Kennet and Avon Canal near Great Bedwyn

Leaving Froxfield by car we drove the short distance to Great Bedwyn. This must be an attractive spot for commuters, being set in a very attractive rural spot yet not much more than an hour from the station to London.

This walk is number 224 at walkingworld.com and we strongly recommend it. It's gentle but always interesting with a great variety of sites - a Pumping Station at Crofton, remains of station buildings on the Midland and South West Junction Railway, woodland and parkland, the palatial Tottenham House and the light and spacious St Katharine's Church.

It's always a pleasure to stroll along a canal, though this time the banks were awash with determined looking canoeists straining to carry their kayaks in some perverse non-paddling canoe race.

If you're a train buff, as this walk takes us through Savernake you might even be interested in Swindon's Other Railway.

Best of all, The Three Tuns at Great Bedwyn who kindly served us an excellent Sunday lunch despite turning up rather late. You'd go a long way to find a better local than this. Even the gents' loo is a joy to behold!