1st August 2011

The Vale of Pewsey and the White Horse in chalk

Andrew and I were inspired by Julia Bradbury's "Canal Walks" to walk along part of the Kennet and Avon Canal this weekend. We were very lucky with the weather which was perfect - about 20 deg. C and dry.
On Friday we drove to Pewsey, then took the train from Pewsey to Bath and stayed the night at the Travelodge in Bath. It was very hot and rather cramped in Bath, but we compensated by having a lovely spanish meal in a tapas bar (well more of a tapas restaurant really) in Bath.

On Saturday we walked 24 (!!!) miles from Bath to Devizes. It was a long tramp, but there were so many plants and boats to see that the journey flew.

Lovely plants along the canal

The path along the canal was flat and it was almost impossible to get lost (just keep the canal on your right/left!) so the only obstacle to keeping a good pace were cyclists and occasional fishermen.

Caen Hill Flight of lochs

BOTO-X loch !!

I was very relieved to get to the Caen Hill flight of lochs in Devizes, which meant we were nearly there. Hurrah!!

It was downhill from there to the Travelodge and we managed to struggle into town later for a delightful supper involving chips. There was no need to count calories that night!!!



The next day we walked a humble 12 miles from Devizes to Pewsey. The weather was warmer than on Saturday and the canal was quieter. It was very peaceful and therapeutic.

Swans near Horton

The Vale of Pewsey was gorgeous and Andrew and I both agreed that we should do this kind of walk (i.e. flat and local) again. We are going to investigate Britain's Canal network. When we got to Pewsey we had a lovely lunch in a pub next to the Canal, and then drove home to Alderbury. It was 28 miles from Pewsey to our house and took less than an hour. But the whole experience felt like going to a foreign country, and was more restful. I arrived home feeling about 10 years younger than when we left.

When the weather is good in England this country is unbeatable.