The bells will be ringing at Bath Abbey on 25 October as a new work of public art (pictured right) is unveiled there to mark the beginning (and the end) of the Cotswold Way National Trail, England’s newest National Trail.

The Irish Blue limestone way marker has been made by artist lettercutter and carver Iain Cotton, who is based in the Cotswolds. He used the blue limestone because it lends itself to fine lettering and because it is harder wearing than the Cotswold limestone.

The unveiling ceremony is the culmination of an initiative between the Cotswolds Conservation Board, Bath Abbey and Bath & North East Somerset Council. The organisations have worked closely together to create the trail and wanted an attractive and fitting focus to mark the start and finish of it.

The marker will be set into the pavement outside the west doors of the Abbey, which is the official start and end of the Cotswold Way.

The letters are hand-cut by the artist and include place names from along the trail. The marker is intended to be an invitation to walk the trail, a welcome for tired feet that have, and food for thought for the thousands of people who will visit Bath Abbey and set off on the walk every week.

James Blockley, National Trail Officer for the Cotswold Way, says: “This project is the culmination of over four years’ group effort. It will be just wonderful for us all to see it unveiled at long last. The expertly carved marker will be a celebration of the Cotswold Way and its place in Bath for many years – and many walkers – to come.”