georgian perambulations

taking

the air in the surroundings of bath.

Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

Catherine Morland in Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey said: “I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath when I’m at home again – I do like it so very much… Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?”

And young Catherine was absolutely right as Bath in the 18th century was at its most fashionable. However, attending the endless social circuit of balls, ‘taking the waters’ and gossiping at teatime can be exhausting. When the ladies and gentlemen of high society needed a respite from the strict etiquette of polite drawing rooms they proceeded to take the air in Bath’s tranquil surroundings. Guests of The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel can do the same via the Skyline Walk. The concierge recommends two versions: the easy Walk to the View and the longer Bath Skyline Walk.

The Georgian period ran from 1714 to 1830, marking the reigns of the British Kings George I to IV. When this period began, there were only a few hundred houses in Bath and these were largely confined within its medieval city walls. But it was transformed very quickly within 100 years into the city Austen was writing about. If you have 90 minutes and want to follow in the footsteps of the Georgians, the Walk to the View stroll starts at Kingston Parade in Bath Abbey. You will amble through grand streets, public gardens, along the canal and past Holburne Museum on to the meadows of Bathwick Fields for a stunning view of the city and Somerset countryside, covering a total of approximately five kilometres.

The longer Bath Skyline Walk is a four-hour adventure that encompasses tree-lined paths. Starting from Bathwick Fields, you will cross the road to Cleveland Walk at Bathwick Hill.

Here, you’ll see Sham Castle Down, enter Bathampton Wood and arrive at the elegant pillars of the Balcony and Rainbow Wood Fields. This is a tranquil spot by a placid pond to take a rest. Once you get to Smallcombe Wood, you would likely pick up the scent of flowers in the warmer months, which also indicates that you’re near the end of your walk – bringing you back to Bathwick Hill. You can pick up a Skyline Walk leaflet from the Priory Park’s visitor reception or ask your concierge at The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel.

As Mrs Allen in Northanger Abbey said to Catherine: ‘If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad.” Or, perhaps, in these times, she can seek them on the Skyline Walk in the right romantic company.

For more information, visit www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk