Viscious rumour had the stated distance of this walk wildly underestimated. In fairness, it was a little closer to 8.5 miles than the posted 8. I'll let the leader off this one, it was a smashing walk, brilliant views, good company, what more could we have asked for.

From the Lansdown park & ride (ample free parking, easy access) the walk dropped down into the Charlcombe valley. It's one of those little visited, seemingly unknown spots within a few miles of a built-up area that's a delight to see. Climbing out of the valley at it's northern end, the Lansdown monument was reached. Believed to be the oldest surviving war memorial (quiz question someone?) it records the deaths of two of the combatants at the battle of Lansdown during the English civil war. For further details, go read it yourself 'cos I can't remember the inscription.

The walk continued around the top of the hill, lunch was had overlooking the Severn estuary with the Welsh hills in the distance. From here, both Severn bridges were visible and so too was the Clifton suspension bridge for those who looked keenly (I didn't).

The return to the start point took in a section of the Cotswold way, curcumnavigated Bath racecourse and took in the view from the Prospect style overlooking Kelston roundhill.

All in all, thoroughly enjoyable, made more so by the (typical) excellent GOC company.