6 April 2026
Today the wife and I jumped on the bikes and headed out...
to Danish Camp for a few drinks — and honestly, it’s hard to beat that ride. You can cycle the whole way from Bedford without touching a road, following the old railway line… which makes it even better knowing the history you’re riding along.
Danish Camp itself sits right on the banks of the River Great Ouse in Willington, and it’s more than just a great little bar and restaurant (although the food and setting definitely don’t disappoint). The whole area is steeped in history.
Right next to it is the “Moated Site” — a Scheduled Ancient Monument and one of the few surviving water-filled moats from the Viking age. It’s believed the Danes sailed inland from The Wash and settled here, using it as a homestead and repair harbour. When you’re there, you can actually feel that sense of history in the landscape.
Even the spot the café sits on has a story — it was once Willington railway station, part of the old Varsity Line between Bedford and Sandy, which opened in 1903 and closed in 1968. You can still spot parts of the original platform and buildings if you know where to look… and now that same route has been brought back to life as the cycle path we all enjoy today.
Bit of history, bit of sunshine, a couple of drinks by the river — not a bad way to spend the day at all 🚴♂️🍻
