A summer evening riverside walk near Bristol – 24 July 2014

Following Stephen's very enjoyable evening walk near Bath in late June, we held another near Bristol on Thursday 24 July. Fortunately, the spell of warm, dry weather continued, so we were able to walk in good conditions, with the shady valley of the River Frome offering some respite from the prevailing heat.  Meeting at Frenchay, a small village about four miles north of Bristol, we walked past the old cottages which hug the valley side, many having lovely gardens to admire.  The River Frome is fairly narrow and fast-flowing in places, with steep rocky sides and passing over several weirs. At this point several walkers had sight of a kingfisher perched on an overhanging tree looking out for its supper. The path wound its way down to Snuff Mills where we took a short break, to look at the restored mill and the very attractive and well maintained garden, filled with summer flowers,  in front of it. 

Not much later, on the return leg, the path narrowed and climbed steeply out of the valley, and we reached the Oldbury Court Estate, with extensive parkland and specimen trees.  We arrived back to Frenchay just before 9.00 pm, still in good light, and all the walkers were able to enjoy a much needed drink and relax in the pub garden overlooking the river valley.   John and Martin would like to thank all who came, and made it such an enjoyable event.

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