Cotswold Way - Bath

On the last stretch of my Cotswold Way, I walked past Dyrham Park, a lavish 17th century house that was owned by the Blathwayt family for 230 years until its acquisition by the National Trust in the mid-20th century. It used to have a herd of fallow deer from the 1500s until 2021. Used as a film location and undergoing significant restoration works in recent years, the property is now open to the public.

 

The trail skirted around Lansdowne Hill where the Battle of Lansdowne was fought during the First English Civil War (1643 AD). A fierce battle ensued between Royalists and Parliamentarians with heavy losses for the Royalists. Over the course of that night, however, the Parliamentarians silently fled for Bath, resulting in a victory for the Royalists.

 

With great anticipation I completed the rest of my journey and arrived in the gorgeous city of Bath. Entering from the northwest, I passed by a spectacular row of terraced houses in a crescent layout known as the Royal Crescent. A little further east was The Circus, a circular grassy area surrounded by curving townhouses. When viewed from the air, the two landmarks form the famous ‘question mark’ shape.

 

Of course, no trip to Bath is complete without a visit to the Roman Baths. Built by the Romans in the 1st century, the baths were used until their withdrawal from Britain in the 5th century. Over time the baths disappeared under silt and the city grew on top of it. When it was rediscovered in the late 19th century, the baths were found 13ft (4m) below street level.

 

Adjacent to the Roman Baths is the grand Bath Abbey. Built over a century and completed in 1611, the abbey’s Gothic architecture is breathtaking. Featuring pointed arches, fan vaulting and finely carved pews, the abbey has a total of 52 windows including the spectacular stained glass behind the altar. More than 600 wall memorials and over 800 floor stones adorn the interior dedicated to various figures throughout the city’s history.

 

Another fascinating landmark was Pulteney Bridge. Built in 1774, the triple-arched stone bridge is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops built across its full span. It reminds me of the Ponte-Vecchio in Florence where the St Francis Way begins. Although Ponte-Vecchio is only open to pedestrians whilst Pulteney Bridge continues to have vehicular access.

 

To round up my journey, I meandered up to Alexandra Park for a splendid view over the city. Here I reflected on the beautiful villages I travelled through, the rolling hills and mysterious woods and somehow wished it wasn’t over yet.

 

I bid you farewell until the next time.

 

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The team at The Conqueror Challenges
https://www.theconqueror.events