17 Westbury Walkers set out on an eight-mile walk from Bradford-on-Avon to Avoncliff on Sunday 10th July that was led by Brian and Teressa Mitchard.
The group say, “It was a very hot day and the walk leaders had kindly arranged to cut out two steep climbs and one mile in the length of the walk which was appreciated by all.”
Starting from Moulton Drive in Bradford on Avon and taking the path down on to the Kennet and Avon canal, passing the Wharf, they made their way along the tow path to Avoncliff. The canal was crowded with many residential narrow boats and others carrying happy groups out for a day trip.
Going under the aqueduct at Avoncliff, they then followed the river path and fields to Freshford where they stopped for a drink outside the Freshford Inn which was adorned with colourful flowers in hanging baskets.
From here they followed the road to Freshford station crossing the footbridge and then through more fields which took them to Limpley Stoke where, after crossing the bridge at the bottom of Winsley Hill, they took a stile on the right through a field and back onto the Kennet and Avon canal.
After a short while they stopped under a very large sycamore-type tree of uncertain species which provided a shady spot for lunch. Having had a much-needed rest they continued along the canal tow path back to Avoncliff then on to the river path back to Bradford on Avon where several walkers took the opportunity to have an ice cream after what was a very hot walk.
If you would like more information on the Westbury Walkers, please email Paddy on westbury.walkers.uk@gmail.com
Report by Teressa Mitchard
