Little Bedwyn - not many boaters stop here

Thursday, 09 June 2011 18:38

This is a quick tour of the well kept village of Little Bedwyn, not a place most boaters stop.

Starting at the footbridge over the Kennet and Avon Canal, below the lock

John continued on a circular walk from the south to the north and then back to Epiphany ......

The impressive C18th Manor House and the stable yard opposite, part of the farming village to the south

In the High Street is the Harrow restaurant, in the Michelin Guide and AA restaurant of the year 2011.

The menu looked impressive - but a bit above our price range methinks! So no treat out tonight then

A little further down the road are the cottages built by the S W Farmer Charity for retired farm labourers. Three in 1936 and the last in 1961. They are now owned by a Housing Association.

John crossed the footbridge over the canal and railway to the north side of the village. Here there are some lovely thatched cottages - recently re-thatched  - and the church.

Nearer to the church are some attractive cottages and St Michael's church with its spire stands in the churchyard. Originally built in 1158, it was a chapel attached to Great Bedwyn Church. The tower was rebuilt in the C15th and the spire added. The spire was struck by lightning and rebuilt in 1963; other additions and rebuilds were done over the years.

Little Bedwyn Church

A new woodland is being created on the outskirts of the village and John walked through on his way to Fore Bridge over the K and A, further NW. He crossed the railway at one of those open pedestrian crossings I have mentioned before.

Railway crossing

Once over the bridge it was a short walk along the towpath back to Epiphany for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Looking from Fore Bridge south east

There are more photos in our album - click here if you want to have a look!