Walking the By Brook Valley 26th

Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth (two weekends in a row of decent weather has to be some sort of a record!) Saturday afternoon saw us off exploring the picturesque valley of By Brook, situated off the main road in Ford (a little over 40 minutes from home). The area offered a range of different habitats – meadows and riverbanks, woodland and open hilltops, something to please the whole family.

The tributary stream we followed through the valley has its source above Castle Combe before flowing through Ford, Slaughterford and Box to its confluence with the Bristol Avon at Bradford. It truly was a beautiful spot and the walk was an ideal distance for little legs (no, not mine!) being about 2 miles. The kids got to do what kids love best, throw sticks and rocks into the wonderfully clear water and get themselves wet and muddy in the process.

Abbey dressed herself today and it was obviously a day for stripes!

Zac getting in touch with his wild side

Thankfully, no one fell in!

Lord of his domain

Bridge at the gorgeous hamlet of Long Dean

No good can come of this!

Butter wouldn't melt!

The views across the valley were amazing

Afternoon tea on the hilltop

Still in an adventurous and outdoor spirit, we drove home via the toll bridge at Bathampton (yep, a whopping 60p toll!) and stopped for refreshments at the Bathampton Mill pub. This was the perfect spot to end the day with outdoor seating along the banks of the Avon.