The great LGO walk to Kelston
Eight of us and baby Eleanor met up in Saltford and set off on a fantastic walk in the mud and rain across the marina and railway and over the fields. Baby Eleanor slept throughout the whole trek through farm and field being carried by Graham. Martin requested a lift also but was turned down! He did however bring his boots instead of his trainers which proved to be very wise given some of the squelching that went on.
We bumped into the great man Mr Inigo Jones half way round - not literally - but his initials on some of the cottages at Kelston. Half way round we stopped in the churchyard at North Stoke and admired the views and of course I insisted in having a peek in the tiny Norman church where we plastered the lovely blue carpet in mud.
A trek up the path (in between me stopping for crisp and cheese breaks - I forgot the chocolate!!!) took us to Kelston Tump where a group of trees that can be seen for miles are. We could see Westbury white horse in the distance, and the two Severn Bridges and the whole of Bristol in the other direction - it was fantastic. Mr GPS (Daniel) ably led us through a very steep hill.
Some of us had a packed lunch (I forgot to mention bringing one to poor Martin, Mirian and Alan!). We then walked along the Lansdown race course and then walked down into Weston Bath where gasping for a drink we wondered into the pub. However plastered in mud we left our footwear outside and walked into the bar/restaurant without our boots!!!
Our walk back was a little gentler strolling along the river. We realised by the time we got back to Saltford that we hadn't got lost so Mr GPS tried his best and led us through a path on a short cut to the pub - but tradition was broken and we found our way to the Jolly Sailor, where we had a nice meal watching a boat going through a lock. I said how nice it would be to swim in the water which for some reason nobody agreed with!! All in all a great day out.
Next one will be on May 19th (although might have to discuss date) - more information nearer the time.
Neil M