Bathscape Walking Festival

This 12 mile linear walk follows a beautiful section of the Limestone Link path, which is a long distance trail between the Mendip Hills and the Cotswolds. We will be following the route of the Somersetshire Coal Canal for much of the route. The walk is fairly level and is mostly following public footpaths, although there will be some short sections on quiet lanes. We will return to Paulton by mini-bus.

Because of limited seats on the mini-bus, places must be booked via Eventbrite. You can do that here.

Start Point – Paulton

Leader – Miriam Woolnough, Somer Valley Rediscovered

This linear walk perfectly encapsulates Bathscape – starting with beautiful rural views before blending into the city centre, taking in many of the Georgian crescents, including some less well known ones.

Led by John Walker, from Cotswold Voluntary Wardens, the walk will take 2.5 hours, finishing in front of the Royal Crescent.  It’s a short walk from there to the centre, and buses back up to the Park and Ride.

The walk is 5 miles/ 8km, and is flat, then downhill into Bath before a short climb to Lansdown Crescent, and then level to the end. There may be slippery/muddy places in the meadows.

Booking essential, you can book your free ticket here.

The walk starts at Lansdown Park & Ride and finishes at Royal Crescent (you’ll be advised where to take the bus back to the Park & Ride). There are toilets at the Park & Ride at the start (20p), then shops, cafes etc in the city centre at the end.

The devastation of World War II left three quarters of a million houses in Britain either badly damaged or destroyed. Millions more homes were unfit for habitation. The incoming Minister of Health, Aneurin Bevan, was acutely aware of the pressing need for housing but also aspired to high standards and a better way of life for the people. ‘We shall be judged for a year or two by the number of houses we build’ Bevan proclaimed in 1947, ‘We shall be judged in ten years’ time by the type of houses we build’.

As he spoke, the first homes to be constructed at Moorlands, Bath were already underway. Bevan and others would soon be lauding the Moorlands estate as an example of high-quality council house building. We will be studying the design and layout of the estate, contemplating the ideas that inspired it and learning about some of the characters involved.

The walk is 1.5 miles, on mainly flat, surfaced pavements, but one steeper section. There are plenty of facilities and public transport nearby.

The walk is unsuitable for dogs, other than assistance dogs and is unlikely to be of interest to younger children.

The walk starts and finishes on Monksdale Road, near Sandpits play area.

The walk leaders are Mark Batterham and Dave Pearce.

Booking is essential, you can book you free place here.

Explore the beautiful area north west of Bath, to the aptly named Prospect Stile

Join Rob Randall from the Bath Natural History Society to explore this glorious area north west of Bath.  He will take you along an ancient track to a church built by a holy spring, through an Iron Age hill fort, taking in panoramic views which, on a clear day, include the Brecon Beacons.

The walk is about 3miles/ 5km and will take 2 hours, there is some uphill and some rough/stony ground.

There are bus stops nearby, but if you have to drive, please park on local roads, making sure you do not block driveways.

This walk is suitable for families, but isn’t buggy friendly. No dogs please. There aren’t facilities during the walk, but we will stop for rests.

Booking is essential, please book your free place here.

Start/finish point – junction of Leighton Road and Broadmoor Lane, Upper Weston, BA1 4NG Grid reference: ST720673 What3Words: hulk.winks.hosts

This beautiful short walk has lovely views over the countryside.

There are a couple of hills but are not too strenuous.

Length: 3 – 3.5 Miles

Start Point: The Hub, Paulton BS39 7QG

Leader: Anne Lyons

This walk is part of the Somer Valley Walking Festival, it isn’t necessary to book.

The Town Walk around Radstock will be looking at significant sites from the town’s industrial and social history.

Start Point: Miners Wheel opposite Radstock Museum BA3 3EP

Leader: Nick Turner

This walk is part of the Somer Valley Walking Festival, it isn’t necessary to book.

An introduction to this enjoyable and sociable form of exercise, using poles that will be provided.

Start Point: Midsomer Norton Town Park, Gullocks Tynings BA32UH

Leader: Maxine Denham

Cost: £4.50  Booking is essential.  You can book here.

This walk is part of Somer Valley Walking Festival.

Walk along the old Somerset Coal Canal to its western terminal where wildlife prevails.  Continue on a level course along the  Limestone Link to Greyfield Wood, now managed by The Woodland Trust.  Hidden in the scenery is years of coal mining history.  Return to Timsbury on the outskirts of High Littleton where William Smith, known as the ‘Father of English Geology’ once lived and worked.   A gradual climb up the hillside will give you superb views across the edge of The Mendip Hills before a well deserved cup of tea and cake.

The walk is just over 6 miles, with an elevation of 181m.

This walk is part of the Somer Valley Walking Festival, it isn’t necessary to book.

The walk starts from Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury, BA2 0JQ, Grid Ref: ST 668 589. What3Words: drips.shunted.glassware

Leaders: Carol and Kirsteen

A varied walk of hills and valleys, encapsulating countryside on the southern side of Timsbury full of industrial history now hidden by years of nature creeping across the landscape. You will quickly leave Timsbury and be immersed in a landscape filled with nature and fascinating local history.

Follow the old coal truck route into the Cam Valley, then climb up out of the valley to be rewarded by wonderful views.  A good walk in the countryside will take you to Clandown and along the ancient cart route of Binces Lodge Lane. Turning northwards you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Paulton including the original Paulton Cottage Hospital.

Back on the trail your walk returns to the Cam Valley and the Coal Canal Basins of Timsbury and Paulton where history, farming and nature merge together to provide a unique wildlife sanctuary.  Return to Timsbury along the second of the villages ‘haha’ and absorb a final panoramic view of the edge of the Mendips before refreshing yourself with a cup of tea and cake.

The walk is just under 8 miles, with an elevation of 241m.  Finishing times are approximate.

This walk is part of the Somer Valley Walking Festival, it isn’t necessary to book.

The walk starts from Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury, BA2 0JQ, Grid Ref: ST 668 589. What3Words: drips.shunted.glassware

Leader: Graham

An invigorating walk visiting some hidden corners of the Somer Valley catchment area. Hills, woods and valleys. Weather permitting you will have far reaching views towards Bristol and the Bristol Channel from the heights of The Sleight.  Take a lesser walked route through the Kingwell Estate towards Greyfield Wood and along The Limestone Link to Clutton.

The second hill climb of the day finds you at the peak of Barrow Hill where one of Farmborough’s Manor Houses still stands.  Enjoy a visit to the grounds of Hunstrete House, now a popular restaurant in ‘The Pig’ portfolio and possibly see fallow deer grazing.  You will pass a site excavated by Time Team to unearth the original foundations of Hunstrete House.

In Common Wood you may encounter masked combat persons enjoying the recreational hobby of ‘Paint Ball’.  Emerge from the woods into Marksbury and across fields to the quaint village of Stanton Prior. On the final leg take the ancient footpath which once ran from Keynsham to Frome and pass Priest Barrow, reputedly the burial site of battling tribesmen. After an easy path to Timsbury you will be well rewarded with tea and cake.

The walk is 12 miles, with an elevation of 330m.  Finishing times are approximate.

This walk is part of the Somer Valley Walking Festival, it isn’t necessary to book.

The walk starts from Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury, BA2 0JQ, Grid Ref: ST 668 589. What3Words: drips.shunted.glassware

Leader: Tony

An introduction to this enjoyable and sociable form of exercise, using poles that will be provided.

Start Point: Timsbury Conygre Hall, Conygre Hall, Timsbury, BA2 0JQ

Leader: Maxine Denham

Cost: £4.50  Booking is essential.  You can book here.

This walk is part of Somer Valley Walking Festival.

Walk from Timsbury via Camerton and Peasedown, looking at sites of historic and other interest. Because of stops at points of historical interest, the walk may take longer than the length suggests. Walkers should bring food and drink for the journey. No dogs please.

The walk is 7.5 miles.  Finishing times are approximate.

This walk is part of the Somer Valley Walking Festival, it isn’t necessary to book.

The walk starts from Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury, BA2 0JQ, Grid Ref: ST 668 589. What3Words: drips.shunted.glassware

Leader: Larry

An interesting circular walk along footpaths and through fields. There will be a short diversion through South Stoke and then a walk along sections of the Somersetshire Coal Canal before returning through Combe Hay. 

This moderate pace 5 mile/ 8km circular walk has one short up hill section and includes stiles and steps. Bring a drink and sandwiches to enjoy on short stops during the walk.

There will be a short coffee stop and a longer lunch break. It would be advisable to wear walking boots and bring a pole if you usually use one.

Please note that dogs are not allowed on this walk.

Booking is essential, please book you free ticket here.

The walk leaders are Mary Young and Jeff Rowland from Bath Ramblers.

The walk starts and finishes at the toilet block, (toilets 20p), at Odd Down Park & Ride, BA2 8PA.

The walk starts with an introduction by the War Memorial, then proceeds via multiple city centre locations and buildings, finishing back at Queen’s Parade.

We shall stop at convenient points along the route and the tour leader will talk about the historical significance from the LGBTQ point of view of the places we are looking at.

This walk is open to everyone, and is a fascinating look at recent social history.

The walk is on pavements, and covers about 1 mile/2km. The walk leaders are Robert Howes from Gay West.

Booking is essential, you can book you free place here.

Plenty of shops, cafes, toilets throughout the route and near the start/finish point (War Memorial, Queens Parade, Royal Victoria Park)

This short walk is designed to give you great views and introduce you to some hidden gems of the North Somerset Coal Field, now mellowed and blended into the natural scenery.  There is a need to walk up hill at the end of the walk, with no pressure to walk at speed.

From the start it’s a level walk to the open end of a ‘haha’  and weather permitting giving you fine views across to The Mendip Hills.  Gently walk down hill to the bottom of The Cam Valley where the old Somersetshire Coal Canal once carried coal from the local coal mines to The Kennet and Avon Canal and onwards to destinations across the country.  The basins are now considered a tranquil idyll and very popular with local walkers.  Walk along the route of the canal to organic Radford Mill Farm, a camping destination.  Gently climb up the hillside through an area of Open Access Land and onwards to the end of the walk where tea and cake will greet you.

The walk is a little over 3 miles, with an elevation of 102m.  Finishing times are approximate.

This walk is part of the Somer Valley Walking Festival, it isn’t necessary to book.

The walk starts from Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury, BA2 0JQ, Grid Ref: ST 668 589. What3Words: drips.shunted.glassware

Leader: Beryl

Discover a Wild Hilltop Paradise. Just a few minutes’ walk across the river and up Lyncombe Hill from the railway station lie some ten acres of former farmland – a secret paradise behind Beechen Cliff and adjacent to Alexandra Park. This provides exceptionally beautiful views across Lyncombe Vale and out to Bath’s wooded skyline. The land was bought by the City as public open space in 1938, but for the next 80 years was let out to various tenants for the grazing of horses and other animals. From the beginning of July 2020 however the land has been managed under licence by the Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields, a newly formed not-for-profit Community Interest Company.

In the two years since then, more than 3,000 hours of volunteer time has gone into work in support of our Mission which is to “conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the land and maintain its wild nature whilst safeguarding public access”. This has included the planting of 2,200 native saplings, of 18 varieties, and the creation of two of Britain’s first ‘Tiny Forests’.

Volunteers from the Friends group will explain the work that has been undertaken and the plans for the future.

This is a short walk, less than a mile round the site, but note that there is rough grass paths and some steep sections and some steps. The tour will take around 90 minutes.

The walk leaders are Maurice and Anita from Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields.

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

Experts in Conservation, Botany, Ecology and Human Physiology will guide you around the campus, highlighting the many forms of wildlife present and the conservation efforts in place to protect several endangered species, including great crested newts and lesser horseshoe bats. You will also spend some time looking at how our interaction with nature can improve our mental and physical health.

Bath Spa university’s Newton Park campus can trace its origins back to the 14th Century. It was originally laid out on land containing the keep and gateway of St Loe’s Castle, a fortified medieval manor house. In the 18th Century Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was commissioned to improve the grounds and most of what can be seen today is a result of his vision.

Much of the walk will take place around the upper lake. This lake is encircled by a gravel walkway and is ornamented with specimen trees and shrubs, a Garden Temple, boathouse, walled Italian garden, gatehouse and the Castle Keep where this walk will begin and end.

This 1.5 mile walk will take 2 hours. It’s on mainly paved pathways, with some grassy paths and some steeper sections. There are regular benches and resting points throughout

It’s accessible by public transport from city centre and some limited parking on site.  There are toilets and other facilities on the campus.

The walk leaders are Dr Matt Baker and colleagues

Start/finish: Newton St Loe Campus – Castle Keep What3words for meeting point: comedians.taxi.flown

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

Bath’s West End is often overlooked, yet it was here, on the site of Kingsmead Meadows, that the city’s 18th-century expansion got under way. Here too Beau Nash built himself a mansion – on the site of the city’s rubbish dump. Later, the area was home to Herschel, Fanny Burney and Nelson. After Nelson’s death at Trafalgar, new streets were named in his honour, and an imposing crescent was named after his home county of Norfolk.

In the 19th century, the meadows south of the river disappeared under a railway terminus, marshalling yards, gas and sewage works, and a vast industrial complex. Now, after decades of post-industrial dereliction, the city’s most ambitious regeneration project has arisen on part of the site.

This walk looks at the past, present and future of a part of the city that has perhaps changed more than any other.

This 2.5 mile/ 4km city walk is mostly level on pavements and hard surfaces, but with some steps.

The walk leader is Andrew Swift.

Outside the Cross Bath, west end of Bath Street BA1 1SJ.

Booking is essential, you can book your free ticket here.

The walk takes us from the picturesque village of Batheaston, up to the top of the Iron Age Hill Fort of Little Solsbury Hill. We’ll descend from there before climbing up to the top of the atmospheric Charmy Down – a disused airfield.  In between we’ll enjoy beautiful views across Bath and St Catherine’s Valley.  The views from the top will make the climbing worthwhile!

This walk is 4.75 mile / 7.6 km with an up and down of 994 ft / 302m, it has two steep ascents and descents and a stile. There are some unpaved paths and minor roads. There are public toilets near the start at Batheaston (20p).

Bring a picnic as there are no refreshments on the way, and we’ll deserve a snack at the top of the hills!

Dogs are welcome, though there is livestock in some fields so please be prepared to put them on a lead.

The walk leader is Nicole Daw from Cotswolds National Landscape.

Booking is essential, you can book your free tickets here.

Tuesday Walks – Feelgood Walks with Time Bank Plus in Twerton

Walking in nature is a great way to enhance your mood and keep fit and healthy. Our weekly Feelgood Walks are short, gentle walks of up to an hour for small groups of people, suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

We choose from a variety of routes, according to the needs and abilities of those attending.  Starting from the Time Bank Plus office in Twerton, we may take a gentle stroll along the river, in the local park, along quiet roads and alleyways or, for those who are more energetic only, through the woods or up to the City Farm.  We are also able to offer tree and plant ID walks on request.

The walks take place on Tuesdays at 12.30 and start from the Time Bank office at 86 High Street, Twerton, BA2 1DE. Everyone is welcome.

We would also love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering to lead or assist with the walks; appropriate training is available. For more information, contact timebankplus@gmail.com or call on 01225 442813.

Come and find out more about these mysterious little creatures that live in Bath and surrounding areas. We’ll use bat detectors to track them and hopefully spot them flying.

Suitable for age 6 upwards (children must be accompanied by an adult), we’ll have a quick talk about bats and then tour the local area looking for them.

Booking is essential, as we’ll need to keep you updated on weather conditions. In the event of heavy rain we will cancel.

The walk leader is Anne Twitchett.

Booking is essential, you can book your free ticket here.

An exploration of the layers of the history to be found on Bath’s southern skyline. Traces remain of almost every century of English history from the time of the Iron Age and the Roman and Norman occupations to the eighteenth century and beyond.

Also to be seen is a variety of animal and plant life, natural landscape and stunning views across the city. This is a shortened version of the National Trust’s official Skyline Walk and keeps to its upper and more level sections.

The terrain is varied including some uneven ground, steeper sections, steps and stiles. It may be muddy in places. This is a circular walk covering 5 miles/8km in 3 hours.

There are shops, toilets and other facilities in the city centre, 10 minutes by bus.

The start and finish point for this walk is The Edge, University of Bath, BA2 7AY. Parking is limited nearby, and we would recommend public transport, there is an excellent bus service to the university. 

This walk is dog free please.

The walk leader is Robin Dixon.

Booking is essential, you can book your free ticket here.

Building Bath – How the Georgian city was built.

Bath is famous for its architecture, but in this walk, Kirsten Elliott describes how craftsmen built the houses, the problems they had to overcome and the tricks of the trade they used. The walk starts at the Museum of Bath at Work with a visit to the reconstruction of an underground quarry before discovering examples of the skills of craftsmen such as plasterers, carpenters and joiners, and glaziers.

Terrain: Street walking, mainly downhill and on the level, but with one or two steep ascents and descents. There are some road crossings which would be tricky with a wheelchair and may require a short diversion.
Time: 2 – 2½ hours including a short visit to museum and an exciting visit to a mystery location.
Distance: 1.8 miles

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

Start point Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Rd, Bath BA1 2RH. The walk is linear and finishes at Laura Place, BA2 4BL

Experts in Conservation, Botany, Ecology and Human Physiology will guide you around the campus, highlighting the many forms of wildlife present and the conservation efforts in place to protect several endangered species, including great crested newts and lesser horseshoe bats. You will also spend some time looking at how our interaction with nature can improve our mental and physical health.

Bath Spa university’s Newton Park campus can trace its origins back to the 14th Century. It was originally laid out on land containing the keep and gateway of St Loe’s Castle, a fortified medieval manor house. In the 18th Century Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was commissioned to improve the grounds and most of what can be seen today is a result of his vision.

Much of the walk will take place around the upper lake. This lake is encircled by a gravel walkway and is ornamented with specimen trees and shrubs, a Garden Temple, boathouse, walled Italian garden, gatehouse and the Castle Keep where this walk will begin and end.

This 1.5 mile walk will take 2 hours. It’s on mainly paved pathways, with some grassy paths and some steeper sections. There are regular benches and resting points throughout

It’s accessible by public transport from city centre and some limited parking on site.  There are toilets and other facilities on the campus.

The walk leaders are Dr Matt Baker and colleagues

Start/finish: Newton St Loe Campus – Castle Keep What3words for meeting point: comedians.taxi.flown

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

Our Thursday Wellbeing Walks in the beautiful city of Bath start off at the same point, the Monksdale Road allotments. A tranquil, safe space where Bath Mind have set up Greenlinks, a community support group offering people with mental and physical health issues the opportunity to engage in gardening activities.

From here we have a number of  walking routes which we choose based on what the walkers want or feel they can do that day. One route takes us along the Linear Park which serves as a ribbon of countryside through the city, with distant glimpsed views of many of the city’s iconic features, such as the Royal Crescent. We then go through Bloomfield Green towards Bear Flat, encompassing both urban and green spaces. Once in Bear Flat we take in one of the spectacular viewpoints of Alexandra Park, before heading back to the allotments.

The walks are every week on a Thursday at 11 am starting at Monksdale Road Allotments (BA2 2JD), from the car park, and are led by volunteers from Bathscape and Bath Mind.  The walk is no longer than an hour, reasonably flat and often wheelchair/buggy accessible. Assistance/guide dogs only welcome.  If you need to drive to the allotments, please use the on-street parking in the surrounding streets.

Contact info@bathscape.co.uk or Lucy on 07816 641 745 for more information. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Exploring the woods and open spaces east of the city, this walk climbs to Claverton Down and Bushey Norwood before returning via Bathampton Down. As well as visiting some curious standing stones, there will be the chance to look at old maps and aerial photographs showing how the landscape has changed over time.

The walk is 6 miles / 9.5km in 3 hours, over very rough paths and tracks with steep slopes which may be slippery. 

The walk leader is Andrew Swift.

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

This is a circular walk, starting and finishing at the Pump Shed Cafe, by Lock 11 on the Kennet & Avon Canal BA2 4JF.

Come and find out more about these mysterious little creatures that live in Bath and surrounding areas. We’ll use bat detectors to track them and hopefully spot them flying.

Suitable for age 6 upwards (children must be accompanied by an adult), we’ll have a quick talk about bats and then tour the local area looking for them.

Booking is essential, as we’ll need to keep you updated on weather conditions. In the event of heavy rain we will cancel.

The walk leader is Anne Twitchett.

Booking is essential, you can book your free ticket here.

An exploration of the National Trust’s Landscape Garden at Prior Park, once owned by Ralph Allen, Bath’s famous eighteenth century entrepreneur, followed by a tour of some key buildings in Bath linked to Allen’s life and work.

We will guide you through the story of Ralph Allen’s garden including the Palladian Bridge etc; and discuss his life and lasting legacy.

The walk is a stroll downhill, finishing near the Pump Rooms.

Practicalities: This walk is downhill most of the way, on pavements and footpaths, with some steeper, uneven sections. The route through the Gardens will depend on building work. It’s 3 miles/5km and will take 2 hours.

Booking is essential, please, you can book your free place here.

Please make sure you book via Eventbrite and bring your tickets with you. If you are a National Trust member please bring your membership card along to be scanned.

Experts in Conservation, Botany, Ecology and Human Physiology will guide you around the campus, highlighting the many forms of wildlife present and the conservation efforts in place to protect several endangered species, including great crested newts and lesser horseshoe bats. You will also spend some time looking at how our interaction with nature can improve our mental and physical health.

Bath Spa university’s Newton Park campus can trace its origins back to the 14th Century. It was originally laid out on land containing the keep and gateway of St Loe’s Castle, a fortified medieval manor house. In the 18th Century Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was commissioned to improve the grounds and most of what can be seen today is a result of his vision.

Much of the walk will take place around the upper lake. This lake is encircled by a gravel walkway and is ornamented with specimen trees and shrubs, a Garden Temple, boathouse, walled Italian garden, gatehouse and the Castle Keep where this walk will begin and end.

This 1.5 mile walk will take 2 hours. It’s on mainly paved pathways, with some grassy paths and some steeper sections. There are regular benches and resting points throughout

It’s accessible by public transport from city centre and some limited parking on site.  There are toilets and other facilities on the campus.

The walk leaders are Dr Matt Baker and colleagues

Start/finish: Newton St Loe Campus – Castle Keep What3words for meeting point: comedians.taxi.flown

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

What a strange place Bath is! Poke fun at it and you will be praised and publicized. You may even get an entire festival dedicated to your works. But write pleasingly about the place and you get ignored and despised. Such has been the fate of Georgette Heyer. Yet she is more popular than Jane Austen and more accurate than Bridgerton. Discover Regency Bath – gossipy, snobbish, funny, fashionable, and risqué – as vividly portrayed by Georgette Heyer.

Join historian Kirsten Elliott to find out more about her.

Terrain: Downhill and level. Should be no problem for wheelchair users.

Time: 2 hours.

Distance: 2 miles/3km

Start at the centre of Camden Crescent – end at Pump Rooms.

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

Starting at the Magdalen Chapel, home of Bath’s last leper hospital, the pilgrimage winds through Widcombe and the Abbey cemetery to Holy Trinity church, Combe Down, where we stop to rest awhile. Passing through the woods above the beautiful Tucking Mill reservoir the route drops down into the village of Monkton Combe where we stop for lunch at the church (those who wish for a shorter, more even, flat walk are able to join from Monkton, leaving at 12.30pm).

After a pause for ice-creams at the Angel fish café the route winds along the canal towpath past the edge of Claverton where we remember the life of Bath entrepreneur Ralph Allen.

Next stop is St Nicholas Bathampton where Admiral Phillip is buried, the founder of modern Australia. After a short rest we complete the walk by dropping down from the canal into Bath city centre where a short prayer of thanksgiving will be offered at Bath Abbey. Everyone is welcome.

Walk details – the walk is 10 miles and will take around 7 hours, finishing at Bath Abbey. There are some steep sections, stiles and steps and some rough paths. There are plenty of facilities on route. Dogs on leads are welcome except in the churches. Families and accompanied children welcome.

The walk leader is Revd Stephen Girling, and we’re very grateful to Bath Interfaith Group for organising this walk.

Booking is essential, please, and you can book your free place here.

As soon as John Wood the Elder designed the Circus, Lansdown Hill became the northern expansion of fashionable 18th century Bath. But it was in the 19th century that Lansdown Road became one of the key locations to showcase shifts in modern architectural style, instigated by the building of Beckford’s Tower in 1827.

Join Dr Amy Frost on a walk up Lansdown exploring the architectural highlights of Bath’s great north road (with a few diversions off it).

The walk will take 90 minutes or so, starting at Lansdown Crescent and finishing at Beckford’s Tower, there are buses back down the hill from Lansdown Road. The walk is uphill, mainly on pavements.

Booking is essential. You can book your free place here.

The beautiful River Avon winds its way through Bath from east to west on its journey from source to sea. Join the Bath River Line team for a relaxing walk along the western section of the Bath River Line, from Newbridge to Green Park.

Find out more about the rich history and heritage of this fascinating river.

Keep an eye out for wildlife such as kingfishers and herons along the way, and if we’re very lucky, discover the distinctive footprints of the elusive otter!

Bath & North East Somerset Council with the WaterSpace Partnership are undertaking an exciting project to rejuvenate the River Avon corridor for people and wildlife. Chat to us as we walk to find out more.

The walk will take 2 hours and cover 4km, it is on the river path, the route is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. However, the path can get busy with other users, so caution will be required when walking down the path.

Booking is essential, please, you can book your free place here.

Haile Selassie in Bath – a walk about the Ethiopian Emperor’s exile in Bath between 1936 and 1940.

This walk around central Bath gives some fascinating insights into the Emperor’s life after fleeing here after the Italian invasion of his country. The walk will also deal with his struggles and triumphs during his time in exile and explores the considerable impact he made on the local residents.

During most of his exile the Emperor lived at Fairfield House on the outskirts of Bath on the road to Kelston. Although this residence is too far away to include in the walk, stories and photographs from his time there will be incorporated. The Emperor is also associated with several other places in Bath, including the prestigious Bath Spa Hotel, and these will be visited on the walk.

The walk will be led by Keith Bowers who has published a book called Imperial Exile, the first full account of the Emperor’s experiences as a refugee in Bath. Keith now lives in Bath but taught for several years at Addis Ababa University whose campus previously housed Haile Selassie’s palace.

There are lots of facilities – shops, cafes and toilets at the start/finish point. The walk is about 2 miles/3km, will take 1.5 hours and involves some steps.

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

You can read more about this subject here.

Marek Lewcun will take us on a guided tour of the remains on Bathampton and Claverton Downs, looking at their particularly rich and well preserved archaeological landscape. To be seen are a Bronze Age enclosure and barrows, Iron Age field boundaries, the remains of a Roman villa, parts of the Wansdyke, standing stones from an 18th century racecourse, stone quarries of all ages, and even a First World War firing range. The walk includes a visit to Sham Castle, with its spectacular views across the city and beyond.

Marek was born in Bath, and has spent a lifetime working in and around the city. Following 23 years with Bath Archaeological Trust, he became a Senior Archaeologist for the Museum of London Archaeological Service until 2011. Since then he has worked for a number of archaeological units and supervised the excavations at Bath Abbey for Wessex Archaeology. With such a wealth of archaeology on the doorstep, he works on all periods of history, though specialises in the Roman period and industrial archaeology. In his spare time Marek researches the clay tobacco pipe making industry in Somerset and the south west, and has published widely on the subject.

Further details – the walk is 2.5 miles, and will take 3 hours (we will cut a bit shorter if it’s very wet). There are some steps, stiles and kissing gates, but it is mainly flat. The walk starts opposite the Cats and Dogs home, Claverton and finishes not far from the starting point at University of Bath. It is accessible by public transport.

Please wear stout shoes or boots with good tread and come dressed for the weather. No dogs on this walk, please. The walk is not suited for children.

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

Lansdown Plateau offers incredible views across Bath and its surrounding landscape, and it was this that played a significant role in William Beckford choosing to build his Tower there.

This walk with Dr Amy Frost will look at the views that can be seen along the ridge from Lansdown Park and Ride to Beckford’s Tower, investigating how they have been captured by artists, changed by development and whey their conservation is important.

The walk will take an hour, starting at Lansdown Park & Ride and finishing at Beckford’s Tower. The walk is mainly flat, but on rough paths, with some kissing gates and stiles. There are toilets at the start and finish (20p at the Park & Ride), and good bus links.

Booking is essential. You can book your free place here.

Join us for stunning countryside views on this beautiful six-mile walk, which passes the site of the Civil War Battle of Lansdown Hill (1643).

Walking boots advisable and you may want to bring a walking pole for use on the sections with a steep ascent or descent.

The walk is 6 miles /10.5km, including some uphill sections, steps and kissing gates. Moderate pace walk and there are resting places along the route and toilets at the Park & Ride (20p).

Bring a drink, and sandwiches, to enjoy on short stops during the walk.

Please note that dogs are not allowed on this walk.

The walk leaders are Mary Young and Jeff Rowland from Bath Ramblers.

Booking is essential, please book your free ticket here.

The walk starts and finishes at the toilet block at Lansdown Park & Ride. Meet by the toilet block in the Park & Ride at 10.15 am for a 10.30 am start.

Regency and early Victorian Bath is often portrayed as a paragon of refined gentility, yet for many contemporaries the city was synonymous with radicalism and rebellion. Not only were its streets home to rallies and riots; Bath was also the centre of the Chartist movement in the west, and one of Britain’s most militant MPs represented the city in parliament. This walk celebrates Bath’s honourable history of protest and rebellion.

Terrain: Mostly level on pavements and hard surfaces

Starting point: Open space by Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls BA1 1QR

Distance: 1.5 miles

Duration: Two hours

The walk leader is Andrew Swift.

Booking is essential, you can book your free ticket here.

Tuesday Walks – Feelgood Walks with Time Bank Plus in Twerton

Walking in nature is a great way to enhance your mood and keep fit and healthy. Our weekly Feelgood Walks are short, gentle walks of up to an hour for small groups of people, suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

We choose from a variety of routes, according to the needs and abilities of those attending.  Starting from the Time Bank Plus office in Twerton, we may take a gentle stroll along the river, in the local park, along quiet roads and alleyways or, for those who are more energetic only, through the woods or up to the City Farm.  We are also able to offer tree and plant ID walks on request.

The walks take place on Tuesdays at 12.30 and start from the Time Bank office at 86 High Street, Twerton, BA2 1DE. Everyone is welcome.

We would also love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering to lead or assist with the walks; appropriate training is available. For more information, contact timebankplus@gmail.com or call on 01225 442813.

A walk unpacking the geology that allowed the hot springs to form, and then walking river-side to give a fresh bio-regional/river watershed perspective on Bath and the climate and nature emergencies that the City and all of us face.

The walk is 1.25 miles, starting and finishing from outside the World Heritage Centre, York Street. The walk is flat and mainly on pavements, accessible and will take 1.5 hours. The walk is suitable for all ages.

The walk involves short strolls and then stopping and discussing the issues.

Well behaved dogs welcome.

The walk leader is Dr Richard Mann, representing the River Avon Bioregion Group. You can find out more about the group here.

Booking essential, you can book your free place here.

Image credit: River Avon, Pulteney Bridge: cc-by-sa/2.0 – © David Dixon – geograph.org.uk/p/3781447

Imagine you are a visitor to Georgian Bath. You have travelled over terrible roads in an uncomfortable coach, with the possibility of being robbed by highwaymen. Now, safely in your lodgings in Queen Square, you can relax. But how would you spend your day? Kirsten Elliott takes you on a walk which not only travels through a typical day in Georgian Bath but also through time as the city changes with the expectations of wealthy tourists.

Terrain: Street walking – a walk which is as ideal for wheelchair users now as it would have been in the 18th century.

Time: 2 hours.

Distance: 1.5 miles

The walk starts by the obelisk in Queen Square – and ends at the Assembly Rooms.

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

An 11 mile circular walk starting from Upper Swainswick where we descend to cross the Lamb Brook valley and onto Woolley, a Thankful Village. A walk past ‘Somewhere’ with far reaching views to the East over to Little Solsbury Hill and Charmy Down takes us to Charlcombe and the Church of St. Mary’s, a 12th Century church where there is believed to be a holy well in the grounds.

Descending into Bath past Camden Crescent with its notable Elephant Head symbols of Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden. A visit to the start/end of the Cotswold Way in front of Bath Abbey then on to the Kennet and Avon Canal and Deep Lock, the second deepest lock in England.

As the walk progresses the view of Little Solsbury Hill emerges and the high spot of the walk, literally. The tranquil walk along the canal and then the River Avon brings us into Batheaston where we ascend to the site of an Iron Age hill fort on top of Little Solsbury Hill, made famous by Peter Gabriel.

The hill gives exceptional views of the city of Bath and the surrounding area as far as the Mendip Hills and Salisbury Plain.

After all those breathtaking views we return downhill back to the start with views out to Lansdown and Beckford’s Tower.

From countryside to a bustling city centre and back to hilltop views this walk does provides something for everyone.

Practicalities – the walk 11 miles/ 18km and will take about 5.5 hours. The walk does involve some steep climbs which may be slippery if the ground is wet. There are some stiles. The Lay-By, on the slip road for Upper Swainswick from the A46 [Not the one actually on the A46] just after he start of the dual carriageway going South. Grid reference ST 762683. What3Words: pill.stay.goat

The walk leaders are Gwyneth Littlejohn and Barry Cox, from Cotswold Voluntary Wardens. Please note, no dogs except assistance dogs on this walk.

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

From the little known Springfield Park, we’ll go by many of the local green spaces near Entry Hill and Bloomfield Road before walking through the shorter of the two tunnels, to emerge in Lyncombe Vale before climbing back up towards Foxhill.

The walk is 2.1 miles / 3.5 km with an up and down of 515 ft / 157 m, it starts with a steady descent and ends with a steep climb, smaller undulations along the route. There are steps but no stiles. It’s on paved and unpaved paths, there are no public toilets on the route, the nearest are at the Hub Mulberry Park, where you can also pick up some refreshments.

There are buses to the area, but if you’re driving please park carefully on local residential streets.

Dogs are welcome.

The walk leader is Nicole Daw from Cotswolds National Landscape.

Booking is essential, you can book your free tickets here.

Our Thursday Wellbeing Walks in the beautiful city of Bath start off at the same point, the Monksdale Road allotments. A tranquil, safe space where Bath Mind have set up Greenlinks, a community support group offering people with mental and physical health issues the opportunity to engage in gardening activities.

From here we have a number of  walking routes which we choose based on what the walkers want or feel they can do that day. One route takes us along the Linear Park which serves as a ribbon of countryside through the city, with distant glimpsed views of many of the city’s iconic features, such as the Royal Crescent. We then go through Bloomfield Green towards Bear Flat, encompassing both urban and green spaces. Once in Bear Flat we take in one of the spectacular viewpoints of Alexandra Park, before heading back to the allotments.

The walks are every week on a Thursday at 11 am starting at Monksdale Road Allotments (BA2 2JD), from the car park, and are led by volunteers from Bathscape and Bath Mind.  The walk is no longer than an hour, reasonably flat and often wheelchair/buggy accessible. Assistance/guide dogs welcome.  If you need to drive to the allotments, please use the on-street parking in the surrounding streets.

Contact info@bathscape.co.uk or Lucy on 07816 641 745 for more information. We look forward to seeing you soon.

A walk unpacking the geology that allowed the hot springs to form, and then walking river-side to give a fresh bio-regional/river watershed perspective on Bath and the climate and nature emergencies that the City and all of us face.

The walk is 1.25 miles, starting and finishing from outside the World Heritage Centre, York Street. The walk is flat and mainly on pavements, accessible and will take 1.5 hours. The walk is suitable for all ages.

The walk involves short strolls and then stopping and discussing the issues.

Well behaved dogs welcome.

The walk leader is Dr Richard Mann, representing the River Avon Bioregion Group. You can find out more about the group here.

Booking essential, you can book your free place here.

Image credit: River Avon, Pulteney Bridge: cc-by-sa/2.0 – © David Dixon – geograph.org.uk/p/3781447

This walk follows the course of the Lyn Brook from Widcombe up through Lyncombe Vale to its source on Entry Hill. Returning along the north side of Lyncombe Vale, through fields and quiet lanes, we visit the largest disused stone quarry in the city and pass a house with a famous view where the composer Joseph Haydn stayed in the summer of 1794.

Terrain: Very rough paths and tracks with steep slopes which may be slippery

Starting point: Small green space at the west end of Claverton Street, Widcombe (near bottom of Lyncombe Hill) BA2 4LE

Distance: 4.5 miles

Duration: 2.5 hours

The walk leader is Andrew Swift.

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

A quick tour of some of the most beautiful and interesting trees in Royal Victoria Park and Botanical Gardens. 

Pop by after work or school to look at them through fresh eyes.

The walk leader is local dendrologist Antonia Johnson.

The walk is over grass in the Park, but covers a fairly short distance and will take 1.5 hours.

You can read more about the trees here.

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

In this tour of the lower slopes of Lansdown, Kirsten Elliott not only takes you past some grand statement architecture – the walk passes no less than five crescents – but also visits some of the lesser known nooks and crannies in this part of Bath which is definitely off the tourist trail.

You will discover how things did not always go well for builders and architects, particularly as financial crises swept the city in the late 18th century, but also meet writers, artists, musicians, eccentrics and some strange looking elephants.

This walk also offers some striking views of the city, looking both to east and to the west, while architecturally, it covers a diverse collection of styles, as terraces gave way to villas in the early 19th century.

Terrain: Mainly road walking but with some steep ascents and descents. Not ideal for wheelchair users.

Time: 2 – 2½ hours.

Distance: 2.25 miles

Start and end at the Circus – meet in the middle.

Booking is essential, you can book your free ticket here.

A walk taking in Bath City Farm, Whiteway Green, and residents’ gardens looking at how Whiteway’s gardens connect to the wider cityscape and how this corner of Bath is tackling food resilience, biodiversity and enhancing the mosaics of habitat.

Gardens have an increasingly important role to play in improving biodiversity, food growing, aiding our wellbeing and mitigating against the climate crisis.

Blooming Whiteway will be exploring both sides of the garden fence – investigating how gardening is changing and what benefits connectivity between gardens and the wider landscape means for biodiversity, health and food production.

We’ll be exploring the green heart of the estate – Whiteway Green, the glorious space at the edge of our estate – Bath City Farm and visiting a selection of the front gardens who participated in Gardens Alive – our Front Garden Festival.

The walk is around a mile, but does include some steep sections, steps and stiles around the Farm. Toilets and a cafe at the Farm.

The walk starts at Whiteway Green (https://w3w.co/school.basket.duck) and finishes at the bottom of Bath City Farm (https://w3w.co/storm.ticket.finishing)

The walk leaders are Claire and Jude from Blooming Whiteway.

Booking is essential, you can book your free ticket here.

A walk along the Wansdyke, through South Stoke to Midford, following the south bank of the Midford Brook to Brassknocker Basin and returning via the Circuit of Bath route to the start.

A 9 mile/14km circular walk that will take 5-6 hours.  Elevation of 950ft with some steep sections.  There are stiles, steps and kissing gates along the route which is mainly on paths.

We start our walk from the Odd Down Park and Ride and take a level route along the Wansdyke before crossing fields to the village of South Stoke from where we descend to Upper Midford before joining the Circuit of Bath route for a short distance. We then stop at Midford Station for a coffee break. At Midford we cross the Midford Brook and follow its South Bank until we cross the A36.

We make our way to the Brassknocker Basin for a lunch stop at the Angel Fish, where there will be a chance to buy refreshments and use the facilities. We then follow the Circuit of Bath route back to the start. Going through Monkton Combe and Tucking Mill before arriving back at Midford. We continue along the Limestone Link following the route of the Somerset Coal Canal before a steep ascent to the Millennium Viewpoint and a return to the start point.

There are facilities (toilets, refreshments) along the route.

The walk is led by Steve Holbrow and John Hayes.

Please note, booking is essential.  Book your free ticket here.

No dogs on this walk, please.  It may not be suitable for smaller children, due to the distance.

An urban walk that explores the first cholera outbreak in Bath in 1832. The 1830s was a time of political and social division in Britain, with tensions running high. At this very moment a terrible disease arrived in the country – the Cholera Morbus.

It seemed to afflict old and young alike, doctors were baffled by its cause, and for some of its victims it led to a terrible end. Explore how the city of Bath responded to the epidemic and its aftermath, on this guided history walk.

The walk leader is Dr Molly Conisbee.

The walk will begin and end at the main entrance of Bath Abbey. It is an easy, pavement-based walk, and will last a little over an hour.

The walk is suitable for older children, with an interest in history and gory details!

Booking is essential, and you can book your place here.

A varied walk on the east side of Bath celebrating community groups and the contribution they make to the locality.

From the George public house at Bathampton we will traverse the Meadows, now under the auspices of the National Trust, cross the River Avon and discover some delights of Batheaston; public gardens including the newly established Grow Batheaston Forest Garden, newly planted meadow on the Elmhurst Estate, the recently completed New Village Hall and the historic St Johns Church.

We will be joined by a National Trust representative and members of some of the groups already mentioned along the way.

The walk will last about 2 hours and cover 2 miles.

The walk starts at the canal path at the George Inn, Bathampton BA2 6TR, and finishes in Batheaston (near buses).

Buggy/wheelchair accessible, child friendly walk, it is mainly flat.

Walk leaders are Alison Harper, Lin King.

Booking is essential, you can book your free ticket here.

Marek Lewcun will take us on a guided tour of the remains on Bathampton and Claverton Downs, looking at their particularly rich and well preserved archaeological landscape. To be seen are a Bronze Age enclosure and barrows, Iron Age field boundaries, the remains of a Roman villa, parts of the Wansdyke, standing stones from an 18th century racecourse, stone quarries of all ages, and even a First World War firing range. The walk includes a visit to Sham Castle, with its spectacular views across the city and beyond.

Marek was born in Bath, and has spent a lifetime working in and around the city. Following 23 years with Bath Archaeological Trust, he became a Senior Archaeologist for the Museum of London Archaeological Service until 2011. Since then he has worked for a number of archaeological units and supervised the excavations at Bath Abbey for Wessex Archaeology. With such a wealth of archaeology on the doorstep, he works on all periods of history, though specialises in the Roman period and industrial archaeology. In his spare time Marek researches the clay tobacco pipe making industry in Somerset and the south west, and has published widely on the subject.

Further details – the walk is 2.5 miles, and will take 3 hours (we will cut a bit shorter if it’s very wet). There are some steps, stiles and kissing gates, but it is mainly flat. The walk starts opposite the Cats and Dogs home, Claverton and finishes not far from the starting point at University of Bath. It is accessible by public transport.

Please wear stout shoes or boots with good tread and come dressed for the weather. No dogs on this walk, please. The walk is not suited for children.

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

Taking in the notable features of Englishcombe village and its rural setting, with discussion of its remarkable history, including access to the ancient parish church.

Beginning on the edge of Bath, we will be walking an ancient path out to the historic village of Englishcombe, noting how quickly the bustle of the city is left behind. We are soon immersed in the rural setting and the remarkable history of events that took place in and around Englishcombe. The landscape features the remains of a Saxon castle mound and the Dark Ages earthwork of The Wansdyke. The village church dates back to Norman times and bears testimony to the tenure of the de Gournays, whose castle was nearby and whose noble history includes famous misdeeds. As well as a detailed look at the church (both exterior and interior), we will also take in other notable buildings including the tithe barn and old farms, while noting how a seemingly timeless landscape has changed over time.

The walk begins at Haycombe Cemetery on Whiteway Road (served by bus service number 12, with car parking in the cemetery) and while the walk technically finishes on Roundhill, it is not far from here back to parked cars / bus stop at Haycombe Cemetery.

The walk, led by John Branston, is 2.5 miles and will take about 2 hours. There are muddy and steeper sections and some stiles.

Booking is essential, you can book your free place here.

A walk unpacking the geology that allowed the hot springs to form, and then walking river-side to give a fresh bio-regional/river watershed perspective on Bath and the climate and nature emergencies that the City and all of us face.

The walk is 1.25 miles, starting and finishing from outside the World Heritage Centre, York Street. The walk is flat and mainly on pavements, accessible and will take 1.5 hours. The walk is suitable for all ages.

The walk involves short strolls and then stopping and discussing the issues.

Well behaved dogs welcome.

The walk leader is Dr Richard Mann, representing the River Avon Bioregion Group. You can find out more about the group here.

Booking essential, you can book your free place here.

Image credit: River Avon, Pulteney Bridge: cc-by-sa/2.0 – © David Dixon – geograph.org.uk/p/3781447

Join Transition Bath for a walk that celebrates growing sites where local people tend crops to end up on their dinner plate. The first visit is to the new Roots allotment site at Newbridge, where individual plot holders grow for their own use. Then we‘ll join the riverside path back to near the city centre, where we’ll visit the well-established community garden of Bath Organic Group at the Lower Common site. Here people grow and share crops, as well as creating surpluses for the monthly Farmers’ Market stall.

The walk is 3 miles, mainly level, with a few steep steps and some rough ground in the first part. In general it is child-friendly, but there is a long stretch along unprotected river bank where close supervision would be important.

Please note that dogs are not allowed on this walk.

Tea will be offered at the walk end at BOG.

Walk leaders are Lyn Barham and other members of Transition Bath and BOG.

The walk starts at Newbridge Park & Ride, and the end point is adjacent to the Upper Bristol Road, offering buses back to the P&R, or a level 10-minute walk to the city centre.

Booking is essential. You can book your free place here.

A spectacular walking event, exploring some of the beautiful countryside surrounding Bath and raising vital funds for Julian House.

Challenge yourself to take on the full 20-mile route, or a distance of your choosing, and raise vital funds and awareness to help support the many men and women experiencing homelessness across the South West.

To register or find out more, visit the website.

If you’re not sure you can do the whole 20 miles, don’t worry, the regular shuttle bus between check points will get you back to your starting point.