Taking the towpath from Bath to Bradford upon Avon

The Bogtrotter — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:12:58 +0000

A beautiful and easy 9 mile walk along the Kennet and Avon canal from the centre of Bath to Bradford upon Avon.

Kennet and Avon Canal

Starting from Bath railway station, turn right out of the main entrance and go through the underpass beneath the station. This comes round to a footbridge that crosses the River Avon. Go across the bridge and turn left, following the road until it crosses the canal. Turn right onto the canal towpath and go up past a couple of locks. As the path levels out and you start to go past the backs of houses you catch glimses of the historic centre of Bath across the valley.

The rest of the route follows the tow-path, so it’s very easy to follow. Although it is all along the canal, the character of the walk evolves as you progress. Starting out you feel you are sneaking through the back streets of Bath, seeing a side of the City that many visitors miss. You go through a tunnel underneath an impressive house that straddles the canal, and after a short way emerge from the City to suddenly find yourself in the countryside.

Bridge over Kennet and Avon Canal

The view over the valley is quite striking as you slowly turn from walking NorthEast to South, following the contour of the valley edge as the river below loops round. The next notable features are the pub and church at Bathampton, ideal for an early stop. After another two miles through the countryside you suddenly appear at Dundas Aqueduct, which carries the canal across the River Avon to the other side of the valley. If you want a break – you can reach a great little cafe by taking the small path along the moorings that provide a side spur off the canal.

Carrying on along the canal, the next section is through woodland and again this gives a different character to the walk. After a couple of miles you come to a sharp right turn as the canal crosses Avoncliff Aqueduct, jumping back across the river valley below to the other side. Here you can see the railway station in the valley below, and just after the aqueduct is another canalside pub.

Canal Barge through swing bridge

The final stage of the walk is fairly stright as the canal moves towards Bradford. On your left you will see the old Tythe barn, which is worth a short detour to look around. Another few hundred metres takes you to a hump-backed bridge. TUrn left just before the bridge, and then follow the road down the hill into Bradford.

There is a regular train service between Bradford and Bath, so you can easily take the train back to the starting point. The railway also follows the Avon valley so you get another chance to see the views as you return.

Relax in an open top Bath

The Bogtrotter — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:55:37 +0000

Sometimes you just want to relax and watch the world pass by. At the Thermae Spa in Bath you can do exactly that – looking out over the rooftops of the city from the rooftop pool.

Bath has been renowned as a Spa town since Roman times, and the old Roman Baths have been a visitor attraction for years. But after the old Spa closed in 1978 there was no way for you to enjoy the hot spring waters. That was until the Thermae Spa opened in 2006, with the centrepiece being the futuristic New Royal Bath building.

Bath Thermae Spa rooftop pool

One of the great things about the Spa is it is open to all, and you can visit for just a couple of hours. The highlight for me was definitely the open-air rooftop pool. Even though it was an overcast day it felt great to wallow in the warm waters and look over the historic buildings that surround the Spa.

The Minerva Bath inside is equally impressive, with the grand columns towering up from the waters to support the structure above. You really do feel a sense of indulgence as you move between the whirlpools and neck-massage jets. There are also steam rooms “gently infused with essential oils, such as camomile, jasmine and eucalyptus”, although I have to admit their benefits were lost on me.

For those looking for an extra touch you can treat yourself (or your loved one) to a spa treatment such as a relaxing massage or body wrap. Or you could combine two pampering treats in one pampering package – a session for two at the Thermae Bath Spa and an indulgent afternoon tea for two at Homewood Park Country House Hotel. And with just a little bit of imagination you could drift back 2000 years and be bathing with the Romans.

The Bogtrotter » Bath

Taking the towpath from Bath to Bradford upon Avon

Relax in an open top Bath