Route Plans
Here are some local Bath walking route plans for anyone interested. They are an excellent start to getting out there on your own! We can't guarantee their accuracy, so use common sense. Be aware that these walks will feature on many of the 'Sunday walks'; beware of spoilers! If you have any questions, suggestions, or things to update, please email su-mountaineering@bath.ac.uk
Skyline Walk
Start: University Campus
End: University Campus
Distance: 9km
Time (approx): 3 hours
Route: Skyline Walk route map
This is a slightly-adjusted version of a route signposted by the National Trust, going around the top of Claverton Down for views over the city and lovely countryside right by the uni.
Accessibility: Some gates and steep gradients. Avoidable set of steps by Prior Park.
Two Tunnels Greenway
Start: University Campus
End: University Campus
Distance: 12km
Time (approx): 4 hours
Route: Two Tunnels route map
An interesting walk, head down to Monkton Combe, then follow the cycle route through two disused railway tunnels to reach the town. From here, it is a few km walk back to campus.
Accessibility: Short on-road sections, with steps to the village of Monkton Combe, and up from the reservoir to the path. Most of the route is on well-made paths.
Keynsham to Bath
Start: Keynsham station
End: Bath Spa Station
Distance: 16km
Time (approx): 5.5 hours
Route: Keynsham route map
Route 2: Keynsham-Bath-Sunday-Walk-map
Take the train to Keynsham, then follow the River Avon back to Bath. This route can be shortened by catching a bus once back in Bath.
Accessibility: Mostly off-road paths, with a short flight of steps at Newbridge in Bath.
The alternative route follows the Avon for a little way and then goes up Kelston Round Hill.
Accessibility: Mostly off-road paths, with some steep gradients and a few gates, and a short flight of steps at Newbridge in Bath.
Kelston Round Hill
Start: Bath Abbey
End: Bath Abbey
Distance: 16km
Time (approx): 5.5 hours
Route: Kelston Round Hill route map
Follow the Cotswold Way to the top of Kelston Round Hill - on a clear day you'll be able to see the Brecon Beacons. This route can be shortened by taking a bus to Weston to start.
Accessibility: Steep climb up the Cotswold Way to start, some gates on the route.
Bannerdown
Start: University Campus
End: University Campus
Distance: 13km
Time (approx): 4.5 hours
Route: Bannerdown route map
Head down to Bathampton, then follow the Fosse Way Roman road to the top of Bannerdown, a hilltop where the counties of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Somerset meet.
Accessibility: Some gates on the route and steep gradients. Major road crossing (A36)
Bradford-on-Avon
Start: Bradford-on-Avon station
End: University Campus
Distance: 10km
Time (approx): 3.5 hours
Route: Bradford-on-Avon route map
Take the train to Bradford-on-Avon, then follow the canal back to campus. The canal can be followed further to reach town.
Accessibility: Short set of steps to reach canal in Bradford; major road crossing, gates, steps and steep gradients to reach campus from canal. If the canal is followed to Bath these are avoided, but the route is longer.
Brown's Folly
Start: University Campus
End: University Campus
Distance: 13km
Time (approx): 4.5 hours
Route: Brown's Folly route map
Head down from campus to the canal, then back up to Brown's Folly, an empty tower with a view over the quieter side of the Avon valley.
Accessibility: Gates, steep gradients, major road crossing, and steps.
Solsbury Hill
Start: University Campus
End: University Campus
Distance: 12km
Time (approx): 4 hours
Route: Solsbury Hill route map
Walk down to the River Avon, then back up to Solsbury Hill for an excellent view over the city. The canal can be followed back to town.
Accessibility: On-road sections, steep gradients, major road crossing.
Beckford's Tower
Start: Bath Abbey
End: Bath Abbey
Distance: 10km
Time (approx): 3.5 hours
Route: Beckfords Tower route map
Start by following the Cotswold Way through town, then go up Lansdown to reach Beckford's Tower and a great view over the west of Bath.
Accessibility: Gates and steep gradients.
South Stoke and Combe Hay
Start: Bath Spa Station
Start: Bath Spa Station
Distance: 11km
Time (approx): 3.5 hours
Route: South Stoke route map
Get into the countryside south of the city and enjoy this adventurous route, coming back through the village of Combe Hay.
Accessibility: Several sets of steps, some stiles. Two stream crossings, although both very minor. One section under a low bridge - may be impassable in very wet weather.
Claverton Down North
Start: University Campus
End: University Campus
Distance: 4.2km
Time (approx): 1.5 hours
Route: Claverton Down North route map
A shorter walk. Head north off campus, then loop through the woods around the top of Claverton Down before returning to campus via Sham Castle.
Accessibility: Gates, muddy areas, steep gradients.
Two Crescents
Start: The Abbey
End: The Abbey
Distance: 3.8km
Time (approx): 1.5 hours
Route: Two Crescents route map
A shorter walk. Starting by the Abbey, head through historic Bath, past the Assembly Rooms, through the Circus and Royal Crescent, before going up to Lansdown Crescent, returning past the Saracen's Head, the oldest pub in the city.
Accessibility: Steps, steep gradients, busy roads.
Beechen Cliff and Widcombe
Start: Junction Road
End: Junction Road
Distance: 5km
Time (approx): 1h45min
Route: Beechen Cliff and Widcombe route map
A shorter walk. Starting in Oldfield, head to Wellsway, then up the steps to Alexandra Park above Beechen Cliff. From here, you can walk down Rosemount Lane, one of the steepest streets in the city, before walking past Widcombe Manor and the lovely St Thomas' Church.
Accessibility: Steps, very steep gradients, busy roads.
Prospect Stile Loop
Start: Royal Crescent
End: Royal Crescent
Distance: 12.5km
Time (approx): 3 hours
Route: Prospect Stile Loop
Starting at the Royal Crescent, head straight up to Beckford's tower, then follow the top of the valley along to the Bath Racecourse, and Prospect Stile, then back along the other side of the valley to Kelston Round Hill and back into Bath.
Accessibility: Gates, muddy areas, steep gradients.