Photograph Gallery Stage 62 Wick to Bath
Photograph Gallery Stage 62 Wick to Bath, Monday 25th July 2011
The Story:
Today was my last on the Cotswold Way and for the final stretch I was joined by Chris Burton, an associate I met in my work and now also a friend. Chris met me at my lodgings, the wonderful Southwood B&B which I highly recommend. I was fortunate to stay while my lovely hosts were pressing fresh Apple juice and it made a good breakfast extra special. Thank you. After enjoying the freshest Apple juice I have ever had I was well set for the short walk to Bath and we left by following farm roads to Coldharbour Farm before rejoining the Cotswold Way by way of a steep climb up a wooded lane to Hanging Hill. The climb got our sweat glands working; it was a hot sunny morning and getting hotter. The reward for our efforts was a great view west to the urban mammoth that is the City of Bristol. Chris pointed out Brandon Hill in the city which hid Henbury and Westbury, childhood home of Strolling Steve, from sight. Resuming our walk Chris and I crossed a golf course and passed by the west side of Bath racecourse on Lansdown Hill before coming to a brilliant viewpoint of both Bristol and Bath at Prospect Stile where we had a charming meeting with two young ladies with huge backpacks who were into the third week of their own monster walk from Lands End to John O’Groats. During the conversation we talked of routes, distances, tents, camping, countryside and the inevitable subject of sore feet and blisters. Good luck girls, don’t forget to try the Deep Freeze cold spray for the suffering; I’ll make sure to follow your blog to see how you’re getting on. I have made a point of bookmarking it.
The final stage of the short half day walk took Chris and I down into Bath; down, up, down, up and then down again actually as the Cotswold Way didn’t end meek and mildly. The first descent took us into Weston where we met a charming lady called Rebecca who had passed us during our descent while out running. She mentioned she ran most days but today was too warm to cover her usual distance, and by now it was approaching midday and getting very warm. It was nice to meet you Rebecca. From Weston we climbed to Primrose Hill and then after another descent up again to Sion Hill before descending for a final time to the City of Bath. Now Chris took on a new role, not only walking companion but also city guide as he steered me to some beautiful sights of the city including Victoria Park, The Crescent, Bath Abbey and the Royal Baths. Thank you Chris, I would have floundered in the urban maze without your help.
The walk was done but Chris had one final surprise, a very generous donation to my charities from Scisys for which I am very grateful. After making the wonderful contribution Chris stayed long enough to meet Strolling Steve who travelled by bus from Rugby while we walked from Wick. Yes, he’s back!
Meandering Mikes Daily Marks:
Scenery: 8/10 – Lovely countryside, some excellent views and a sumptuous city.
History: 6/10 – Aqua Sulis.
Interest: 6/10 – Chris consistently pointed out local facts and features.
Track: 7/10 – Signs ok but more difficult to find in the city. No problems with the tracks.
Comment: I hope you have enjoyed my effort to keep up the daily marks in Strolling Steves absence. You will be happy to know the real thing is back from tomorrow.
The Photographs:
Chris is all raring to go on Oldbury Lane
Woodland near Coldharbour Farm
The view west to Bristol from Hanging Hill
Taking in the view at Prospect Stile near Bath Racecourse
Bath looms closer
The long distance girls and Chris on Kelston Round Hill
Lane from Kelston Round Hill
Rock and roll walking
Weston as seen from Dean Hill
Beautiful flowers have been a wonderful feature of the walk and continue to be
At the trigpoint on Penn Hill above Bath
Health warning
Modest figure on building in Weston
On Primrose Hill
Trees in Bath Park
This young Magpie has been in a scrap
Royal Crescent in Bath
More opulent buildings
Last sign on the Cotswold Way (or the first)
Bath Abbey
The Roman Baths
River Avon and Puteney Bridge
River Avon in Bath
Kennet and Avon Canal in Bath
He's back, the return of Strolling Steve
So kind of the weather to give you such magnificent views!
Yes indeed Linda. I think we actually had a good summer in England but Scotland had a poor one. After I crossed the English/ Scottish border I cast the coat and thicker tops to walk through England in only a t shirt so it must have been good. Also when I got home everyone commented on my tan, even the BBC Radio York interviewer. So despite the moans and groans about the weather from the general public I give the summer weather a hearty thumbs up!