Welcome to Bedfordshire Together! Our Pilgrim’s Poetry Walks along the Bunyan Trail are part of Bedfordshire’s Poetry Together Campaign, spearheaded by Gyles Brandreth, H. M Queen Camilla, and with the support of H.M Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada, who launched the first walk from Streatley on Sat Sep 21 2024.
It’s no secret that poetry has a magical power to connect hearts and souls. Gyles Brandreth, a man of letters and a keen poetry enthusiast, envisioned this power of togetherness through poetry. He initiated the Poetry Together project, and now, it’s taking root across the country with the help of passionate Poetry Champions.
One such champion is Debra Knight, Bedfordshire’s very own Poetry Champion. She’s inviting you to participate in Bedfordshire’s Poetry Together Campaign, which includes workshops at the scenic Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, and the Pilgrim Poetry Walks.
Debra, C.E.O and co-founder of Queen’s Award Winning (QAVS 2016) and Luton’s longest serving Community Interest Company NINE RED Presents… (CIC), (incorporated in 2006); is an artist of many mediums, a word mechanic, and a holistic health and wellbeing practitioner.
The therapeutic benefits of walking, talking, and creating are well-documented. Through this project, we aim to foster togetherness across generations, cultures, traditions, mindsets, realms, and ideals by creating poetry that is transformative for people, places, and spaces.
Walk 1. 10 May – Upper Sundon to Pulloxhill. 2hr 30
Walk 2. 17 May- Pulloxhill to Harlington. 1hr 30
Walk 3. 24 May – Harlington to Steppingley. 2hr
Walk 4. 31 May – Steppingley to Ampthill. 2hr
Walk 5. 08 June – Ampthill to Ridgmont. 2hr 30
Walk 6. 14 June- Ridgmont to Hulcot. 1hr 30
Walk 7. 21 June – Hulcot to Up Shelton. 1hr 30
Walk 8. 28 June – Up Shelton to Bromham. 2hr 30
Walk 9. 05 July – Bromham to Pavenham. 2hr
Walk 10. 20 July – Pavenham to Brickhill. 2hr
Walk 11. 02 Aug – Brickhill to Elstow. 1hr 30
Walk 12. 17 Aug – Elstow to Haynes. 2hr 30
Walk 13. 31 Aug – Haynes to Shillington. 2hr 15
Walk 14. 14 Sept – Shillington to Hexton 2hr
Walk 15. 27 Sept – Hexton to Warden Hill 2hr
Walk 16. 04 Oct – Warden hill to Up Sundon 2hr
These poetry walks are not just about walking, but also about creating poetry together to produce the Ballad of Bedfordshire 2025. Click here to view a video of last year’s Ballad of Bedfordshire.
We’ll be stopping at various beauty spots to take in the sights and engage in interactive poetry workshops, designed to spark creativity and unity within our community.
Come and meet new friends, learn about different cultures, and enjoy a day of laughter and connection. Let’s show the world that Bedfordshire is a place where everyone is welcome and valued. See you there!