Day 23: Bath – Horton

Friday, 12/05/2017
Distance: 38,2 km (23,7 mi) for a total of 587,8 km (365,2 mi)
Ascent (ca.): 860 m (2820 ft)

Weather: Mostly dry, some showers during the morning, sunny spells in the afternoon

The price for the hostel included breakfast and I wasn’t going to miss it even if this meant a departure a bit later than advisable if I really wanted to make it to Horton on the Cotswold Way. On the way out of Bath a woman enquired about my pack and was very impressed hearing about my plans.

The main difference to the walking through Somerset and even parts of the SWCP was soon felt and visible. Not only was there no need to consult a map every now and then because of the obvious signs indicating the direction. In addition the path was well trodden across every field, so no looking out for faint lines of footprints, and the gates are operational, the kissing gates in general large enough for a walker with a full pack and not half filled with nettles. What a relief to be able to just stride along!

The other side of these advantages is that I met more walkers already in the morning than during all the days in Somerset. Luckily, most people follow the guidebooks and walk the  Cotswold Way north to south. With most of them I just exchanged the time of the day, with others I had a short chat,the first being a Swedish couple who would possibly be in Bath for a late lunch.

Near the Lansdown Golf Club I came across this interesting collection of sculptures, I can’t tell why, but I liked them.

Shortly afterwards, a lot of information panels provided information about the battle of Lansdown 1643 which reminded me of a long held plan to brush up my knowledge on English history from the early modern era.

The most difficult part of the way were the numerous crossings of the A46 which were outright dangerous. Even before reaching Pennsylvania two showers poured down but both times I was able to shelter under trees. The third one hit me and made me rush to don my waterproofs. Of course, this was the last rain for the day and before Dyrham I already got out of them again. While still doing this an American couple passed by and while chatting they told me about another American walking LEJOG who they met the evening before in Old Sodbury. It really seems the whole country is full of LEJOG walkers  🙂

Reaching Tormarton I had to decide if I was going to spent the night there or head on to Horton as planned. To ease the decision I phoned the campsite in Horton so they wouldn’t be surprised by a backpacker dropping in late for a pitch. The way proved to be very easy and fast to walk so I got there earlier than expected for a peaceful night.