Day 10 - Thursday 23 June 2022
North Stoke to Bath (6 miles)
Final day today and as it was still very warm Fudge would join me later on as I passed through Weston - whilst it was only a short day at 6 miles, it was best to err on the side of caution where his paws were concerned. Weather was humid with much more cloud cover.
Can I come with you today Dad? I'll be good - honest!
Even Toghill Farm's stone pig was feeling the heat today
Looking back down the access track from the Golf Course to North Stoke - the outskirts of Bath are to the left
Back on the Cotswold Way now as I head over Little Down
It is a real shame that Farmers have to resort to signs like this - sadly common sense just isn't that common anymore
I now headed along the south western perimeter of Bath Racecouse towards Prospect Stile
Nearing Prospect Stile I observed my first full view of Bath
The toposcope on Prospect Stile on the Cotswold escarpment looking to Kelston Round Hill - I was off there next
It is always nice to find these little seats put here by loved ones - I sat here a while and enjoyed the view
At the foot of Kelston Round Hill. The route does not go to the top of the hill however as it was a short day I made the effort.
Just over half a mile to food & beer Utopia (the village of Kelston) from the summit of Kelston Round Hill
The Trig Point that marks the summit of Kelston Round Hill. I did think I had this all to myself however just around the corner was a young lady meditating - I didn't disturb her.
I wager this would scare the living sh@t out of someone should they shine a torch on it whilst walking in the dark
Heading for Penn Hill
The Trig Point on the summit of Penn Hill with Weston below
Arriving in Weston I spotted these e-scooters and did think to scoot down the hill and surprise Angie & Fudge who were waiting below
Having met up with Angie & Fudge we had a bit of lunch in Weston and then Fudge and I set off on the short walk to Bath
All Saints Church in Weston
To reach Bath I headed down Sion Hill
From Sion Hill I entered the very large & lovely 57 acres of Royal Victoria Park.
Princess Victoria, the future queen, came to Bath in 1830 aged just eleven years old to officially open Royal Victoria Park. Unfortunately, she was never to return. During her visit, it is said that a resident of Bath made a disparaging comment on the thickness of her ankles. The observation was duly reported to the Princess, causing her to shun the city for the duration of her reign!
Princess Victoria, the future queen, came to Bath in 1830 aged just eleven years old to officially open Royal Victoria Park. Unfortunately, she was never to return. During her visit, it is said that a resident of Bath made a disparaging comment on the thickness of her ankles. The observation was duly reported to the Princess, causing her to shun the city for the duration of her reign!
The Victoria Column near the Victoria Gate entrance to the park. The column was erected in 1837.
Fudge sitting pretty in the resplendent Royal Crescent in Bath
The Royal Crescent is one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks and was built between 1767 and 1775 and designed by John Wood the Younger. This impressive landmark is arranged around a perfect lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park and forms a sweeping crescent of 30 Grade I Listed terrace houses. It is without doubt one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture anywhere in the UK. The Crescent is a popular location for films and period dramas with many scenes from Jane Austen's Persuasion shot here.
The Royal Crescent is one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks and was built between 1767 and 1775 and designed by John Wood the Younger. This impressive landmark is arranged around a perfect lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park and forms a sweeping crescent of 30 Grade I Listed terrace houses. It is without doubt one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture anywhere in the UK. The Crescent is a popular location for films and period dramas with many scenes from Jane Austen's Persuasion shot here.
Meanwhile Angie had made her way from the Park & Ride to join us as we arrived in Bath and duly took our photograph
The Circus, Bath
The Circus is a historic ring of large townhouses forming a circle with three entrances. Designed by architect John Wood, the Elder, it was built between 1754 and 1769, and is regarded as a pre-eminent example of Georgian architecture. The name comes from the Latin circus, meaning a ring, oval or circle. The entire Circus is Grade I listed.
The Circus is a historic ring of large townhouses forming a circle with three entrances. Designed by architect John Wood, the Elder, it was built between 1754 and 1769, and is regarded as a pre-eminent example of Georgian architecture. The name comes from the Latin circus, meaning a ring, oval or circle. The entire Circus is Grade I listed.
Just off The Circus is Gay Street - another design of John Wood the Elder
Bath Abbey now in sight as Fudge and I near the end of this fantastic walk.
The circular disc of blue limestone was set into the pavement outside Bath Abbey in October 2012. It was commissioned by the Cotswolds Conservation Board, Bath Abbey and Bath and North East Somerset Council. The 1.4m (4.5ft) diameter stone features the Cotswold Way acorn symbol at its centre, and can be found in the abbey churchyard near the Roman baths. The stone features place names from along the route and was hand-carved by local artist Iain Cotton. The marker in Bath has an old testament quote, from Jeremiah 6:16.
"Stand ye in the ways and see, ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."
"Stand ye in the ways and see, ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."
Fudge wonders what all the fuss is about as he completes (well most of) The Cotswold Way
With one of my two best friends in the magnificent doorway to Bath Abbey. This is the main entrance of the Abbey Church of St Peter and St Paul although it is more commonly known as Bath Abbey.
Just by chance we bumped into Jan Snape who had been following our progress via the Spaniel Aid Facebook page and just happened to be walking past as we arrived. All that was left now was to say goodbye to Jan and head back to Cumbria - what a fantastic 10 days of walking.
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Day 10 Data
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Mileage
Cumulative Mileage Time Total Ascent |
6 miles
116 miles 2hrs 50mins 711ft (217m) |