Bath Time, 9.5 miles, moderate/challenging

This 9.5 mile walk from Bath takes in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, fine views across Bath, an historic aqueduct, and will bring back some uni memories for about half the group!

Booking is required for this walk, via the form here.

Pace: medium. Ascent: 423m.

Walk details

We start by walking up the Bath lock flight on the Kennet and Avon Canal. The eastern end of the K&A features regularly on our usual walks and this is a good chance to see a different bit of it! We’ll walk past Bath Deep Lock, the second deepest lock on the UK canal network. After leaving the canal, it’s a steep climb up through Bath streets with the view behind us of the city centre opening out. After passing the Sham Castle folly, we’ll follow the National Trust’s Bath Skyline route along the edge of Bathampton Down.

We’ll then descend back into the Avon Valley through Bathampton Wood. Rejoining the canal, we follow the towpath for the next three miles. Lunch will hopefully be beside the River Avon with a view of Dundas Aqueduct, with another stop shortly afterwards at the Brassknocker Basin cafe.

The return journey then begins with another steep climb up to Claverton Down, before following the Skyline walk back to Bath. The latter parts see more fine views across the city. We’ll go through the picturesque Smallcombe valley. The very last section will see us walk into Bath down Great Pulteney Street, before we have a well-earned drink at one of Bath’s many pubs. There is then the option to explore the historic city centre, including the Abbey and Roman Baths, or the walk leader can provide directions back to the station.

Travel details

By public transport

Please travel on the 09.58 train from Reading if travelling by train. Owing to a prior commitment in Wales, the walk leader will not be travelling on this train, but will instead meet you at the walk start.

To reduce the costs, it is recommended that train tickets are bought ahead of the day of the walk, with a split at Didcot Parkway. This also allows those of us with Network Railcards only to use them on the Reading-Didcot ticket. The walk leader is prepared to answer any questions about ticket-splitting.

By car

Please use any car park in central Bath within walking distance of the station if travelling by car. The closest are at the SouthGate shopping centre and Manvers Street. Please also consider using the Park and Ride buses: https://travelwest.info/park-ride

Notes

• If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
• Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
• Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.