Bath

Well I guess its inevitable that we start with the Abbey.  Its such a prominent building, and surrounded by a throng of tourists and the businesses devoted to them.  Here I've looked for that special light when the floodlight and the fading daylight balance nicely to give an interesting glow on the building.  To the right, the entrance to the roman Baths, closed for the evening.

Just around the corner on the main shopping street, crowds mill around. It a mix of local shoppers, tourists, and tour groups huddled round their guides. Amongst all this a seated figure is busy bashing out "Happy" on his drum kit, watched by a small number of people, and a couple of young kids enthralled at his heartfelt performance. The case laid out in front contains no coins - just a terminal with the words 'tap to donate £3'

If we head up the main shopping street we pass this little spot that many don't even notice. Beyond, the road climbs, and with a few turns we can reach the 'circus' (a roundabout with a perfectly neat ring of Georgian houses) and the infamous Crescent.

Lets get off the tourist trail of grand buildings, for Bath has much more on offer.  For a start there is a network of narrow alleys filled with interesting little shops, and this pub - the smallest in Bath, here being enjoyed on a Saturday afternoon in winter.

Need something a bit more substantial than a pint of best?  Well no trouble, there are plenty more interesting streets, including this one with Sally Lunns and several other restaurants and cafes.

Keeping with the dusk theme, the city becomes a festival of light and commerce in the days before Christmas. The streets are lined with the huts of the Christmas market, and behind, the historic buildings are lit with a changing display of colour.

As darkness falls, the colours become ever more vibrant. Just a few paces from the last painting there is a fantastic view of the abbey, now lit up blue, under the honey yellow of the Cotswold limestone arch. With pools of light from the market huts, the composition is complete.

Back on the main shopping street the buildings are lit too with streaks of magenta competing with the pools of light from each of the Christmas market stalls.

Heading away from the centre, lets explore across the Pulteney bridge.  There is a very long straight terrace either side, with a little park off to the left.  Its a pleasant walk, but if we head to the end of the terraces there is a gallery.  And behind that there is another little park, with this delightful little kiosk at its gates.

Up through the park there is a bridge ahead, and as we get closer we spot a canal (the Kennet and Avon) tucked away beneath.  Following it right, under a building, it leads us to a quay where canal boats are tied up in lines.  From the road bridge above we get this lovely view of Sydney Wharf.  The path continues, but leads us to a busy road interchange where the canal ends at the river Avon.  Across the river we are back at the railway station.

Get a printable version of this trail, and use it to explore Bath and the views I've painted.  Its completely FREE so long as its not for profit.