In Which We Learn...

 ...that some places are better to go to, rather than drink in.

We were keen to have a bit of a walk.  The boy was keen for greenery.  The weather looked pretty good.

Obviously, we like to build a pub visit in too.

As a change, we got the train to Avoncliffe and walked along the canal to Bradford on Avon.  I'd checked the pubs and a few sounded promising.

The tow-path stroll is pleasant and unchallenging (esp for woman with still-recovering knee), there was some pleasant tweetery by the local birds.

It's only a couple of miles and we were soon in Bradford.  We took the opportunity to look inside the wonderful tithe barn and strolled around the town.

By the time my knee was starting to complain, it was still only about 3.30pm.  I was hopeful for an initial stop and a beer but what with the micropub not opening until 6pm and the other pubs not really appealing once we looked at them (one a bit posh, one a bit rough, one a bit "Greene King") we decided that Bradford still isn't really a drinking place for us.

Instead, we decided that calling in on the Royal Oak in Oldfield Park was a reasonable plan instead.  With 45 mins until the train we went to the Three Horseshoes - which is very near the station.  It is a bit rough and ready but the beer was properly kept, if not terribly exciting.

The train was on time and we were soon in the Royal Oak - which is quiet and none too warm but the beer is good and the staff delightful.  The train back to Temple Meads was also on time which makes the journey painless and pleasant.

So - 10 years after the last time we went there, we have once again come to the conclusion that the walk there and around is definitely better than the drinking - perhaps we'll remember not to bother to try and opt straight for the Royal Oak instead.

Tonight we'll be off to Moor.  Tomorrow, who knows?