Short Walks in Bedfordshire

Descriptions - Videos - Proper parking instructions

Sharpenhoe Clappers

Description and Walk

No obvious set walk here, you just tend to follow the path upwards towards the higher ground then wander where you want. The highest point is wooded, but you can make your way out to the fields from which you have views over the land below. You can easily spend an hour or more at Sharpenhoe Clappers just strolling around.

Directly across the road from the Clappers car park is an entrance to the Moleskin and Smithcombe Hills. We’ve never walked that way ourselves, so have no comment to offer other than what Wikipedia has to say: ‘Smithcombe, Sharpenhoe and Sundon Hills is an 86.1 hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest in Sharpenhoe in Bedfordshire. Most of it is a National Trust property comprising Sundon Hills, Moleskin and Markham Hills, Sharpenhoe Clappers and Smithcombe Hills.’

Also according to Wikipedia: ‘Clappers are rabbit warrens (from the French “clapier”). Meat, fur and leather from rabbits used to be an important part of the local economy.’ Now you know.

Short Video of Sharpenhoe Clappers

Note: The video is best viewed by clicking on the 'full screen' symbol that appears at the bottom-right of the video box once the video is playing. To exit full-screen hit your escape key or click on the symbol at the bottom-right again.

Parking

Parking is Free.

Parking address: Near 349 Sharpenhoe Rd, Sharpenhoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4SH.

There is a reasonably-sized free car park available which is capable of accommodating typical visitor numbers for the Clappers on most days. Although a street address is given, above, the number is only to help your sat nav approximate to where the entrance is. The car park entrance is about halfway along the Sharpenhoe Road and is not near to houses. You have to keep an eye out for it.

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