On Thursday 25 October the new end marker for the Cotswold Way was unveiled outside Bath Abbey. The large limestone disc is set into the pavement outside the west doors of the Abbey, the official start and end of the Cotswold Way. It was hand carved by local artist Iain Cotton with place names from along the trail and the famous National Trail acorn logo in the centre. It will provide an invitation to walk, a welcome for tired feet and food for thought for the thousands of people that visit the city and walk the National Trail every week.
The unveiling ceremony is the result of an initiative between the Cotswolds Conservation Board, Bath Abbey and Bath & North East Somerset Council who have worked closely together to provide an attractive and fitting focus marking the start and finish of England’s newest National Trail.
James Blockley, National Trail Officer for the Cotswold Way says, “This project is the culmination of over four years' group effort, and it will be just wonderful for us all to see it unveiled at long last. The expertly carved marker will be a celebration of the Cotswold Way and its place in Bath for many years, and many walkers, to come.”
Nearly a hundred people attended the event including local volunteers, businesses and Council employees. Speeches were provided by the Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Cllr Rob Appleyard and Richard Lloyd MBE of the Cotswolds Conservation Board.
The photograph shows Richard Lloyd MBE with James Blockley, the Cotswold Way National Trail Officer, and two of the Cotswolds Conservation Board's Voluntary Wardens.