A weekend in Bradford on Avon

Last weekend was spent in the wonderfully picturesque village of Bradford on Avon. A very relaxing time spent with Eric and Claire, enjoying some of the local culture and food. I got to taste a roast partridge, but was sadly disappointed by the chef, who ruined what could have been a great meal. For those of you who don't know, a partridge is a small grey bird with pale flesh, similar to that of chicken. I don't know how many of you have your chicken rare, but I certainly don't.

Saturday afternoon was spent walking around Bath, re-visiting some of it's attractions, like the Crescent and the Circus. The highlight of our weekend was a cycle along the Kennet and Avon canal, between Bradford on Avon and Bath. An easy 2 hour ride, taking in the views of the Avon valley, painted recently with the colours of Autumn. A taxi driver told us later in the weekend that the Avon valley, around Limpley Stoke, is one of a kind. Apparently no other valley in the world has a river, a canal, a road, and a train line running parallel through it. Possibly not 100% accurate, but interesting in any event.

To end off the weekend we took in a barge trip along the canal. Despite the desperately poor weather conditions, it turned out to be a highly entertaining excursion. You had to be on your very best behaviour, otherwise you would face the wrath of one of the tour guides, all senior citizens (and serious about it). Eric placed both feet on the top step and was promptly reprimanded. The other passengers on board were a family celebrating a little chaps 10th birthday party. The combination of the family dynamics and the no-nonsense approach of the guides, resulted in an award winning drama.