Westbury Walkers January report

IT was a dry morning on 9th January when 16 members of Westbury Walkers met at Bradford on Avon for an 8.5-mile walk led by Jen Mayne and Sue Miluk.

The route took them along the Kennet and Avon Canal, across the foot bridge, and uphill into fields with fine views over the town itself. The Walkers then continued onwards across fields to Westwood and a footpath which led to Westwood 15th century church where the bells were peeling to call worshippers to church. 

After a coffee break, the group continued to cross fields, past a pond and onward to Stowford Manor farm. At this point they turned right, past the farm into fields and followed the River Frome where Farleigh Swimming Club – the oldest wild water swimming club in England – is based.   

From there they took a right turn on to Rowely Hill, a fairly steep climb, where they joined an enclosed track which afforded views to the left of Frome Valley. This led us to a stone wall with another steep climb up to the entrance to Iford Manor Gardens where they stopped for lunch. 

Then walking left along the adjacent road, they reached a very muddy bridle path which led them to Upper Westwood. From there they picked up a track where more fine views of the Avon valley were enjoyed as they then descended to a footpath that took them under the Avoncliff Aqueduct and a return on the canal tow path back to the start of the walk. 

The good weather and lots of fine views helped to make this a most enjoyable first club walk of 2022.

If you would like more information on the Westbury Walkers, please go to westbury.walkers.uk@gmail.com 

Report by Jen Mayne.