New Kissing Gates
It had been a glorious, hot day. It was just as well that this was an evening walk. We assembled at The Lamb Inn, Iron Acton and welcomed Tony’s diving friend Andy. Phil King farms in this area and knows the landowner on whose land the new gates were fitted by the Southwold (Yate) Ramblers. Phil turned up, but was under doctor’s orders not to walk in the sun, following stitches to his forehead after an accident breaking up some wood. He seemed well, considering, and we saw him a few times at places on the walk, where he described places where the path could be improved. 
That morning Tony had been out to nail the new B&W LDWA plaques to the gates. Tony led us through the churchyard, turning west along a path to join a road south for a short stretch to Algars Manor, near which we crossed fields and Hover’s Lane to reach the northern outskirts of Frampton Cotterell near the church. Here, at the River Frome, we turned north along the Frome Valley Walkway along a pretty stretch of river with a weir and along crops of wheat to Cog Mill Farm. We continued along the Frome Valley Walkway to reach the stretch of path with our five new gates, pausing to admire them. The path then curved east, south of Iron Acton to Nibley Lane. From here we turned north east along paths into Iron Acton. We enjoyed a drink, courtesy of Robin, outside The Lamb, on a lovely early summer evening. Many thanks to Tony for the hard work and time spent discussing with the authorities and organising the fitting of these gates and to Jenny and Tony for the walk.
Bruce Young
