Dunstable Downs Five Knolls wildlife and heritage walk
Walk up on the downs on this all-weather out-and-back pathway that's ideal for families. Enjoy the views from this site, which has been an important vantage point to people for over 1,000 years. And keep an eye out for the rich variety of birds, insects and plants that make their home here on the chalk downs.
Accessibility
This is a great walk to do on wheels, suitable for buggies, motorised scooters and wheelchairs. Numbered and lettered waymarkers mark the route.
Total steps: 12
Total steps: 12
Start point
Chilterns Gateway Centre visitor car park, LU6 2GY. Grid ref: TL008195.
Step 1
Find the first waymarker in the courtyard facing the car park.
Step 2
Take the path to the windcatcher and follow the surfaced path to your right. Follow the footpath as it winds downhill over the grass area towards Pascombe and Five Knolls.
Step 3
Continue along the footpath.
Step 4
Look out for the London Gliding Club below.
Step 5
As you walk past the lower car park, look out for waymarker B a bird.
Step 6
Continue along the path.
Step 7
Follow the footpath.
Step 8
Follow the path as it descends slightly.
Step 9
You'll see how the footpath runs along the top of the downs.
Step 10
Keep walking along the footpath towards Pascombe Hill.
Step 11
Keep to the footpath as it descends through a gateway. An information panel highlights the Saxon execution site at the 5 knolls burial site.
Step 12
Turn round and walk back along the footpath you've followed, all the way to the Chilterns Gateway Centre.
End point
Chilterns Gateway Centre visitor car park, LU6 2GY. Grid ref: TL008195.
Trail map
More near here
Dunstable Downs countryside walk
Follow this moderately difficult circular route through Dunstable Downs, discovering diverse wildlife, ancient tracks and burial mounds.
Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs walk
Suitable for more energetic families, the Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs walk offers wonderful views across the Downs.
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