BRADFORD ON AVON TO BATH 8.5 MILES (24/09/26)

Attendees; K Maguire,A Walton,G Corbett,D Chambers,J Hickling,D Peters,P Cotterill,M Sadler,K Freeman,B Mulrennan,D Martin,C Marsh,P Freeman(13)

Members travelled to Bristol on separate trains but all departed together on the 1045 to Bradford upon Avon. The temperature was now beginning to warm up after a chilly night so coats and jackets were peeled off for a brief loop through the town before heading to the medieval Tithe barn. A quick look at this amazing building before climbing up onto the Kennet canal. Turning in the direction of Bath, we walked along this very scenic canal looking at the very many boats till we arrived at Avoncliff. It was here that the 'Assistant Walk Leader' (Derby Dave) shepherded us onto an unknown route! Quick look at my map, I immediately overuled and sacked him! Continuing on the canal to the impressive Dundas Aqueduct, we stopped for Lunch stop number 2. Some walkers departed for the  cafe and after some time we all met here for lunch stop number 3! We then navigated a tricky turn under the main road, walking past an impressive school and playing fields before arriving at Monkton Coombe church. We found the grave of Harry Patch, once the last survivor of the 'Great War', paid our respects and then climbed the arduous path out of Monkton. A decent path led us to the steep but thankfully down hill fields into Bath. I felt it was quite a hard walk in warm conditions so well done to all participants.

Karl