| Day 12 - Cotswolds |
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| We left our comfortable lodgings at Chedworth for the trip to Bath. We followed a route that meandered through the lower part of the Cotswolds. We had time to stop and look around small villages and streams and there were opportunities to pull over to enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and fields. We passed through Rendcomb, Perrotts Brook, Daglingworth, Cherington and Avening before stopping for a walk around Nailsworth. Then on through Wotton-under-Edge, Wickwar, Chipping Sodbury and Acton Turville until we arrived at Castle Combe. This is another extremely attractive Cotswolds village with lovely aged stone houses, cobbled streets, stone bridge and stream. Well worth a look around and nearby is a good place to have lunch. We were intrigued to find out that the village appeared in the movie "Dr Doolittle" but was converted to look like a coastal fishing village. We then roamed down the valley via Slaughterford, Corsham, Box, Kingsdown, Monkton Fairleigh and South Wraxall. It is the easiest thing to get lost in this area - you need a good map and plenty of patience but your ability to find your way along these rural roads definitely improves as the trip goes on. Coming to one particular crossroad, we turned right and ended up in the middle of a golf course where we had to stop so golfers could play over us - apparently we were a hazard. We arrived in Bradford-on-Avon and immediately parked the car in the first parking spot we found. After exploring the town and its shops (it has a lot) we headed down towards the river. The bridge is a good spot for taking photos and there are some particularly wonky heritage buildings just across the bridge. There is a pedestrian bridge further downstream. When you cross over you will discover a fine old church with a wonderful atmosphere and nearby a restored Saxon church. Also worth looking at are the Tithe Barn and the Kennet and Avon Canal. We left via Monkton Combe and arrived in Bath. This is a very large city but by half luck and half judgment we quickly found our way to our salubrious heritage guest house where we were spending the next two nights. Dining in Bath is a treat with plenty of good restaurants and bistros to choose from. After dinner at a lively Italian restaurant we sauntered back to our accommodation taking in how well lit up Bath is at night. |
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