Canal Bridge from Rosemundy Cottage
The towpath was still teeming with action along the Caen Hill locks - the boats are so interesting and it appears a goodly number serve as full-time housing for their skippers. Don't think I could do that, but it has some appeal for a short stay.
Canal Boat on the move
We biked about 15 miles west and north to the town of Lacock - Lacock Abbey and the Fox Talbot Museum are the main attractions, as well as a totally intact town which has changed little from the 17th century. It was given as a whole town and surrounds to the National Trust in 1944. We loved the Abbey grounds and were in awe of the "specimen trees" and their age and grandeur.
Lacock Abbey - view of south facade
Peter is the tiny red speck to the left of the tree!
The Abbey has an interesting history which includes Henry VIII tossing out all the nuns and granting the Abbey and grounds to private owners. One included Fox Talbot, who was the inventor of the photographic negative process. Loved the museum and learning about the history of photography from one inventor's vantage point.
The ride from Lacock to Tetbury was absolutley lovely with no taxing climbs - there was just one beautiful vista after another and so many gorgeous horses to look at - definitely passing through the heart of horse country with stud farms and equestrian centers.
We arrived in Tetbury at our B & B feeling great - cleaned up and had a marvelous dinner at The Priory in Tetbury - much to admire about their menu, as they aim to source all of their food offerings from within 30 miles of the restaurant. All the food was wonderful, especially the vanilla ice cream! I had a pint of Tunnel Vision ale just because the name was so cool - and it was delicious too.
Tomorrow brings the much-anticipated Cotswold hills to Stow on Wold - should have had 2 desserts tonight!
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