Hiking to the heart of the city of Bath

There is something special about approaching the city of Bath on foot. When you start in the tranquil countryside, accompanied only by the sounds and sights of nature, and then slowly make your way to the Georgian splendour of Bath, the city slowly appearing on the horizon. 

A view of the city of Bath from the distance, with alloments in the foreground and the spires and roofs of Bath in the background
View over landscaped gardens with a palladian bridge over a river in middleground and the city of Bath stretching out behind park trees

The first hint that you’re approaching ‘civilisation’ are the ruins of a 19th century canal used to transport coal from local fields to market over 200 years ago. Now a haven for nature and wildlife, this route leads to a beautiful village on the outskirts of Bath, the perfect place to stop for a rest and a bite to eat! Then it’s on to Prior Park, one of our favourite routes into the city. First laid out in the 1100s, the beautiful gardens as we see them today were created in the 1700s. The focal point of the magnificent grounds is the impressive Palladian bridge, one of only four left in the world.

View of Prior Park Palladian Bridge in Bath on a bright spring day. The ornate bridge is mirrored in the still water below.
View of the Palladian bridge in Prior Park from a distance showing the river winding towards the bridge

Standing at the top of the park, looking down at the bridge and the city of Bath stretching out behind it is a favourite view of ours, and one we love sharing with our guests. From here, you can wander through the beautiful gardens and into the heart of the city (along the still functioning 19th century Kennet and Avon Canal). 

A narrowboat moored on the canal in Bath, with an ornate, white Victorian iron bridge in the backgruond
A person walking next to a canal under and ornate Victorian white iron bridge

This marvellous view is just one of the highlights of our Bath & The Avon Valley trip. If you’d like to know more, simply visit our website or send us an email.

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