New Art Marker Unveiled At Abbey

A new work of public art will be unveiled at Bath Abbey on 25^th October to mark the beginning and the end of the Cotswold Way National Trail.

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.

The marker will take the form of a large limestone disc set into the pavement outside the west doors of the Abbey, the official start and end of the Cotswold Way. Hand carved by local artist Iain Cotton with place names from along the trail, 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.

James Blockley, National Trail Officer for the Cotswold Way said: “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.”

The unveiling ceremony will take place on Thursday 25^th October. A guided walk to the Abbey will start from Lansdown park and ride at 10.30am, arriving at the Abbey at 1.45pm where the Abbey bells will be ringing in celebration, and entertainment will be provided by the Bath Waites and Mr Wilkins Shilling.

Nearly a hundred people are expected to attend including local volunteers, businesses and Council employees.  Speeches will be provided by the Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Cllr Rob Appleyard and Richard Lloyd MBE of the Cotswolds Conservation Board.