Jane, Ellie and I started our weekend on a high with a lovely hike and litter pick along the River Avon Trail. We strolled along the riverside paths out to Saltford, an area I personally hadn’t been to before but I can’t wait to return! After a break for lunch we continued up and up and up to Kelston Round Hill, and then back down towards Bath through Weston.

Thankfully there was very little litter for us to pick which was great to see, but we were kept occupied by the bundle of energy that was Jane’s rescue dog Ted! We all had a lovely morning and are looking forward to being able to do it more often over Summer!

On a drizzly December afternoon, 5 GoodGymmers joined forces armed with bin bags, gloves and litter pickers for some countryside plogging. After setting off from odd down park and ride, we soon came across plenty rubbish to be picked. So while walking we started loading up our bags with bottles, car parts, a rusty saw and other unidentified objects retrieved from the banks and hedges. As we got further from the city and onto the footpaths, there was less litter to be found so we could enjoy the beautiful views and concentrate on not getting stuck in the mud! The route took us down slippery slopes into the valley through Combe Hay village and along the old coal canal, where we stopped briefly for snacks and a little history of the canal lesson before heading back uphill towards the start point. Thanks all for a great walk in great company!

On Sunday 1 August, Emily K, Meyrick, Jamie, Jane and official Bath Goodgym mascot Ted gathered in the rain at Sydney Gardens to undertake a damp but pleasant stroll along the Kennett and Avon Canal to Batheaston, before embarking on the steep climb to the top of Solsbury Hill. With the weather being slightly less than ideal, the towpath was nice and quiet, allowing for an easy pace and some great conversation. Meyrick diligently led the litter-picking effort but we were very happy to see that there was barely any rubbish to collect. We were all puffing and sweating by the top of the climb, but were rewarded with spectacular views, before sliding our way back down the muddy footpaths towards Bath. Thanks everyone for a lovely morning.

We met at 0915 at the White Hart pub in Widcombe. The weather was cloudy but it was cool and dry. A new lady appeared with her Borzoi and had seen our Facebook post on the Refugee FB group.

Bin bags in hand we walked up Prior park to Lyncombe Vale and then onto the Two Tunnels path. From here we headed away from Bath through the longest tunnel. Over 1 mile in length and with low lighting we marched through picking up any litter en route. We emerged the other end and took a path off the path down to Tucking Mill. Here we paused took a breath and then began our journey up to Combe Down. Many steps and steep slopes later we appeared on the top of Combe down and crossed over to pick up the Skyline. And here is where Bath emerges. The view opens up and even on a grey day its worth it. From here its all down hill. We pass by Prior park and then back down into Widcombe.

The walk was relaxing and many of the group discovered new paths. We all had a lovely chat and agreed it would be nice to do as a regular get together :) Here's to the next one!

It's amazing what you can acheive in just one hour. 5 bags of rubbish filled and a great gym session was had with lots of lunges and squats in quick succession.

The focus this week was around the children's play area in Brickfields park. With lots of bushes surrounding the area, the rubbish was being consumed by the vegetation. Beer bottles, soft drinks cans, crisp and chocolate packets were the most common find. A large coat and fully loaded nappy a rarer and much more unpleasant find.

Although the insects were less impressed by my efforts, passersby praised my actions which was lovely and hopefully the children and dogs will be in a much safer space for the time being.

When you initially look around the park you don't think it is too bad, and then you look again towards the hedgerows and instead of plants, there is glass and plastic everywhere. In just 45 minutes, 4 Goodgym members filled 8 bags of rubbish!

We probably covered about an 1/8th of the park, there is much more to do. As we were clearing the rubbish, dogs were running loose and children were playing basketball. It is rewarding to think we are making a small difference to this park for those who can enjoy it and very nice to hear a member of the public stopped to thank us for our hard work.

Our interesting find of the week includes some kind of keyboard which had been set on fire. We played 'guess the rubbish', that famous game I'm sure you've all never heard of.. :) Guesses include; its part of a cash machine, or an old phone from the 80s. Another 50 metres away, we uncover another part of the puzzle and ta da....... it was a old printer! Check out the pictures!!

Thank you to Steven Jer and Rachel S