WINTER OUTING
Bath in January? ‘I wouldn’t dream of going on a walking holiday at the beginning of January, the weather could be awful’ Quote. It could have been but in fact it was lovely and warm and sunny.
For the fourth time the day walkers went away for a short break and two days walking. This year we chose Bath which was generally agreed to be a perfect place to visit.
Twenty one walkers stayed at the Royal Landsdowne Hotel whose only drawback was that it was up a steep hill - as is most of Bath! But Mike Starkey had researched the trip comprehensively and knew all about the buses so we managed to survive.
He planned two walks: on the first day we walked from Bradford on Avon along the Kennet and Avon canal. This is a picturesque part of the canal with a fascinating aqueduct by John Rennie the great canal builder. We saw all kinds of boat homes moored, ranging from some wrecks to very smart des. res’s. The canal winds along a contour high above the river Avon and there were some lovely views across the sunny winter countryside. Finally we descended into the town through Sidney gardens and past the Art gallery where there was a welcoming café. A totally unexpected and lovely surprise was a display in the grounds called the Field of Light which consisted of hundreds of glass lights on stalks the were lit up by LED lights that changed colours continually and as the darkness fell it all looked entirely enchanting.
Next day we climbed up on to Widcombe Down to undertake the ‘Skyline Walk’, a seven mile circular walk devised by the National Trust high above Bath passing through Claverton and Bathampton Downs. The route went through ancient woodland, past a Sham Castle and open meadowland. The day was fine and sunny and we had splendid views of the city. Quite a challenging walk but to be highly recommended.
There was time to also enjoy the thermal baths, the cathedral and delicious hot chocolate. All in all a great weekend – and not a drop of rain! Many thanks to Peter Laws for arranging the accommodation and Mike Starkey for leading the walks. submitted by Jill Kendal, Group Leader Day Walks