Bath to West Pennard
Distance: 29 miles
Time (hours): 2:57
Average Speed: 10.0 mph
Ascent: 2,047 ft
Leisurely Start
After an amazing night of Love & Hope at the Bell in Bath, followed by a lovely low-key gig at The Crown In Bathford, we allowed ourselves a leisurely start. With fewer than 30 miles to cover, we’d set a departure time of 11 am. Which was only narrowly missed.
The journey to Glastonbury is now very familiar, though each time we make it there’s some subtle variation. It’s a beautiful ride, largely following former railways to the south of Bath. These initially lead through the imposing ‘two tunnels’, which are finally rid of its once entertaining but ultimately irritating sound installation. Don’t get me wrong, I applaud such implementation of public art. However, the mile-long subterranean path provides a rare opportunity to experience near-silence.
Picturesque Valleys
The old railway line then leads out along picturesque valleys through Midford to the livery stables at WeIlow. After some niggly hills, this is picked up again and provides a traffic-free route to Midsomer Norton. We took a break along the latter stretch, picnicking in a lovely meadow where we watched as swallows deftly skimmed the grass.
Then followed the stiff climb up onto the Mendip hills. This is intense but much more comfortable than Brian’s pre-online-mapping battles with traffic on the main roads. Once scaled, these hills reward the traveler with views across the Somerset levels and a first glimpse of the imposing Glastonbury Tor. Coffee and cake were taken at a garden-centre cafe before the descent. They recommended the apple and pecan cake. They weren’t wrong.
Driver Behaviour
After a lengthy, pedal-free scoot down towards the “Vale of Avalon”, the road winds its way through some low-lying hills. Here, on a previous trip, Brian had encountered some particularly aggressive driver behaviour. And there it was again. It’s as though the people who can afford to live in the renovated, extended and exclusive dwellings hereabouts feel compelled to demonstrate their superiority by driving expensive vehicles at speed, with little regard for anyone but themselves.
But we made it through intact and – soon enough – reached our destination: the small village of West Pennard. An odd choice of tour venue, you may think. However, a planned date in Shepton Mallet had fallen through. Brian’s brother, David, lives in the village and generously stepped-in, hiring the village hall and helping to promote the event. Friend and ‘Made by Martians’ band-mate Marick provided a PA. And now we had a worthy alternative.
Well-Received
The gig went beautifully and was well-received. Audience reactions included:
“Wasn’t it a great night? I’d go to see them again in a heartbeat!”
“It would be amazing to have then back – they were so amazing”
Aw, shucks…
Foolhardy
Before the evening, David prepared a hearty supper and afterwards, perhaps foolhardily, invited us to sample his whisky collection. Which invitation we gratefully accepted. David, unfamiliar with hosting such an event, was possibly even more pleased then we were it had been a success. I think, most of all, he’s just relieved he can still show his face around the village.
Thanks David: it was a blast.
