Rural communities

Cople Village

COPLE - A pleasant seven mile walk centring on the village of Cople

Guidance for Walkers
The route follows village paths, a section of the Greensand Ridge Walk and the ancient "Park Lane". A shorter four mile route is also detailed. The majority of the paths used for this route cross agricultural land and in the case of "Park Lane" can be very muddy during winter months. It is strongly advised that it the route is used during these months appropriate clothing and footwear is worn and difficult conditions expected.

How to Get There - By Bus
There is a regular bus service that runs along the A603 between Bedford and Sandy. These buses will stop on request at Cople. Details of this service and others can be obtained from timetables detailing the routes of the 176, 177, 178, 179 & 180. These timetables are available from libraries and Tourist Information Centres. The passenger transport section of Bedfordshire County Council will be pleased to help you work out a suitable itinerary. Please telephone 01234 228337 between 800am and 600pm on weekdays.

How to Get There - By Car
Cople is situated three miles to the east of Bedford, just off the A603. The suggested starting point of the walk is from All Saints Church, Cople. The church is situated in the centre of the village, and a limited amount of off road parking is available adjacent to the church grounds. Further car parking is available at the Five Bells Public House opposite the church. This public house offers a range of pub food and fine ales.

Information about the Community Forest
The Community Forest offers a unique opportunity for the sustained environmental improvement of the Marston Vale. The Marston Vale Community Forest covers over 60 sq. miles between the Ml. Ampthill, Woburn and Bedford, It is centred on the Brickfields', an area of existing and former clay pits stretching ten miles between the Ml and the southern fringe of Bedford. At present woodland cover is only 3.6%. The aim is to increase tree cover to around 30%.

The Marston Vale Community Forest Plan sets out a long term vision for creating an attractive landscape of woods, lakes, open areas and farmland. This will provide increased opportunities for recreation and education, the conservation and creation of wildlife habitats and the improvement of the environment for people who live and work in the area. Although the forest may take forty years to create, the benefits of treeplanting and better access to the countryside can already be enjoyed throughout the area.

The Marston Vale Community Forest is a partnership of local authorities, the Countryside Commission and the Forestry Commission. For the forest to become a reality the whole community: business, landowners, voluntary organisations. community groups and individuals need to be involved.

Cople Village Walk Guide.( 44 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

The Cople Village Trail Guide.( 109 KB ) - DOWNLOAD

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