Well, a few days ago it looked like it was just going to be Nigel and myself on this walk but by the time Valentine’s Day dawned crisp and bright we had a party of nine. The walk began at Willsbridge Mill car park and dropped down into the valley of Siston brook which was running well after plentiful recent rain. We turned east along the brook, passing the remains of the inclined plane down from California Colliery to the Dramway, continuing below St Anne’s church to the bottom of California Road. Here we crossed the brook and continued east along the southern bank.
Turning right and up Cowhorn Hill we worked our way onto North Street, Oldland Common and after crossing the Avon Valley Railway took the path alongside the railway to Redcliffe School. The weather was simply glorious with no wind at all, but it was wet underfoot. Crossing over the road to North Common we headed up the fields to the top of Redfield Hill, spying one of the wonderful stone “finger posts” which are common in the district. One arm pointed to Beach which was tempting, but we were to carry on along Redfield Edge. Here we met the first challenge as through the gate into the field was the first real mud bath.
Having negotiated that we worked our way across the fields to Upper Cullyhall Farm and DR google subsequently said the name is derived from a surname originating from the Norman French de Cuelai and that Queen Elizabeth is reported to have stayed here. Some challenging stiles, surrounded by mud, were negotiated and we headed to the top of Bitton Hill on a metalled road. Clay Lane took us halfway down the hill then reverting to a bridle path which was steep, uneven and wet but we arrived at the A420 without mishap. This is reputed to be the Roman road from Bath to Sea Mills, known as the via Julia which one of our number was delighted to hear.
Crossing the road, we took the Monarch’s Way for about half a mile then climbed up onto the Bristol to Bath Railway path which not surprisingly was very busy given the start of half-term and the weather. We soon reached Bitton station and took refreshment then back down the main road to Willsbridge Mill, up the brook and back to the car park.
I was a little late starting Strava but reckon we walked just on six miles.
Sounds great fun – well done.