Milton Keynes 25 Mile Challenge Walk
Conquer our 25 Mile Challenge Walk across Milton Keynes’ beautiful greenspaces that are hidden away in the city.
25 Mile Challenge Walk
Designed in 2017 to celebrate 25 years of The Parks Trust we invite you to complete our 25-mile walking route through the amazing parkland of Milton Keynes. Along the route you'll see ancient woodland, public art, lakes, historic sites, scheduled ancient monuments, and areas rich in biodiversity. All of which add together to tell the story of how amazing Milton Keynes is.
If you're feeling adventurous you can complete this all in one go, or take it easier and split the route over several days.
Start - Howe Park Wood
Finish - Caldecotte Lake
Elevation - 734ft over 25 miles
Route Description - Gravel paths, Redways, Canalside Towpath and Bridle paths
Route Markers - The route is well marked with Challenge Walk signs
Mile 1 - 8
Starting in Howe Park Wood you'll enjoy the shade and soft paths of the ancient woodland which give you a nice opportunity to gently warm up for the rest of the challenge. Heading west from the wood you'll take in St Giles Church, Kingsmead Spinney, and then down into and along Tattenhoe Valley Park. Arriving at Furzton Lake this is a great spot to take a break, capture the view, and is the first example of flood defences along what soon becomes Loughton Valley. Head off now past the National Bowl venue and through the Teardrop Lakes and into Loughton, one of the villages pre-dating modern MK.
Mile 9 - 16
Continuing along Loughton Valley you'll have passed Lodge Lake, and head towards Bradwell Abbey, under the railway and then you’ll be introduced to the famous Concrete Cows. As you continue to head north through the Loughton Valley you'll go past the historic site of Bancroft Roman Villa, and to complete this section of the walk you'll head along the Grand Union Canal taking in Stanton Low park, Great Linford Manor park, and the Gyosei Art trail. Leaving the canal now head over towards Willen Lake north, and the Willen Labyrinth, and Peace Pagoda.
Mile 17 - Finish
Willen Lake South is a great spot to take a final break before heading into the last section of the route. Heading west now through Newlands remembrance walk, and into the only significant uphill section of the route towards the Light Pyramid in Campbell Park. Campbell Park has a sculpture trail and this route take you past these amazing art works, and leads you to the belvedere for a great view across MK.
The final section of the route heads south along the Ouzel Valley towards your final destination of Caldecotte Lake. The route takes you through the Poplar plantation, and past the historic villages of Woolstone, Woughton on the Green and Simpson. Along the way you'll see Walton Lake, the world famous Open University, and onto a lap of victory around Caldecotte lake.
Things to consider
The route is possible throughout the year and your experience will change with the seasons. Please do allow for weather conditions and the amount of daylight, dress appropriately, and take additional care in wet or cold weather.
Due to the nature of the challenge route the surfaces change, and there are sections on the route that have some kissing gates, cattle grids and steps.
Have you completed the walk?
We would love to see photos of you completing the walk using our hashtag #TheParksTrust, share them with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Check out the wide variety of activities in the parks including sports, facilities and clubs.
