Luton: A walk with a view

Buses 7, 21, 24 and 38 stop in Tomlinson Avenue near the Community Centre.

There are free parking bays in Haymarket Road by the park a short distance from the Community Centre.

[1] As you leave the community centre turn right to Tomlinson Avenue and cross the road carefully to the green area opposite. Turn left to follow the pavement to the junction of Wheatfield Road.

[2] Cross Wheatfield Road carefully at the island, towards the bungalows with solar panels on their roofs. Turn left , follow the pavement a short way and just after passing a bus stop you come to a turning on your right

[3] Turn right and follow this access road round, turning left, and  left again until it returns to the main road. You will be able to see over a stretch of open land that has a string of large pylons running through it. There are signs that children use this area to make dens and enjoy simple childhood pleasures.

[4] When you reach the main part of Wheatfield Road again, turn right and walk a short way to an island to cross to Regis Road carefully. The island is just beyond the junction.

[5] After crossing Wheatfield Road, turn left, then right to walk along Regis Road. Cross whenever it is safe to walk along the left pavement till you come to Landrace Road.

[6] Cross Landrace Road carefully,  and go  into the park, turning left on the path to walk towards Haymarket Road.

[7] Leave the park and cross Haymarket Road carefully and continue in the same direction along Landrace Road, carefully crossing Shepherd Road and returning to the community centre.

A. Wheatfileld has obvious farm connections. Some of the other roads have more obscure farm related names.  A landrace is a variety of seed, such as wheat, that has developed naturally. It may have characteristics which suit the local environment well. A marlin spike is an iron tool used to separate strands of rope for splicing. The roads off Landrace Road by the park are Reaper Close, Plough Close and Binder Close. These are all on the theme of growing crops.

B. The electricity pylons passing through this area of open land may have saved it from development. Parts of it are almost impenetrable. It is likely to be a refuge for a great assortment of wildlife.

C. Lewsey Farm was situated on land belonging to the Lucy (Lewsey) family who owned the manor from 1305 to 1455. The manor then passed to the Wingate family. Most of the manor buildings were destroyed by fire in 1832.