St John’s Melchbourne to Riseley shop

3.1miles roughly 1hour 10mins

A varied walk through the woods in Melchbourne and up the gentle incline as you head back towards Riseley over the fields. There is usually some interesting wildlife in the pond between Woodleys and Worley Wood so try to approach as quietly as possible.

After you’ve passed Worley’s Wood you’ll walk a short distance along the hedge then pass through the hedge on the left over a bridge across the ditch then head across the field. The path is usually clear to see across the field.

Click on the map to open the Ordnance Survey version.

Riseley to the White Horse in Tilbrook


5.1miles taking about 1hour 45min

Across fields and through woods, passing Swineshead church and down the green lane towards Tilbrook. Enjoy the panoramas across the countryside as pass Swineshead Wood and see how may church spires you can spot.

The White Horse is the reward at the end of this walk, but do check the opening times before you set off.

Click on the map to open the Ordnance Survey version.

From the Riseley shop to the St John’s pub in Melchbourne

2.8 miles taking about 59mins

This is one on my favourite walks taking in open fields and woodland with a very pleasant finish at the St John’s pub. Do check the opening times when you are planning a walk – it’s not good to arrive thirsty and hungry at a closed pub.

Walking across the field between gliding club and Coppice Wood can be rather muddy so be prepared. There is a lovely view as you pass Melchbourne House and look across at the ponds and the stately home. There are a couple of stiles on this route. One is hard to spot due to an overgrown hedgerow on the left just after you’ve crossed the wooden bridge out of the Riseley Church field.

I have posted separately a different return route back to Riseley.

Click on the map to open the Ordnance Survey version.

From the Fox and Hounds Pub to Keysoepark Wood

3.6miles about 1hour 15minutes

A circular walk from the Fox & Hounds Pub around Keysoepark Wood.

This walk is mainly along public paths along fields. So some mud to be expected, and maybe one stile by Keysoepark Wood and a rather wobbly stile on the path between the High Street and Riseley Lodge Farm when I last went round.

There are Shetland ponies in one of fields between the High Street and Riseley Lodge Farm. When they come charging down the field to say hello they can be a little frightening and you certainly need to keep your dog under close control. Elsewhere on the walk you may spot some Lamas too – but you don’t walk through the Lama field.

Don’t be tempted to walk into Keysoepark Wood as it is a private wood used by game shooters.

Click on the map to open the Ordnance Survey version.

A Giddy Goat and Keysoepark Wood circular walk

4.5 miles, roughly 1 hour 40 minutes

A circular walk taking in Riseley church, Keysoepark Wood and the Giddy Goat. Refreshments can be taken at the Giddy Goat cafe – a very friendly place.

This walk is mainly along public paths along fields. So some mud to be expected, and no stiles when I last went round. Don’t be tempted to walk into Keysoepark Wood as it is a private wood used by game shooters.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is giddy-goat-keysoe-park-wood.jpg
Click on the map to open the Ordnance Survey version.

Walking around Riseley

We’ve been enjoying our walks around Riseley for over 20 years. I thought it would be nice to share some of our favourites.

This photo is taken from the top of Keysoe Road in the 1930s when the road was known as Mill Hill. There are some traction engines parked alongside the old Forge to the right of the picture.

There is an Historical Walk described which takes you around Riseley showing the houses and people from previous generations.