I love a bit of drama in a photograph. This is me, not quite falling over the parapet into the swirling waters of the weir at Bath. I didn’t start the day with any intention to go to this beautiful city but, a few minutes after I’d been dropped off at Yate bus station, what should appear on the stand? A 620 bus heading directly for Bath. I didn’t need to be at the airport for my return trip home till the evening. Irresistible temptation!
A 40 minute ride through gently green and rolling Somerset and I was there. It’s many years since I was in Bath, and I never did get to visit the famous Roman Baths, so I was almost on a mission. But first, a little exploration.
Who’d have thought to find a Tardis as I exited the bus station? Bath is obviously popular with tourists and backpackers, as several places offered luggage storage, including an opportunistic barbers. Grand Parade is just that, with its elegant balustrade looking down upon the Parade Gardens. I was tempted to go in, but there was a small admission charge, unusual for public gardens. In any event, I could see most of the garden from where I stood, and I was drawn like a magnet towards the weir.
Pulteney Bridge, which crosses the River Avon, dates back to 1774 and is one of Bath’s iconic landmarks. It didn’t strike me at the time but it has much in common with Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Both have shops built into them. ‘The Bridge’ cafe caught my eye, along with the view through to the river, as I crossed to the other shore, noting the rhubarb and cherry slice in the window. Maybe later?
Steps led down to the river, and it was a glorious and warm day. I had picked up a visitor guide at the bus station, and a bench right beside the weir gave me the perfect surroundings for a browse. With the wonderful distraction of a boat coming in to dock.
No doubt about it, I was tempted, but the next departure wasn’t for a precious half an hour. The riverside walk needed to be undertaken first.
As always, the boats and the watery reflections filled me with delight, and there was a wonderful sensation of peace. In the very heart of the city, and yet enfolded by nature, I had not a care in the world.
I had forgotten that the Kennet and Avon Canal flows into Bath. This 87 mile long canal links London with the Bristol Channel and had its heyday in the early 1800s. With the advent of the railways it went steadily into decline, but happily restoration has turned it into a wonderful leisure facility. I paused for a while to watch the activity at Widcombe Lock, before crossing a narrow footbridge back into the city.
The walk carried on, along the River Avon, but I wanted to make the most of my limited time. Stall Street led me conveniently towards the Abbey and the bustling heart of the city, where I had a date with the Roman Baths.
An event that I’ll share with you another day. For now I’ll lead you past the Baths and the beautiful Abbey. Yes, I know you’d like a look inside, but that will have to wait. Instead we’ll walk all around the Abbey, admiring the statues, and into irresistibly pretty Abbey Green, with its leafy shade.
Just around the corner you can sample Sally Lunn’s buns, in Bath’s oldest house, dating from 1483. You might find ‘bun etiquette’ amusing. Hiding in these streets you will also find Bath’s indoor market, a wonderful melange of craft and food stalls. Too nice to stay indoors for long, I made my selection and headed for a nearby bench. And yes, that rhubarb and cherry slice was simply scrumptious.
Just time to admire some Bath glass and at 2pm present myself back at the Abbey for the Tower Tour. Look away now if you don’t like heights.
I think I made the most of my short time in Bath, but left still feeling that there were things I’d like to do. Next time!
Thanks for your company, everybody. I have a bumper collection of walks to share this week. Please do make time to visit them. If you’d like to join me, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. You’ll be very welcome. Popping the kettle on now, and wishing I had a Bath bun to share.
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Not strictly a walk post, but a composite of many enthralling moments. This is a must read from Gilda :
Discoveries Down Under Part 4- Sydney and the Blue Mountains
I’d never heard of Jane’s walk, but trust a New Yorker like Susan to tell it in style :
East Harlem Jane’s Walk 2017 (Part 1)
Few people are better traveled than Debbie, so if she invites you for a walk, go!
Jackie likes to hoof it a bit, too :
Day 6 So Cal – Solvang to Bakersfield
Innsbruck is a city I’ve only dreamed about. Drake brings it beautifully to life :
Woolly is in the same neck of the woods, but I’ve been to Salzburg. It rained! :
Jo’s-Monday-Walk-Wk19-Salzburg2
I’ve made lots of good friends in the blogging world. Becky was kind enough to share a place that has captured my heart :
Something unusual in the Algarve
And speaking of friends, this is pure delight from Jude :
My lovely Meg pootles on a beach- a most delightful occupation :
Eurobodalla Beaches : Billy’s Beach
While our Cathy shops her way around Tokyo, between shrines. That girl loves a bargain!
Meiji shrine and Harajuku : Takeshita-dori and Togo shrine (part of walking tour 18)
Geoff, meanwhile, takes us on a fascinating exploration of ‘lost’ rivers :
Losing its Rivers : following careless London #londonwalks#lostrivers
Shazza has an interesting (and dog friendly) walk in the Yorkshire Dales :
Clapham Nature Trail and Ingleborough Show Cave
Eunice has some lovely reflective blue skies, and 2 more dogs :
Canal walk – Radcliffe to Bury
And Carol goes hunting Romans in the Lake District. They can be elusive!
Vanessa demonstrates a love for and knowledge of Majorca. This is the start of a series :
Soller, Mallorca, Spain/A walk past the Orange Groves of Soller to the pretty village of Fornalutx
Finally, here’s Paula. As near to perfection as you can get in a post. Turn the music on and feast your eyes!
That’s it for another week. Hope you enjoyed, and have a happy week tootling about.
You’re giving me ideas …
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That’s never a bad idea? …
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Definitely not. England is one of my favourite destinations.
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What a glorious tour that was dear Jo! Thank you for going to such great lengths to bring us this amazing gallery. Reminds me I really need to hurry up with plans for a grand return to England. Three decades is rather a long a time 🙂
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It’s a heck of a long time Madhu! Start planning! Bath is a little gem. Thanks darlin. Sending hugs xx
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that is quite the dramatic photo! Have a lovely day!
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Thanks Kathe. Have a lovely day too x
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Great tour of a great city and it looks like you got the weather for it Jo, MM🍀
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Certainly did, thanks Mick!
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Oh wow, this post so makes me wat to book some tickets right away! Looks like a fantastic city for exploring, strolling and taking pics of course, they are great Jo, love it!
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It’s a very manageable size for strolling, Ingrid, and very beautiful, as you can see. Thanks so much 🙂 🙂
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What a beautiful city. I’ve wanted to go for so long, so I enjoyed this tour. Your photos are wonderful, especially the opening shot of the weir.
Alison
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It really is one of England’s treasures, Alison. Crammed full of interest and an easy size for walking around. Lovely weather helped my photos, too. Thanks a lot! 🙂 🙂
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That’s for the grand tour of this beautiful place, Jo. You had a flight that day – How long were you in Bath for? Always good to leave something to see for the next return visit. 🙂
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I had about 5 hours, Draco. Long enough to get a good flavour of the place and enjoy a bit of wanderlust. 🙂 🙂
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Very nice pictures… seems like Bath is a charming place full of history 😉
Thanks for sharing!
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I love a river running through a city, and the weir and the canal make this an especially nice place. I like it a lot! Thanks, Eleazar!
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My goodness how did you manage to do all that, they must have dropped you at dawn! Isn’t it a lovely city? I haven’t been for 8 years and I’ve never seen as much as you. I think that we tend to squeeze in more the further from home we are. Bath and Bristol are less than two hours from me, but I rarely get there! I’d love to go up that tower, are there any more photos?
I hope you had a nice weekend with the young one at home, big G hugs x:-)x
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9.33 bus from Yate. 🙂 I’ll be doing posts on the Baths and the Abbey. It’s a lovely little place and I almost felt guilty at how much fun I was having, Gilly. Thanks for the hugs, darlin.. A bit damp and dismal up here, but it can’t be all roses, can it? 🙂 🙂
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Ah, now Bath is one city that I think I could live in, as it has a lovely natural feel with the river and canal running through it and doesn’t feel too big. We had an overnight stop there at the end of December a few years ago on the way home to Surrey from Shropshire and enjoyed walking around the city even if it was rather chilly at the time. I believe we had breakfast at the Bridge café, at least one that was down by the weir anyway and jolly good it was too. And dinner in an old railway station which was also pretty good! Great photos Jo, especially the river and canal ones.
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Thanks, Jude. 🙂 🙂 I thought it might be a bit busy for you. I didn’t do too badly but I could see me getting stroppy with the tourists in Summer. It was a fab day though.
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The Pulteney Bridge view are stunning, wonderful captured. Amazing walk really enjoyed your Bath walk, I really want to go to bath… 🙂
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Lots of people prefer a shower Drake but I’m more of a Bath person. It really is a lovely place. Thanks so much x
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Marvelous, Jo Highlights once again how much of my old stomping ground I have never seen up close and personal.
But these all-too-brief vicarious tours with you are a pretty good substitute!
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That’s very nice of you, Ark! I do enjoy trying to show the best of Britain. 🙂 🙂
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And you do it very well! If ever you get to visit Chester, give me shout and maybe you can pop in for a cup of tea at my folks place, if you fancy it?
They are a mile and bit from the city centre. I’m serious,too. I’ll tell them before hand of course, and I can drop you an email with their address if you like?
You can tell them I sent you!
They would be only too happy I can assure you.
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Bless you, that’s such a kind offer! I’ve not ‘done’ Chester and it would be an honour to meet your folks. The last time I was there was a cool, grey day when I hadn’t been courting my husband long. If I manage a return I’ll certainly let you know, and thank you! 🙂
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My Pleasure. Digital Pen Pals across the miles! The wonders of global technology.
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Exactly right 🙂
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Mouthwatering pictures, making the wish to visit this lovely town, dear Jo.
Thanks for that
Achim
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I’m certain you would love Bath, Achim. The Baths alone make it worth a visit but it has so much more to offer. Thank you for your kindness. 🙂
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So, I wondered why you were making us dizzy with that first photo! Glad you regained your balance to wander around – and bring me to a beautiful city that I’ve heard of for so long. Thanks – Susan
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It’s got to be on your list, Susan? It really is a little treasure but it’s a bit of a people magnet at times. I was lucky. 🙂 🙂
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RJo – I do have in mind a walking/garden-touring visit to the UK. Nothing definite yet, but Bath will have to find a way in to that itinerary 🙂
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That sounds like a great idea , Susan. We have some wonderful gardens. I’ve just been playing about in my modest one, taking a few shots of rhodies and laburnum. The bees are buzzing! 🙂 🙂
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RJo – Here’s a walk for next week 🙂
https://onesmallwalk.com/2017/05/17/park-ridge-trail-morro-bay-state-park/
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Bless you, honey! Thanks very much. 🙂 🙂 Having WP issues which are driving me to distraction, but I will prevail. 🙂 Happy Thursday!
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My WP has been quite frumpy also 😦
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Thank you Jo for including my walk on your list.
I loved reading about your Monday walk in Bath and enjoyed the sunny photos of the historic town and the canal.
It brought back some happy memories of our visit ten years ago but I have to say we must have missed that riverside walk. Definitely one for next time.
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It is quite a special little city, and I’m glad it’s one you know, Vanessa. I really needed another day to see it properly and I would have loved time in the rooftop thermal spa they have these days. Take your costume if ever you go back! 🙂
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Thanks for the tip, will try and remember to bring it.
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Bath is stunning. I wish you could have walked the full length of River Anon, but it sounds like it might take you a few days and you would be too tired for the food at the indoor market 😀 Wishing you a good week, Jo. So many nice photos, I don’t know how you do it 🙂
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It really is one of our loveliest historic cities, Mabel, so not hard to make it look good, but thank you very much. 🙂 🙂
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How I love this! I ‘d immediately leave for Bath if I could!
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Good idea! Before it gets too busy in the Summer 🙂 🙂
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Bath looks absolutely gorgeous Jo complete with its Tardis, beautiful buildings and bridges, blue skies and delicious cakes. What an amazing walk. Looks like so much fun. Thanks for taking me there. 😊
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It’s a really lovely city, Miriam, and a pleasure to ‘show you round’. Hope you have a good week. 🙂 🙂
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Thanks Jo, I’m looking forward to it. Hope you do too! x
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What a beautiful city. Thanks for sharing your walk, Jo. It was lovely 🙂
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Hiya hon! Glad you liked it. I had the loveliest day. 🙂
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