๐ Rowney Warren Car Park โ The Complete Shefford Parking Guide
Rowney Warren โ scenic country parking, pay & display, free evenings & Sundays, gateway to Warren Hill walks.
๐ Type: Public Pay & Display Car Park (Central Bedfordshire Council)
๐ Open: Enforcement 08:00โ18:00 MonโSat; free evenings (18:00โ08:00), all day Sunday & Bank Holidays
๐ Rating: N/A (council-run facility)
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
Tariffs (MonโSat, 08:00โ18:00):
Up to 1 h: ยฃ0.70
Up to 2 h: ยฃ1.40
Up to 4 h (max stay): ยฃ2.50
Payment Methods:
Pay & Display machines (coins, contactless card)
Pay-by-App: RingGo (zone code 65230)
Resident Permits: Not applicable (rural visitor car park)
Season Tickets: Weekly permit ยฃ12 (valid any enforcement day)
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~40 bays |
| Disabled Bays | 2 marked bays (free for Blue Badge holders) |
| Surface | Gravel-surfaced bays with grass verges |
| Lighting | None (daylight hours only) |
| Drainage | Surface water run-off to adjacent field drains |
| Signage | Traditional pay & display signage with clear tariff panels |
| Machine Location | Single machine at car park entrance |
| Security | No CCTV; casual patrols by council rangers |
โฟ Accessibility & Adapted Facilities
Blue Badge Bays: Two bays nearest path entranceโfree with badge displayed
Drop-Off Zone: Short pull-in beside machine for quick set-down
Pathway Ramps: Gentle gravel ramps to footpath toward walking trails
Path Surfaces: Gravel paths; may be unevenโsuitable for sturdy footwear
๐ EV Infrastructure & Nearby Options
On-Site Charging: None currently installed
Nearest Live Chargers:
Shefford Town Centre Car Park โ 2ร7 kW units, 3 min drive
Shefford Service Station (SG17 5AS) โ 4ร22 kW rapid, 6 min drive
๐ Peak Times & Seasonal Variations
| Period | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 09:00โ12:00 | 60 % | Local dog walkers & hikers |
| Weekdays 14:00โ17:00 | 50 % | Afternoon leisure visits |
| Weekends 10:00โ14:00 | 90 % | Weekend walkers & families |
| Bank Holiday Mondays | 95 % | Extended countryside trips |
| Evenings (all days) | 10 % | Sunset walkers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends for best bays; evenings after 6 PM are always free.
๐ถ Walkability & Trail Access
| Trail/Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Rowney Warren Ridge Path | Adjacent | 5 km ridge walk with panoramic views |
| Shefford Warren Hill | 3 min | Woodland & grassland habitats |
| Sandy Lane Countryside | 1 min | Easy strollersโ loop |
| Shefford Village Centre | 5 min drive | Pubs & shops |
๐ Nearby Amenities & Services
Essentials
Public Toilets: Village centre (5 min drive)
ATM: Co-op Food (West Road, 5 min drive)
Pharmacy: Shefford Pharmacy (Station Road, 5 min drive)
Food & Drink
The Griffin Inn (6 min drive): Pub meals & real ales
Warren Hill Cafรฉ (adjacent): Light bites & hot drinks
Shefford Bakery (5 min drive): Fresh pastries & coffee
๐ ฟ๏ธ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shefford Town Centre CP | 3 min dr | ยฃ0.50/hr; ยฃ3 max | EV charging & toilets nearby |
| Sandy Lane On-Street (Zone SL) | Adjacent | ยฃ0.20/20 min; 2 h max | Short-stay flexibility (app only) |
| Shefford Service Station CP | 6 min dr | ยฃ0.30/15 min | Rapid EV chargers on site |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices & Byelaws
Enforcement: 08:00โ18:00 MonโSat by Central Beds officers; compliance officers weekends
Overstay Penalty: ยฃ70 PCN (reduced to ยฃ35 if paid within 14 days)
Towing Risk: Unauthorized vehicles may be towed at ownerโs expense
Maintenance: Annual surface grading & signage refresh (next due Mar 2026)
๐ Expert Tips
Trail Start: Park here for direct access to ridge walksโno extra transit needed.
Family Visits: Weekday afternoons are quieter for picnic and play.
Blue Badge Holders: Use marked bays; gravel can be unevenโconsider assistance.
Weather Alert: Gravel may be muddy after rainโchoose bays near entrance for firmer ground.
๐ฎ Future Developments & Planning
2025 Q2: Feasibility for 2ร7 kW EV bays under rural grant scheme
2025 Q4: Upgrade pay machine to accept contactless-only payments
2026: Proposed expansion of 20 bays on adjacent field (ref: CBC/PLN/2024/952)
Accessibility Audit: Review scheduled for Jan 2026 under Central Beds countryside standards
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