In the company of a local historian, learn about the part that Eagle House played in the recuperation of the suffragettes and, a walk through St Catherine’s Valley will illustrate how Batheaston is still the perfect restorative place.

The walkers and leaders will meet at the Batheaston Village Hall.  Please allow plenty of time for parking prior to the walk, either on the road at Batheaston or on a side street nearby.  If parked on the road at Batheaston you can walk up the signed road “Northend”, which leads after a short walk to the T junction where the Hall is.

We will be met at the Hall by local historian, Claire Dimond Mills, for a lovely circular walk and a fascinating talk about how and why Batheaston became a refuge for the Suffragettes. We will be told all about Eagle House and its history and role in the Suffragette movement.  Plus a chance to look at the Suffragette themed telephone box nearby. Claire will also point out places of historical interest along the route.

Please wear sensible footwear, boots always a good idea, as after we leave Eagle House we’ll join footpaths beside St Catherine’s Brook, these can be rough or muddy, and possibly have stock in the fields. Mostly gates and no difficult stiles.

We will walk along the valley, through lovely scenery by the Brook, before eventually taking a path leading up a moderately steep hill to St Catherine’s Court.  Though the house is privately owned and not accessible to the public, the Chapel next to it is open, and we will be able to go inside and find out more about its history, and at this point your drink and a small snack might be welcome.

We will then descend back to The Village Hall, via a small windy country lanes, offering interesting views of the scenery, before saying goodbye to you.

Bring a snack.