Zest’s Favourite Places To Walk In Bath
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting Bath, you’ll already be well aware of the plethora of stunning places to enjoy a morning dog walk, sunset stroll, or afternoon picnic that the historic city offers. With the beautiful landscape that straddles the line somewhere between bustling city and idyllic countryside, Bath’s honey-coloured streets adorned with original Georgian architecture are perfect for getting lost in on a warm summer’s evening or crisp, wintry afternoon. Whatever the weather, whether you’re a Bath local or just looking for England’s best walking routes to explore, here’s the best walks in Bath just waiting to be discovered.
Bath Skyline
First and foremost, the Bath Skyline is a must-do if you want to get the most out of your time strolling round Bath. The six mile skyline walk stretches round the whole city, wrapping the heart of Bath in a tranquil countryside ramble that offers stunning views and a peaceful wander entirely immersed in nature. The limestone grassland slopes are rich in plants and wildlife, attracting beautiful butterflies all throughout spring and summer.
Plotted out by the National Trust, this walk around Bath is well worth the effort, starting at Bathwick Hill and following the junction to Sham Castle Lane, before heading on through Bathwick Woods and continuing to Bathampton Down. The path then takes you past Bushey Norwood, with its early Roman earthworks and Iron Age camp, before leading to the vast expanse of open countryside at Claverton Down. Finally, Bathwick Fields will lead you back to the National Trust bus stop where you first started.
Rainbow Woods
This one’s perfect for those of you with kids – the Rainbow Woods is a magical experience for young children, offering a wonderland of fun with a woodland play area complete with rope swing and cosy den, and fairy doors adorning the trees.
The woods are rich in hillocks, old rubble heaps from the neighbouring Combe Down stone mines, and hold relatively young trees due to the gale force winds that blew down the majority of the woods during 1990. You can find the Rainbow Woods out near Claverton Down, as part of the National Trust’s skyline stretch.
The Royal Victoria Park
Just a short stroll from the city centre, the Royal Victoria Park is the perfect place to visit if you want to get your nature fix without venturing too far away from home. Like all areas in Bath, the park is an area steeped in history, having been officially opened in 1830 by the then Princess Victoria, future Queen of England, when she was just eleven years old.
Spanning 57 stunning acres, the Royal Victoria Park was originally an arboretum, and still houses the beautiful botanic gardens, as well as the Great Dell Aerial Walkway. Soak up the lush natural surroundings, or enjoy a game on the 18-hole mini golf course. If you want to bring the family, there’s also a playground for kids to run around in while you enjoy a coffee at the Pavilion Cafe.
The Kennet & Avon Trail
If you find yourself in the south-west for the weekend and you’re looking for the best walks near Bath, the Kennet and Avon Canal Path can’t be missed. Stretching from the canal at Bathampton all the way to Sydney Gardens in the city centre, the path offers views of the south-west’s most stunning bits of countryside, linking England’s canals from the River Thames at Reading to the Bristol Channel.
One of England’s most popular long-distance canal routes, the trail is also perfect for any cycling enthusiasts out there. Most of the route follows a towpath, making for an easy journey so you can really take in the scenery around you, and even has plenty of cosy coffee shops and cafes to keep you going on your journey.
Prior Park Landscape Garden
Bath’s intimate 18th-century landscape garden is a hidden gem amongst the hustle and bustle of the city, bursting at the seams with history. Prior Park is home to one of only four Palladian bridges in the world of this particular design, created during the 18th century by Ralph Allen, a Bath local. The historic dams, built in the mid-1700s, did require some recent restoration due to the impact of the American signal crayfish, but the Palladian Bridge is now open to enjoy and explore once more.
The gardens are a dream for families to frequent in the summer holidays, with activities available for kids to get involved in and the charming Tea Shed open for light refreshments to keep you going.
Bristol & Bath Railway Path
Famed as one of the best spots to hike near Bath, the Bristol & Bath Railway Path is ideal for a long day out cycling or walking, stretching between the two south-west cities as a tranquil and picturesque path that runs along a disused railway line. Free from traffic, cars, or transportation, the 13 mile path was the first major project undertaken by Sustrans, offering a great way to get your steps or daily workout in with the prize of a visit to another gorgeous city at the end of your trek.
Dreaming of wandering around Bath’s historic streets and lush green scenery? Make those dreams a reality and get in touch with Zest today to take the first step on your property journey. Our friendly team of Bath locals is here to guide you through every step of the way – whether you’re looking to rent, buy, sell, or invest, our trusted lettings and estate agents have all the experience and expertise needed to make this experience as streamlined and stress-free as possible for you. Reach out to find out more about how we can help.
