Taunton to Bath
Distance: 49.8 miles
Time (hours): 4:13
Average Speed: 11.8 mph
Ascent: 3,071 ft
Virtually Unaccompanied
We spent quite a lot of today on busy main roads. Which is a shame. However, a lengthy segment between Taunton and Glastonbury was being resurfaced. So, we were able to enjoy the smooth, level ride virtually unaccompanied. Although traffic was being diverted over quite a distance, the section that was actively blocked-off was only a couple of miles long. A helpful road worker diverted us onto a side road, which closely shadowed the main route, then rejoined, causing little inconvenience.
It was good to be on the flat after so much climbing through Devon and nice to get some miles under our belts early in the day. Pushing on to Glastonbury, lunch was taken at the Blue Note cafe, a favourite of Brian’s band in the 90s ‘Wise Wound‘. The staff here were extremely friendly and we enjoyed the ability to choose from an extensive selection of meat-free dishes.
Main Roads
The Sustrans cycle network Route 3 passes through here, leading to a relatively friendly ascent onto the Mendips north of Wells. However, our route-mapping took us along the busy main road. Whilst this inevitably saved some climb and a couple of miles distance, it didn’t make for the most comfortable ride.
At Chilcompton, Brian knew from experience the worst of the hills were over. He was looking forward to the descent into Midsomer Norton, then the railway path through Radstock and on to Wellow. But no. Our route diverted us through Paulton, intially on small lanes and then – once again – on the busy main road.
Pub Stop?
It became evident we’d now be following the hills through Radford and Timsbury. So Brian suggested a pub stop in Priston, a little further up the road. But no. We were plonked back on the even busier main road to Bath, on a hilly section where overtaking is particularly difficult. Which didn’t make us very popular with the drivers. Once again, we had to hold our breathes as they attempted to edge past at ill-advised spots.
Fetish For Jugs
Finally we were able to escape this madness on the final approach to Bath. We left the mapped route in order to cut the corner down a quiet hill. Before descending, though, we made one final stop. The chap serving brought us pots of tea, with milk in miniature churns, which we admired. ‘I have a fetish for jugs’, he said ‘Both kinds’. To which there really was no answer.
The Final 200 Yards
Brian then led the way through Bath, along the the river and through the Rec (Bath Rugby’s ground), then up onto the canal tow path. Just as we climbed the lane to reach home, a cyclist behind said ‘I hope you didn’t party too hard at Shindig’. How did he know? Of course, Brian was wearing last year’s tour shirt with dates listed on the back. He’d worn it for the entire tour (washing it – it’s important to note – daily). And this was the first time anyone had commented
… about 200 yards from home.
