Alan and I decided we would make a start with the Kennet and Avon Canal and thought the stretch from Limpley Stoke to Bradford on Avon looked doable. I had to be back that day for my first Pilates class up in Somerset. Probably not the best idea to do a long (for me) cycle ride and then try and do Pilates!

We met for coffee and planned our route.  Alan gave me some help with light bulbs before we headed out - me, standing on a stool and trying to do this - umm, it didn't go well!

I was following the sat nav and Alan was following me - other than a second try on the route through Norton St Philip we made good time.  We left Alan's car by the canal in Bradford on Avon and drove up to Limpley Stoke.  A very steep climb up there from the parking area to the visitor center but then we could head out on the tow path to join the canal at Dundas Basin.  That first stretch where there is a boat service and storage area was actually a part of the Somerset Coal Canal.  We found someone at Dundas Basin from the Canal & River Trust and had a good chat about the work they are doing.

It is lovely cycling along this canal and looking down at the River Avon beside with the sound of the train every now and then. At the Avoncliff Aqueduct, we had to cross over to the other side - a bit of a climb for me but I managed it. It began to get busier as we approached Bradford on Avon and in dodging people, dogs etc I managed to crash into one of the bollards on the path. Fortunately, I landed on a grassy bank and there didn't seem to be any damage to the bicycle.  A little further and we stopped for some soup at the Lock Inn, then across the road at Lock 14 and we were done. And only then did it begin to rain!

A little later than I'd planned so I headed straight off to my Pilates class.