Cold Ashton, June 11

 The first day of a walk is like the first day of school, sort of, only no pop tarts for breakfast!  Uhh, maybe there were pop tarts?

This is our Lady of I-don't know---, bidding a fond farewell in front of Bath Cathedral:

 It was a bit tricky finding the route out of Bath, but once I "got it" it was a very pretty meander, but also a slog because the humidity was high, the air thick with haze, and there was much hillage, as there will be for the entire route.

Finally into the countryside where there were many firsts (for this walk):

First snail:

Even though I missed a turn, which added two miles to the walk (a total of 13 1/2 for today), I probably got to Hill Farm in Cold Ashton before him/her/it.

First Wilbur:

First yellow-double-ear-tagged-bovines:

There was a bevy of cows (do cows come in a bevy?) following me, about 20-30, but I thought it not wise to stop to take their picture.

What would an English walk be without golf courses?  And one is always warned.  But what I want to know is HOW does one "be aware of stray golf balls?"  Is this supposed to be after the ball knocks you out cold or are stray golf balls just rude?  

A famous event happened in these parts,  The Battle of Lansdowne Hill  which, you will note, is recorded in great detail. In case military history is not your thing, a series of posts (as in the picture below) serves as a succinct remembrance, that, and lots of streets bearing the name Lansdowne (with or without the e).   

I did stay in the sweetest little Shepherd's Hut  at Hill Farm.  A perfect finale to the first day.