Getting There
Leave the M1 at Junction 11 and take the A505, signed Dunstable. Northbound 1st exit, Southbound 3rd exit.
At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit, signed Dunstable A505.
Pass a BP garage on left, and a retail park (with Sainsbury and McDonalds) to the right.
In Dunstable, follow signs to Aston Clinton B489, going straight over 3 mini roundabouts.
At the next roundabout take the left exit signed Whipsnade B4541, and continue until the Dunstable Downs car park on the right hand side. There are two car parks, and the second one is closer to the facilities and café.
Return to M1 Junction 11
Turn left out of the car park and continue as far as the sign for the B489 (Dunstable) where you turn right. Stay on the B489 to retrace your route to the motorway, through Dunstable and then continuing direct as the B489 becomes the A505, signed M1 and Luton.
Dunstable Downs Country Park
Length of walk: 30-60 minutes.
Starting from the visitor centre, first admire the view from this astonishing vantage point overlooking the Chiltern Valley. You may see gliders taking off from the gliding club far below.
The Icknield Way passes through the Downs. This is an ancient track that was the pre-Roman highway between the Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire and Norfolk. It's one of the oldest known routes in Britain, and there is more detail on the notice board and at the visitor centre shop.
Dogs will prefer the more modern public footpath, not so close to the road and with more trees to sniff. So walk away from the car park towards the trees, where the footpath is signed. Depending on your own fondness for steep paths, choose carefully if you want to avoid a slippery scramble in wet weather! With your back to the car park, the path leading to the right is the steeper.
There's no particular route to follow here, just a question of ambling as far as your dog desires, and the way back to the car park will always be upwards.
Facilities
Parking: NT car park, charges will apply. A machine was being installed while we were there.
Visitor Centre, café (NB: café only accepts cash), WC, shop. Dog poo bins.
Useful Links
Dunstable Downs Country Park
Visit website
Icknield Way
Visit website