The Gods were smiling on our party of 13 walkers as we set off from Sampford Peverell (the halfway point of the Grand Western Canal) to traverse the 6 miles or so to the canal basin in Tiverton

Not only was the sun shining but a gentle breeze made it perfect conditions for a waterside saunter. The canal itself was looking its best, fully justifying the five star rating the Grand Western Canal Country Park had received only a few days previously from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Southwest in Bloom awards.

There were some lovely vistas to admire along the way and plenty of wildlife. We saw swans, ducks and a heron with many other birds flying amongst the reeds. A beautiful shire horse pulling a boat full of tourists was a lovely surprise but it was a swimming snake that stole the show.

The leisurely ramble concluded in appropriate fashion with a visit to the Canal Tea Rooms for tea and cake!

Many thanks to Mike for arranging and leading the walk!