Bedfordshire
Free maps are listed at bottom of page.
Open routes
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National Route 6 |
National Route 6 of the National Cycle Network is open in Bedfordshire between Luton Airport Parkway and Leighton Buzzard via Dunstable.
The route makes use of the traffic-free Sewell Greenway and continues into Milton Keynes along the Grand Union canal.
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National Route 51 |
Known as "The University Way", National Route 51 of National Cycle Network is the principle route in Bedfordshire running from Milton Keynes to Bedford and Sandy.
A Milton Keynes to Sandy map is available to download from Let's Go Bedfordshire (pdf) or can be purchased on waterproof paper - Explore Route 51 - The University Way.
Route developments
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Bedfordshire and Luton
Sustrans has been managing a number of route construction projects in recent months, focused mainly on the Luton area and South Bedfordshire. This has included construction of the first phase of the Luton to Harpenden greenway, which will form part of National Route 6 and promises to be a really delightful route along an extremely busy corridor following the Lee Valley and a disused railway. Funding to date is only enough to allow the first section of route to be built, immediately south of Luton, and further funding is being sought.
On the other side of Dunstable, construction of a path linking with the Sewell Greenway, also Route 6, has been completed. This will eventually link up with the Visitor Centre on Dunstable Downs as well as new housing on the edge of Dunstable, and form part of the Chalk Arc, a multi-user route around Luton and Dunstable.
Elsewhere in Bedfordshire, Sustrans is working with consultants on preparing plans for a Bedford Green Wheel - a route around and through Bedford that will include National Route 51. As part of this a new section of route has recently been built to the east of Priory Country Park, which will provide an alternative and a circular route option for the National Route.
Free cycle maps for Bedfordshire
The Luton and South Beds Way Luton to Leighton Buzzard
(National Route 6) - Sustrans, tel: 0845 113 0065 or download (pdf)
The Grand Union Canal Leighton Buzzard to Bletchley
(National Route 6) - Sustrans, tel: 0845 113 0065 or download (pdf)
The Sewell Greenway Stanbridge, Dunstable and Houghton Regis
(National Route 6) - Sustrans, tel: 0845 113 0065 or download (pdf)
The University Way Milton Keynes, Bedford and Sandy
(National Route 51) - download from Let's Go Bedfordshire (pdf)
Printed copy on waterproof paper available for a small charge:
Explore Route 51 - The University Way
Cycling in Bedfordshire - Bedfordshire CC, tel: 01234 363222
Marsh Farm Cycle Network - out of print, available to download (pdf)
Luton Town Map - download from Luton Borough Council or tel: 01582 546152.