Joining the Tourists

It is always interesting seeing your own city from the point of view of a visitor. Yesterday I met up with friends in Bath some of whom had not been before. We met by the river and took a boat upstream from Pultney Bridge to Bathampton weir. It is many years since I last went on this trip and on a sunny day it was a very pleasant way to spend an hour.

Travelling by boat gives a different perspective on everything. This is our view of the world famous Pultney Bridge as we went underneath. The windows are all shops with the middle one being a cafe that always seems to have very tasty looking cakes.

It has become very trendy to live by a river. This was very evident by some of the smart properties that we passed.

We were very quickly out in open country. The guide told us that the River Avon is one of th cleaner rivers. This is reflected in the number of fish, birds and other creatures such as otters that live alongside it.

The furthest point we reached was Bathampton weir where there is a narrow toll bridge for cars to cross.

It seemed to be a popular spot for swimming too.

One of the other places that we passed was the boathouse at Bathwick where you can hire rowing boats. This was a popular pastime in our teens. It is also a splendid restaurant upstairs that we frequent from time to time.

We passed a group of kayakers  by the Cleveland Bridge but generally it was very quiet.

Another interesting perspective was viewing Pultney Bridge as we returned from the 'backside' or ugly side.

 Then it was a final view of the colonnade by Parade Gardens.

 Followed by a peep up at the Victoria Art Gallery which was previously the library. It's crown on the peak of the roof was something I had never noticed before.

All round it was very pleasant being a tourist for a short while.