Objective: Take the train to Avomouth. Cycle to Bath along the River Avon and Kennet & Avon Canal. The final section utilises the Bristol & Bath Railway Path as there is little or no towpath on some river sections.

Trip Type: solo cycle

Distance: 25.5 miles

Time to complete: 3.0 hrs, 9 mph

Nicholson Guide: Guide 7, pp 60-70

Costs: parking is not easy or cheap in Bath. I stayed in a hotel and so was able to park there. The best option if coming in from out of town is Newbridge (Bath) Park & Ride, which is close to your route, and costs £2 for the day if not using the bus. The train from Bath to Avonmouth (or vice versa) is £9.80, change at Bristol Templemeads, 1 -2 per hour.

Difficulty: fair

Adjacent Rides: Bath to Trowbridge

Overview

A spectacular ride of two halves. The first half includes a crossing of the River Avon on the M5 motorway bridge, followed by a track under the Clifton Suspension Bridge on the way into Bristol. The second half is complicated by the towpath ending a few miles out of Bristol, but this gives you the opportunity to use the excellent Bristol & Bath Railway Path for the remainder of the ride. Surfaces are generally good throughout, with a few miles of road riding, some of main roads.

1. Newbridge Park & Ride to Bath Spa Station (3 miles)

This leg is only required if you are parking at the Park & Ride.

At the entrance to the Park & Ride turn right along the pavement of the busy Newbridge Road (A4). After 100m, just before the bend and bridge, you will see steps leading down. Take these, then turn left under the bridge on the river path. Continue along here all the way to Bath Spa Station. Take the train to Avonmouth, changing at Bristol Templemeads. At the end of your ride back, where the Bristol & Bath Railway Path crosses the river rejoin this path and retrace your steps to the Park & Ride.

2. Avonmouth to Chequers Inn, Keynsham (15 miles)

From Avonmouth station take Avonmouth Road to the A4 roundabout. Cross the roundabout using the cycle path which goes directly across the middle, rejoining Avonmouth Road which is now the B4054. This passes under the M5. Immediately turn right and climb up the slope to the motorway, and cross the bridge over the Avon. Great views of the river and estuary.

Having crossed the bridge, the pathway bears left and drops down to a metalled track, the Avon Cycleway, which is well signed. Follow this through the village of Pill and into wooded countryside alongside the River Avon. You then pass under Clifton Suspension Bridge on a decent quality track.

The entrance to Bristol Docks is to your left, and you pass under Brunel Way, A3029. Continue to Coronation Way, A370, where cycling along the pavement is permitted. Cross the river at Bedminster Bridge roundabout and continue on the Greenway alongside the river to the next roundabout at Bath Bridge, which also sits over the river. Continue alongside the river on Cattle Market Road, which is a cycleway. This becomes Feeder Road, which runs alongside the canal. Continue to Netham Lock. Cross the canal here and take the towpath on the right, as the canal rejoins the river. The Avon Cycleway is a good quality metalled path. Follow this out of the city to the Chequers Inn, just before Keynsham.

3. Chequers Inn to Bath (10 miles)

At the Chequers Inn car park there is a pedestrian only swing gate, and just a footpath leading across the field – it’s too difficult to cycle along the river from here on.

Take Ferry Road up the steep hill from the pub, and at the junction turn right on Court Farm Road all the way to the roundabout where you turn right on Bath Road, A431. Bear left at the roundabout in Willsbridge, and shortly after you will see a railway bridge crossing the road. Go under the bridge and 100m on turn sharp left up to Bitton Station, part of the Avon Valley Steam Railway. Join the metalled Bristol & Bath Railway Path here, which runs alongside what remains of the railway line, crossing over the road bridge you cycled under, and enjoy the 7 easy miles of traffic free riding through the countryside.

Where the cycleway crosses the river close to Bath Waterside Marina (and Newbridge Park & Ride if you parked there) you can join the riverside path, or you can continue to Brassmill Lane and turn right there, joining the riverside path to your right before the Locksbrook Inn. Continue on a good towpath to Bath Spa Station, which is very close to the river. If you parked in Avonmouth, take the train back via Bristol.

There are plenty of excellent pubs to choose from in the centre of Bath, both historic and contemporary.