Bristol to Bath

Saturday 30 May - While strolling around the shops in Clifton village Ian and I found a used bike for Ian. Since it was such a lovely sunny day we decided to spend the afternoon exploring the Bristol bike path. Initially we intended on just going for a short ride to try out Ian's new bike, but once we had started we found the path pleasantly flat and easy going and the weather so fine that we went all the way to Bath. It was amazing to pass right through the middle of fields. The path was built on an old railway line and the remnants of platforms making charming rest stops. At a couple there are ice cream and drinks stands and at one an old depot still stands which serves sandwiches and other food. At one point the path goes through a long tunnel which is a strange experience, it was quite dark and the air was very chilled. Once in Bath we parked the bikes and took a walk around the city center. Then we biked up to the park and had a wander through the botanical gardens. Then we made our way back to the bike path and started the trip home to Bristol. The only difficulty on the ride was the myriad of bugs, mostly in the shady areas that with which we were pelted and our clothes were peppered with them when we got home. The path itself is 16 miles one way and Ian figures with the extra riding to and from the path we biked about 35 miles. We were definitely a bit sore the next day especially our bottoms but it was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon.