This was billed as one of our more challenging walks. In the event, although the distance was near the Footpaths Group’s upper limits and there was quite a lot of uphill walking, the underfoot was much better than expected and everyone arrived back at the finish line in fine form.

The walk started at the Blaise Castle car park. Having skirted the castle, we made our way down a long gulley through the woods. Here we followed a slow moving river past an old mill which had been transported there, when its original site was flooded for a dam. The swathes of white wild garlic intermingled with bluebells were breath taking.

Descending by a series of footpaths we eventually passed under the ‘Portway’ and reached the River Avon. On the way we sheltered from a brief rain shower but made good use of the stop to take a refreshments break. Thereafter it was sunshine all the way.

Once passed the interesting but muddy looking Roman Harbour we had fine views across the Avon. But in a reverse of what goes up must come down we then started the long haul back to the castle.