Cycle maps

Until you know an area, a cycle map is a good way to start. For new cyclists, it’s worth planning out routes before you set off. Even experienced cyclists can sometimes find routes and cut-throughs they are not aware of. On this page we list links to local maps.

Getting your map

Many maps can be downloaded from this site as PDF files. Note that maps tend to be large files and may not be suitable for downloading on dial up connections. We have noted the size of the file.

Alternatively, in some cases, you can get a paper copy by contacting Bedfordshire County Council or Sustrans| (new window).

Area Maps:

Urban maps are ideal for planning for local journeys to schools, shops or work. Note Bedfordshire CC and Luton BC are working year on year to expand the cycle network, so maps do gradually go out of date. These maps can be downloaded or paper versions of these maps are available free from the County Council.

Cycling in Bedfordshire (2001): This map shows cycle routes mostly on quiet roads throughout the whole of Bedfordshire. Note that it needs updating and does not show several routes. (Contact Bedfordshire County Council).

 Cycle Map Bedford and Kempston| (2005) (PDF document opens in new window): This map shows the whole of the urban area. The map is especially good for showing quieter links which might not be obvious. Side 2 of the paper version shows a detailed plan of the town centre including cycle parking locations.

 Luton Area Cycle Guide| (2007) (PDF document opens in new window): This map shows the whole of the urban area of Luton, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, including Sustrans route 6 and other traffic free routes, quieter on-road routes and 20mph zones. Side 2 shows Sustrans routes across the whole of Bedfordshire, cycle parking locations in central Luton and a more detailed plan of the Marsh Farm cycle network.

Urban area proposals

Bedfordshire CC, in co-operation with local districts and town councils, is proposing cycle networks for several towns. These maps show proposals for these towns. They cannot be used as accurate guides to existing network. They are only available as PDF downloads.  

 Sandy| (PDF document opens in new window) - planned: This map shows the proposed cycle network for Sandy.

 Biggleswade| (PDF document opens in new window) - planned: This map shows the proposed cycle network for Biggleswade, which was displayed at a public exhibition in month 2007. 

 Leighton Linslade| (PDF document opens in new window) - planned: This map shows the proposed cycle network for Leighton and Linslade. This was developed by Leighton Linslade cycle group and forms part of the town’s Big Plan.

National Cycle Network Routes in Bedfordshire

Sustrans| (new window) is a voluntary body which works with Bedfordshire CC to build cycle routes as part of the National Cycle Network (NCN). Where possible these are off-road or on quiet roads so that as far as possible they are suitable for family cycling. There are 3 NCN routes in Bedfordshire| (new window). Eventually these will link up as a triangle around Bedfordshire, with the west corner in Milton Keynes, the east corner in Sandy, and the south corner in Welwyn Garden City. Note that some of these routes are still in the process of being completed.

NCN 51 west section from Milton Keynes, via Marston Moretaine, to Bedford: This is an Interim route, with on-road sections and also currently a diversion because of subsidence over one section. The final route will be built with the Wixams development.

NCN 51 east section from Bedford to Sandy: This is a high quality off-road section following the disused railway line. It is an ideal family and starter route.

NCN12 north section from St Neots, via Sandy and Biggleswade, to Letchworth. Apart from the section through Sandy, this route is still in the planning stage. (No map available)

NCN 6 south section from Harpenden to Luton: This section will follow the old railway line and is planned to open in 2008/9. (No map available)

NCN 6 middle section from Luton, via Dunstable, to Leighton Buzzard: This section is open and mostly off road. “Marsh Farm” is the section through Luton and “Sewell Greenway” is the section from Dunstable to Leighton. Download PDF versions of  Marsh Farm| (PDF document opens in new window) (1.3 MB) or  Sewell Greenway| (PDF document opens in new window) (1.3 MB) or see  Luton Area Cycle Guide| (PDF document opens in new window) for whole route.

NCN6 north section from Leighton Buzzard to Milton Keynes: This section is open and follows the Grand Union Canal|. Download PDF version Grand Union Canal - not currently available.

Other maps covering Bedfordshire are available for sale| (new window) on the Sustrans website. There is also a map showing the  national network| (PDF document opens in new window).

Route Maps for Leisure

The Letsgo| (new window) site has a number of circular cycle routes, mainly for leisure and mainly on quiet roads. Some of the route maps have helpful hints and descriptions of local places of interest.

The distances are shown for the total circular routes. When planning a journey, remember a typical cycle speed is around 10mph, but hills and breaks can soon add a lot more time.

The links below open the webpage for each route from which a PDF version of the map can be downloaded. (Alternatively, many of these route maps are also available on the cobr website| (new window)). They are only available as downloads.

Routes north of Bedford:

North Beds Villages| (new window): a circular route via Thurleigh, Sharnbrook, Harrold, Rushden, Swineshead and Riseley (33 miles).

The Ouse Valley| (new window): a looping route going north from Bedford via Bromham, Oakley, Pavenham, Felmersham, Odell, Chellington, Carlton, Stevington and back to Bromham (16 miles).

St Neots Riverside| (new window): a looping route going north from Bedford to St Neots, via Wilden, Colmworth, Bushmead and Upper Staploe (26 miles)

Routes south of Bedford

Marston Vale| (new window): a circular route going south from Bedford through Kempston, Wooton, Marston Moretaine, Ampthill, Maulden, and Cardington (27 miles).

Marston Vale cycle trail| (new window): a short circular ride (off-road) around Forest Valley Centre in Marston Moretaine (5 miles).  

Greenwood Trail| (new window): a circular route going north from Forest Valley Centre via Wootton, Wood End, Stagsden, Astwood, Bourne End and Cranfield (23 miles).

Old Warden| (new window): a circular route from Cardington to Southill, Old Warden and Northill (16 miles)

The Thatcher’s Way| (new window): a circular route from Bedford via Willington, Blunham, Moggerhanger, Northill, Southill, Old Warden and Cardington (24 miles).  

Routes mostly in mid-Bedfordshire:

Shannon Trail| (new window): a circular ride east of Potton via Gamlingay, East Hatley, Shingay, Steeple Morden, Wrestlingworth and Cockayne Hatley (21 miles)

Jubilee Way|  (new window): a circular route south of Shefford via Campton, Meppershall, Stondon, Shillington, Pirton, Hexton, Higham Gobion and Upper Gravenhurst (21 miles) 

Routes mostly in south-Bedfordshire:

Barton Hills| (new window): a circular route south of Barton-le-Clay (14 miles)

Woburn Wander| (new window): a circular route from Woburn to Toddington (19 miles)

Dunstable Downs| (new window): : a circular route south of Dunstable via Whipsnade and Eaton Bray (12 miles).

Streatley| (new window): : short loops along tracks or minor roads east of Luton via Lilley (8 miles) 

Other maps

CCNB (the Cycling Campaign for North Bedfordshire) have a number of cycling maps and cycling leaflets available for sale.

The National Byway| (new window) is another organisation creating cycle routes linked to historic monuments. The National Byway runs through Bedfordshire| (new window). The routes are signed by a brown sign with a cycle, but there are no detailed maps available.

The Chilterns AONB| (Area of National Beauty) covers the south of Bedfordshire and stretches into Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. A number of books and maps are available for sale| (new window) on its website. The leaflet and map Cycling in the Chilterns| (new window) is available free by contacting Bedfordshire CC, but is not available as a downloadable file. 

Bridleways are designed for horses and walkers. Cyclists can also use them, but the surfaces are only likely to be usable by mountain bikers (and not always even for those bikes). A number of historic long distance and short bridleways| (new window) pass through Bedfordshire.

On-line route planning

TravelSmart| allows you to follow cycle routes on-line across Bedfordshire and surrounding counties. You can zoom in and zoom out and click in any part of Bedfordshire.