Icknield Way

The Icknield Way is unique among long distance tracks because it can claim to be "the oldest road in Britain". Extending from Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire to Knettishall Heath in Norfolk, it consists of prehistoric pathways, ancient when the Romans came. Dotted with archaeological remains, it survives as splendid tracks and green lanes along the chalk "spine" of England.

Ivinghoe Beacon to Leagrave

Monday 10 August 2009 - 13 Miles

ID10082009#23b

This was walked the same day as the last lump of the Ridgeway and Leagrave was the final destination, due to rail link and having already walked the Lea from here.  Not quite as well waymarked as the Ridgeway (expected) and briefly got lost a couple of times, particularly tricky through Dunstable and into Luton/Leagrave, but a very pleasant and interesting walk throughout, reaching Leagrave station in the dark, with half hour to spare to catch last train to hastings

Near Dagnell

Reindeer at Whipsnade, lots of sweet critters, including a wallaby

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral - I didn't really have time to hang around and couldn't get any pictures worth reproducing here, so just the map

Interesting glass markers on Dunstable Downs.  Some miles from Leagrave.  I had some trepidation of the urban section, but it turned out to be quite fascinating and required concentration as I struggled with the lack of light