12 APR 2025 RIVER IVEL - SANDY TO ARLESEY VIA BIGGLESWADE - Nick W.

A brisk walk starting through heathland and woodland which is managed as a nature reserve and now the site of The Lodge the UK headquarters of the RSPB.  The route continues across Biggleswade Common to the bank of the River Ivel a tributary of the Great Ouse where it joins the Kingfisher Way for the remainder of the morning section.  For the first part of the afternoon section the route takes advantage of a permissive path alongside the river.  A short Loop alongside the River Hiz brings us to Arlesey station.  Some undulations and steps near the start but flat thereafter.

Nature reserve

Leader and back marker considering the view.

Catapult tree 

Walkers on Biggleswade Common

 Owl sculpture

And the birds?

A (rare) pause

 Obligatory quadruped

 River Ivel

 and paddleboarders

and Swan tourism

Leader checking our progress

 Arrival at Arlesey in time for train home

Photos: Martin F, Dave H, Sue, Ruth