Heath and Reach

Settlement in Bedfordshire

England

Heath and Reach

Stockgrove Country Park The (artificial) lake was excavated in the 1920s and the boathouse was built soon afterwards. The boathouse used to have a room above with a thatched roof - but it burned down in the 1960s. Part of the drawbridge mechanism remains on the left hand side. — Stockgrove Country Park Credit: Peter Roberts

Heath and Reach is a small village located in the county of Bedfordshire, England. Situated approximately four miles south of Leighton Buzzard, it is surrounded by picturesque countryside and offers a tranquil and charming setting for its residents.

The village itself has a population of around 2,500 people and is known for its strong sense of community. It has a range of amenities including a village hall, a primary school, a church, and a selection of local shops and pubs. The village also benefits from a regular bus service, providing easy access to nearby towns and cities.

Heath and Reach is rich in history and heritage, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic era. The village is home to several listed buildings, such as All Saints' Church, which dates back to the 13th century. The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities, with numerous walking and cycling trails to explore.

The village hosts various events throughout the year, including a summer fete and a Christmas market, which bring the community together. Additionally, there are several local clubs and societies catering to a range of interests, from sports clubs to music and arts groups.

Heath and Reach is well-connected to surrounding areas, with easy access to major road networks, including the A5 and M1 motorway. The nearby town of Leighton Buzzard offers further amenities, including a train station with direct links to London and Milton Keynes.

Overall, Heath and Reach is a charming village with a strong community spirit, offering a peaceful and idyllic setting for its residents.

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Heath and Reach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.945431/-0.657296 or Grid Reference SP9228. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stockgrove Country Park

The (artificial) lake was excavated in the 1920s and the boathouse was built soon afterwards. The boathouse used to have a room above with a thatched roof - but it burned down in the 1960s. Part of the drawbridge mechanism remains on the left hand side.

Peter Roberts

Stockgrove Country Park

The southern end of the artificial lake.

Peter Roberts

Grand Union Canal

Looking West

Peter Roberts

Leighton Buzzard: Narrow gauge railway

The railway was originally built in 1919 to carry sand from nearby quarries to the now dismantled Leighton Buzzard to Dunstable standard gauge railway line close to Page's Park. It closed as an industrial line in 1969, but was taken over by volunteers to be run as a heritage railway. The railway has a very informative website here Link

This view was taken, with a light dusting of snow on the ground, looking north eastwards across the Shenley Hill Road level crossing, with Mile Tree Road running parallel to the railway to the right.

Nigel Cox

Leighton Buzzard: Narrow gauge railway

Stonehenge Works on the railway viewed looking southwards with Mile Tree Road on the left. This is the current northern terminus of the railway although the track does continue for about another 500 metres northwards. The railway was originally built in 1919 to carry sand from nearby quarries to the now dismantled Leighton Buzzard to Dunstable standard gauge railway line close to Page's Park. It closed as an industrial line in 1969, but was taken over by volunteers to be run as a heritage railway. The railway has a very informative website here Link

Nigel Cox

Leighton Buzzard: Double Arches quarry

Sand despatching silos at the Double Arches quarry site on Eastern Way, managed by WBB Minerals.

Nigel Cox

Heath and Reach: Near Overendgreen Farm

The lane between Heath and Reach and Overendgreen Farm viewed looking westwards with a light covering of snow on the ground.

Nigel Cox

Live life gently

Carved seat beside the Three Locks / Great Brickhill circular walk. The seat faces a woodland lake. The carving includes acorns at the front whilst the face on the back tells us 'This life is good. Live it gently with fire and always with hope'.

Martin Addison

Kiln Farm

View from the Three Locks / Great Brickhill circular walk. Kiln Farm nestles in the valley, whilst the village of Bragenham is visible amongst the trees behind.

Martin Addison

Rushmere Park

Gated entrance to Rushmere Park on Old Linslade Road. The side road on the left is Bragenham Lane.

Martin Addison

Lane to Nares Gladley Farm

A white cottage stands on the corner of the lane which branches off the Old Linslade Road. The farm buildings can be seen behind the trees on the left.

Martin Addison

River Ouzel

At Old Linslade, the original course of River Ouzel is reduced to little more than a stream, with much of the river's flow being diverted to feed Grange Mill to the north.

Martin Addison

1873 Pump House and Clock Tower

The unusual building is located on Heath Green in Heath and Reach. 1873. It is a grade 2 listed structure listed as: One storey brick shed with gable end, the sides with cambered headed archways filled by iron railings. Gable ends. Tile roof. One gable end has plain door with cambered arch. Rising above the roof at the opposite end is a 2 stage square brick turrett with clock dial surmounted by louvred belfry. Pyramid roof and vane with cardinal points. Iron pumping machinery inside. A prominent feature of the village green.

Richard Thomas

Heath Green

Heath Green in Heath and Reach with period cottages and a modern Post box!

Richard Thomas

Abandoned Gravel and Sand Pits

Abandoned Gravel and Sand Pit workings almost fill this grid square.Some have now been recovered as grass land, as seen here.

Richard Thomas

St. Leonard's, Heath & Reach

This little church serves the village of Heath & Reach on the outskirts of Leighton Buzzard. Apparently the building's origins are somewhat uncertain, though the stubby tower was apparently added in the 16th century. However the nave was substantially rebuilt in the early 19th century - which gives the whole building a late Georgian or early Victorian appearance.

Rob Farrow

Looking into King's Wood

King's Wood is a large wooded area to the north of Heath & Reach. It is a National Nature Reserve which adjoins Stockgrove Country Park which is on the opposite side of the lane.

Rob Farrow

Heath and Reach - Lane's End

Heath and Reach has some lovely buildings, these cottages on Lane's End being examples. Heath and Reach is a quite sought-after village to the north of Leighton Buzzard, but it does rather suffer from the busy road that cuts through it.

Rob Farrow

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Heath and Reach is located at Grid Ref: SP9228 (Lat: 51.945431, Lng: -0.657296)

Unitary Authority: Central Bedfordshire

Police Authority: Bedfordshire