I didn’t have to wait very long for the train to arrive at Temple Meads Station.
I noticed a little dog in the bag of the person getting on just before me.
I sat in my seat….
Then noticed the little dog, a puppy, sat right opposite so I got up to say ‘Hello’.
When we arrived at Bath Spa Station we had to walk about a mile to get to Prior Park.
I stopped on the bridge for a photo.
We went down a road lined with shops and cafes.
Then up a long quite steep hill.
Finally we reached the entrance.
I showed my National Trust card to the friendly lady at the entrance kiosk.
Prior Park is quite hilly but the first bit of the walk was flat.
There are some small waterfalls trickling down towards the lake.
It wasn’t long before I spotted the famous Palladiam Bridge in the distance.
I stopped for a rest and sat on a log for a photo.
Being a cold day in January not many humans were around.
I am getting quite used to steps but these for some reason made me feel very small.
I posed for a photo with the view of Prior Park School behind me.
The Palladiam Bridge was built in 1755 so is 270 years old.
I walked round the lake in the winter sunshine, though the sun was beginning to down.
It was wonderful to find the refreshments cabin open.
The humans bought me a special treat – a luxury hot chocolate, there were marsh mallows underneath the cream. It gave me the energy to continue my walk.
I climbed up onto the fence to have a good look at the view. You might be able to spot the Palladiam Bridge in the distance.
It was a downhill walk then back to Bath Spa train station for the journey back to Bristol.
My legs were tired and a nap was needed on the train journey! Fortunately the humans woke me up when the train stopped at Bristol.
All in all a lovely day out!
For more information about Prior Park see: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/prior-park-landscape-garden
Horace the Alresford Bear 3/1/2025
The first train to arrive was destined for Manchester. People and bears have to be careful at railway stations that they get on the correct train!
A few minutes later the train to Exeter arrived and I quickly got on, no time for photographs! We were soon on our way and within about 15 minutes after travelling along the edge of the river Teign we reached Teignmouth.
The train track is right next to the sea and the view is amazing. 
Here is a glimpse of ‘Elephant Rock’ which is just before Dawlish Warren.
We got off the train at Dawlish Warren in order to walk along the coast path to Dawlish.
There were lots of splendid buckets and spades for sale in the beach shop but the humans didn’t seem to think it was digging weather.
There was lots of space on the beach, with just a few dogs and their humans enjoying walking on the sand.
While walking back towards Dawlish a few trains went by; I waved to any children on board. Children do like to wave from trains.
The red cliffs are made of sandstone and over the years get washed away by the sea.
Back in 2014 a whole section of the track ended up suspended in midair when a section of the seawall collapsed during a ferocious storm. (
On reaching Dawlish I was keen to find the famous Dawlish black swans. 
Jolly pleased to find one; easy to spot with a bright red bill.
A few more black swans were resting or foraging on the grass. They have white feathers underneath their wings.
I watched this pair for quite a while as they swam up and down dabbling around in the water.
Here is some more information about the black swans: 
My tummy started to rumble as it was snack time. Jolly pleased to find a splendid little tea room ‘A Piece of Cake’ serving freshly made scones. The cheese scone was delicious.
The humans popped me into the bear carrier to get back to Dawlish station to make sure we didn’t miss the train back to Torquay. We got there just as the train was arriving.
I found a seat but didn’t stay in it long as couldn’t see out of the window.
Fortunately being a bear I was able to clamber up onto the table to look at the view. 
Horace the Alresford Bear 