icon  within the map to access the GPX download. Mobile users: click the orange button below the map to access the GPX download – you may need to view the page in landscape to see this option. [/av_textblock] [av_gallery ids=’14890,14892,14891′ style=’thumbnails’ preview_size=’portfolio’ crop_big_preview_thumbnail=’avia-gallery-big-crop-thumb’ thumb_size=’portfolio’ columns=’3′ imagelink=’lightbox’ lazyload=’avia_lazyload’ admin_preview_bg=”] [/av_one_full] [av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]

Leg 5

Turvey to Salford

Distance

10 miles

Parking

Free parking around village green by Three Cranes, High Street, Turvey MK43 8EP Finish – Will finish at Salford although you can still walk from the village up towards where the bridge is closed, but best parking is roadside near The Swan, Wavendon Road MK17 8BD (It’s quite a narrow road!).

About

Are you ready for those hills, because today is the day, mixed in of course with fields, farms and the most stunning views.  Heading down the eastern side of MK you’ll get to see countryside and a famous city in all its glory on many occasions. Sadly at the moment all pedestrian bridges near Salford crossing the M1 are currently closed so finish today by walking down to the closure before viewing tomorrow’s start point over six lanes of traffic.  Another opportunity in Salford also to try a pint (or coffee) in the local pub, hopefully it’ll be more open than the bridges!!

Route GPX File

Desktop users: click the menu icon  within the map to access the GPX download. Mobile users: click the orange button below the map to access the GPX download – you may need to view the page in landscape to see this option. [/av_textblock] [av_gallery ids=’14900,14901,14902′ style=’thumbnails’ preview_size=’portfolio’ crop_big_preview_thumbnail=’avia-gallery-big-crop-thumb’ thumb_size=’portfolio’ columns=’3′ imagelink=’lightbox’ lazyload=’avia_lazyload’ admin_preview_bg=”] [/av_one_full] [av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]

Leg 6

Lower End to Great Brickhill M1 Bridges are closed for the foreseeable, so would need to start the other side of M1

Distance

8 miles

Parking

Will start the other side of the motorway near Lower End although parking there is impossible because of roadworks traffic for the A421 / M1 improvements. So suggestion would be to park on side road (there are several little layby’s) opposite where Jack Barkers Golf Centre / Wavendon Golf Club used to be and the MKBW starts just down the road.  The following details should get you very close to the parking places: Lower End Road, Wavendon MK17 8DA

About

Today’s offering includes roads, villages, fields, farms, woodland and even several golf clubs, there’s something for everyone.  Also have to report there might be a couple of upward inclines but of course hills are our friends…. Once again though there are some stunning views not least of which in Great Brickhill, just amazing how close this village is to the city yet seems so far away!

Route GPX File

Desktop users: click the menu icon  within the map to access the GPX download. Mobile users: click the orange button below the map to access the GPX download – you may need to view the page in landscape to see this option. [/av_textblock] [av_gallery ids=’14905,14904,14903′ style=’thumbnails’ preview_size=’portfolio’ crop_big_preview_thumbnail=’avia-gallery-big-crop-thumb’ thumb_size=’portfolio’ columns=’3′ imagelink=’lightbox’ lazyload=’avia_lazyload’ admin_preview_bg=”] [/av_one_full] [av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]

Leg 7

Great Brickhill to Tattenhoe Valley Park

Distance

7 miles

Parking

Street parking on main road near Old Red Lion, Lower Way, Gt Brickhill MK17 9AH

About

Easier going terrain today with even some downhill from Great Brickhill before a little jaunt back along the Grand Union bringing you back into our ‘City of Dreams’ or more precisely the path that leads up the side of the Lakes Estate towards Newton Leys and then Newton Longville.  Still some lovely countryside to see and fairly easy going as you pass Newton Longville on the way up to Tattenhoe Valley Park .. picnic anyone?

NOTE

Possible access problem with the railway bridge between Newton Longville and Route 51 We would suggest the following options:-

1. There are railway workers carrying out work on the line above the underpass. There is however room to pass through at the side of the fence, we were not challenged when we walked through.  It looks like we were not the only people to do this as the grass was well worn!
2. Is to just walk up the Whaddon Road towards the Bottle Dump roundabout which rejoins you with the correct path.  At the moment this road is closed however it is due to re-open on Monday 27th July.
3. Change the end of the route this day to finish at The Crooked Billet, 2 Westbrook End, Newton Longville MK17 0DF

Then start the next day at Tattenhoe as per existing plan, which loses about a mile from the path.

Route GPX File

Desktop users: click the menu icon  within the map to access the GPX download. Mobile users: click the orange button below the map to access the GPX download – you may need to view the page in landscape to see this option. [/av_textblock] [av_gallery ids=’14909,14908,14907′ style=’thumbnails’ preview_size=’portfolio’ crop_big_preview_thumbnail=’avia-gallery-big-crop-thumb’ thumb_size=’portfolio’ columns=’3′ imagelink=’lightbox’ lazyload=’avia_lazyload’ admin_preview_bg=”] [/av_one_full] [av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]

Leg 8

Tattenhoe Valley Park to Stony Stratford

Distance

7 miles

Parking

Tattenhoe Park  Priory Rise School, 160 Bronte Avenue, Tattenhoe Park MK4 3GE

About

So you’ve nearly made it, just the small matter of some North Bucks Way before taking a wonderful detour over the western countryside of MK, if you’ve been this way before I’ll be surprised (look out for the hidden stile), as you enter Calverton and then Stony Stratford over the fields approaching the finish line after some 60+ miles, earning some mighty celebrations, well done to all and a glass of champers … well I don’t mind if I do!!

Route GPX File

Desktop users: click the menu icon  within the map to access the GPX download. Mobile users: click the orange button below the map to access the GPX download – you may need to view the page in landscape to see this option. [/av_textblock] [av_gallery ids=’14913,14914,14912,14911′ style=’thumbnails’ preview_size=’portfolio’ crop_big_preview_thumbnail=’avia-gallery-big-crop-thumb’ thumb_size=’portfolio’ columns=’4′ imagelink=’lightbox’ lazyload=’avia_lazyload’ admin_preview_bg=”] [/av_one_full]