A guide to beautiful walks, hikes and strolls in Bath

14 December 2015

 

You might think of Bath as a vibrant cosmopolitan city, and it is – with all of its bars, restaurants, shops, festivals and culture – but it’s also in a unique location surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural countryside landscapes in the UK. This, of course, makes it perfect for walking and hiking enthusiasts.

Whether you’re considering a Bath walking holiday or you simply want an extra activity to add to your Bath Holiday Rentals stay, here is a quick guide to some of the best walks in and around the city:

Bath Skyline Walk

This is one of the most popular walks in Bath, most likely because it gives you the very best and most unique views of the city. The Skyline Walk is no light stroll – it is around 6 miles long and takes around 2 and a half hours – but it really is spectacular. Look forward to magnificent views across the city, as well as Mendips and beyond, walk through woodlands, meadows and hidden valleys, and experience a glimpse of history in the 18th-century follies and Iron Age hill fort you’ll encounter on the way.

The City Trail

There are lots of walks you can take to explore the city centre, many of which start practically from the doorstep of your Bath holiday accommodation. A popular one for taking in all the sights is the City Trail, which includes highlights such as the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Pump Room, Queen Square, the Theatre Royal and the Stall St shopping hotspot to name but a few. The walk takes between 60 minutes and three hours, depending how distracted you get by the tempting attractions on the way.

The Collier’s Way

This is a brand new walking and cycling path taking you through over 23 miles of the most pleasant countryside you’ll find anywhere in Somerset. It’s safe, traffic-free and runs between Frome and the Dundas Aqueduct near Limpley Stoke, offering lovely views of the River Avon, the dramatic Dundas Aqueduct and the former mining community of Radstock. It’s up to you where and for how long you walk on this fantastic walking route – or perhaps you may prefer to cycle.

Cotswold Way 

There are many different walking and hiking options available to anyone stepping onto the Cotswold Way National Trail, whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll, a physical challenge or a day of adventure. The Trail gives you the chance to savour the breath-taking scenery of the Cotswolds Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, from famous bluebell woods, grassland habitats, sleepy villages and thriving market towns – all connected by the Trail, a long-distance footpath. It’s easy to spend a whole day exploring the Cotswolds Way, but even just a few hours spent on a pleasant countryside walk is bound to be a unique and unforgettable experience – make sure to add it to your itinerary if you’re planning a visit to Bath any time soon.