Just before I clambered
aboard the bus to Swindon, I put on the obligatory face mask, I took
3 masks one for the outward journey, another for entering any retail
establishments, and one for the return journey. I'm glad I did this,
because the journey is almost two hours long – far too long to be
wearing a mask. I arrived in Swindon, and caught the number 7 service
to Highworth, a place I have never been to. On the way to Highworth,
I stopped off at a retail park to purchase the item I wanted. The
whole experience of shopping and dining out in post lock down
conditions, is a nightmare, but I will save my thoughts about
cashless payments for another occasion.
After that ordeal, I
walked back to the bus stop and considered going back to the bus
station, but I decided to get my moneys worth with the Explorer
ticket I had purchased. Some of my most enjoyable expeditions have
happened this way – no planning what so ever, just allowing the bus
to take me to wherever it is going. The first pubs on the bus route,
were The Dockle Farmhouse (Wetherspoons) and The New Inn, which are
next door to each other in Stratton St Margaret. It is unusual to
see a pub next door to a Wetherspoons, which is still surviving, but
both pubs cater for a different clientele. Wetherspoons is fine, but
I try to patronise a wide variety of pubs.
One of the most
frustrating aspects of travelling by bus, is the lack of time to stop
and take photos. I was on a tight schedule, because the bus service
from Swindon to Gloucestershire stops after a certain time. Quite often
I have to decide which pubs I can stop and photograph, because of
time restrictions. Continuing on the journey through Stratton St
Margaret, I noticed a uniquely named pub called The Rat Trap which
is unsurprisingly, an Arkells Pub. I really wanted to photograph
it, but decided to continue to Highworth. I'm glad I did, because
Highworth is a delightful little market town, the market was just
finishing as I arrived. The centre of Highworth is compact, with
characterful shops, pubs and hotels.
I attempted to
photograph a pub called the King and Queen, a rather large pub in the
High Street. I was thwarted in my attempt, because of some cars were obscuring the features of the pub. This is another obstacle
which photographers have to deal with, rows of parked cars do not
make an attractive composition. Another reason why it would not have
been a good photo, is the sun was in the wrong position, it was one
of those days when the weather was not going to cooperate. I had the
same issues with most of the pubs in Highworth, but I did manage to
photograph The Saracens Head Hotel, and I apologise for the quality
of this photo. I wish I had brought my “proper” camera, rather
than having to resort to the camera on my phone, but it would have
been too cumbersome lugging it, and other items on and off the buses.
The Saracens Head Hotel, Highworth
Time was marching on,
so I caught the bus back to Swindon, however I got off at Stratton St
Margaret to photograph the Rat Trap. The weather continued to be
uncooperative whilst I attempted to photograph the pub – at least
the sun was in the right position! The pub is quite picturesque, but
composing the photo was difficult, because of the yellow markings on
the road outside the pub, they were a distraction. I crossed the road
to photograph the rather interesting pub sign, it gives you an
insight into the name of the pub – the landlady Fanny Stroud, is
pressing two difficult customers into paying for their drinks.
Apparently this is how the Speed the plough pub, earned it's
nickname!
I would have liked to
have gone into the pub, because of it's interesting history, and
favourable reviews, but time was of the essence. Instead I travelled
back to the bus station, and boarded the bus back to Gloucestershire.
The Rat Trap, Stratton St Margaret
I really enjoyed my day
out to Highworth and Stratton St Margaret, but I found it a little
hard going because I am not exactly fit at the moment. A long bus journey like this, is not really recommended under the present
circumstances, some of the buses were a little over specified with
passengers. Wearing masks for this length of time is not healthy,
even though I discarded the first mask – in a bin I might add, not
carelessly dropped on the pavement! Lets hope that I have not brought
back an unwanted souvenir, it has been reported that there is a high
Covid-19 infection rate in Swindon at the moment!
