This year marks the 80th anniversary of the link between Bath and the Dutch city of Alkmaar. Bath-Alkmaar Twinning Association (BATA) is joining forces with the National Trust for a scenic walk from the city centre to Bathford, illustrating this story of longstanding international friendship and exploring on the way the nature-rich landscape and open views of Bathampton Meadows. This is an opportunity to learn how the link came about and how it continues to be enjoyed by local people and groups from both cities. https://bath-alkmaar.org.uk/
We meet at 11 am in the Alkmaar Garden close to the Guildhall to hear how the whole thing started, passing nearby places connected to people and events during and after the Second World War. We then strike out for Bathampton Meadows via Sydney Gardens, sharing information about our current activities. One of this year’s highlights is our collaboration with the National Trust on commemorative tree planting and the creation of new walking paths. Joanne Radway, National Trust Community Ranger, will tell us about nature restoration work in progress to consolidate the green corridor linking the World Heritage city of Bath to the surrounding countryside. From Bathampton we follow Tyning Road close to the Kennet and Avon Canal and cross open fields to reach Bathford where Eli Prins, originator of the Bath-Alkmaar link, lived with his English wife. After visiting their graves at St Swithun’s churchyard the walk will finish at Bathford Village Shop and Café BA1 7SN at around 3.30pm. You can catch a bus back to the starting point in central Bath from Bathford or Batheaston.
The walk is around 4.5 miles and we estimate it will take about four and a half hours (longer if you want to walk back rather than take the bus). The ground is mainly flat but there is a short slope down from the canal towpath to the Meadows and a climb up Bathford Hill to reach the church. Across the Meadows there are some uneven paths and grassy sections which could be wet and muddy underfoot.
Those wishing to take an undemanding route back to central Bath can retrace their steps to The George Inn at Bathampton to join the canal towpath, adding just over 3 miles to the walk.
Walk leaders are members of the BATA committee.
Suitable for children if they’re happy to walk at least 4 miles. Supervision would be needed close to busy roads and along the canal towpath as the banks are mostly unprotected.
Assistance dogs only please.
We plan a picnic stop so suggest that you bring a drink and snack. There is a good picnic spot with seating overlooking the canal close to The George Inn at Bathampton and another at the end point of the walk. Post-walk refreshments can be found at Bathford Village Shop & Café. There are also pubs/cafés at Bathford, Batheaston and Bathampton.
Walkers with Dutch connections especially welcome!
Getting there: the meeting point is in central Bath – Alkmaar Garden, Orange Grove, BA1 5AW (the small green outside Browns, behind the Abbey). What3Words direct.caller.edgy
Book your free tickets here – Dutch Connection
