Objective: Take the train from Trowbridge to Bath Spa. Cycle back along the River Avon, and Kennet & Avon Canal.

Trip Type: solo cycle

Distance: 13 miles

Time to complete: 1.5 hrs, 8.7 mph

Nicholson Guide: Guide 7, pp 70-77

Costs: free parking in Trowbridge. Train from Trowbridge to Bath Spa, £7.90, 3 per hour

Difficulty: easy

Adjacent Rides: Avonmouth to Bath, Trowbridge to Pewsey

Overview

A lovely ride on an excellent surface throughout. There is a short stretch on the River Avon then up the locks on the Kennet & Avon out of Bath. Two magnificent aqueducts as the canal changes sides over the river. Through the town of Bradford-on-Avon back to Trowbridge.

The reason for this being a short ride is simply logistics: there is no railway station close to the canal between Trowbridge and Pewsey, which are 22 miles apart, and so unless you do Avonmouth to Trowbridge in a day (about 38 miles) you will have this shorter 12.5 mile ride which imo is ideal as a Day 2 ride.

1. Bath to Bradford-on-Avon (9 miles)

Park your car in Innox Road, Trowbridge, BA14 9AT. At the end of the street is a walkway which passes under the railway line, then bears right and emerges in the station car park. Trains to Bath Spa are 3 per hour, and the journey takes 18 minutes.

Leave Bath Spa station via the main entrance and turn left. Go past and round the back of the bus station. Take the footbridge across the river and turn left down steps to the river path.

After 400m turn right onto the Kennet & Avon Canal. There is a series of steep locks. Before the second of the locks take the slope up to St. Matthews Place, cross the bridge and continue on the left side of the canal. There are two short tunnels, with ornate portals.

The towpath changes sides a few times. it is metalled all the way to Bathampton, after which is is very good quality compacted earth and gravel, and wide. There are lots of walkers and gongoozlers.

Cross Dundas aqueduct to continue on the right side of the River Avon, which runs along the valley below. Next, cross the Avoncliffe aqueduct. After crossing, take the path down to the right, which bends back under the aqueduct to continue on the left side of the canal.

At Bradford-on-Avon look out for the impressive tythe barn. Stop for a coffee at the Italian run Canal & River Trust café by the lock which is good for a spot of lunch.

2. Bradford-on-Avon to Trowbridge (2.5 miles)

Continue for a further 2 miles. Just after crossing the Biss and Ladydown Aqueducts (which cross over the railway line) leave the canal at Balls Bridge (168): go under the bridge and continue for 100m then double back up the slope to Trowbridge Road.

Turn left (south) on Trowbridge Road which becomes Widbrook Hill, then Trowle, then Cockhill. Cross the roundabout then turn left back into Innox Road and your car.

No pub I’m afraid, but you’ve probably done the ride in a morning anyway.