Sunday 25 August to Tuesday 27 August 2024 - A Trip to Bath

This trip was triggered by an invitation to a combined 21st and 50th birthday party at The Huntsman in Bath. My would be stepson, Mark, was 50 recently, 25 years to the day after I passed that milestone, and his daughter Belinda is 21 this week.

Sue and I arrived in Bath on Sunday afternoon (25 August) after visiting both great grandma Dot, and our old friend Julia, on the way. After dinner at Bikano's Indian restaurant, we enjoyed a walk around the compact city centre at dusk.

Mike, Sarah and Isabella had arrived for the same function and we met up with them on 26 August for breakfast in the Waterside Travelodge where we were all staying, then a walk into Bath's centre.

None of us had visited the Roman Baths before, so we remedied that omission.

Afterwards, after lunch Isabella and her family went in search of a playground, whilst Sue and I went in search of a section of the National Trust's Bath Skyline Walk. 

We started from the Abbey, where one of Bath's many talented buskers was attracting an audience.

We would be visiting The Huntsman later.

Past the private gardens to which there must be an entrance fee.

Over the busy canal.

... and we were on track at Bathwick Hill.

Ginnels and steep steps led to viewpoints over the compact city.

We left the Skyline Walk at Sham Castle, in favour of a shortened version of the 10km route.

Beyond the housing, lush meadows provide space for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

Back down at the canal, a heron was inspecting the Top Lock.

The Pump House Chimney is all that is left of the system that was used to pump water up to the pound above Bath Top Lock in days past. Local residents demanded an ornate chimney.

Common Jewelweed

Common Snowberry

Ragwort

This timepiece was remarkably accurate.

Then it was back to the hotel, and off to The Huntsman, party dresses all round.

... and a good time was had by all.

Before leaving Bath on Tuesday morning (27 August), we said our goodbyes and headed into town for breakfast at a cafe and a final walk round before speeding off onto the M5 motorway, which was quiet today.