Another bright, sunny day greeted us as we set out on our walk through the rolling Somerset countryside to the garden city of Bath. Our starting point was a wonderfully picturesque village surrounded by undulating hills. Right from the start, the views were spectacular. The terrain was steep, but the vistas were more than enough reward for our efforts.
Our route took us down through woodland to a pathway that followed a disused canal. Originally built in the 1800s, this now defunct waterway once transported coal from local quarries to Bath and beyond. It was atmospheric to walk through the quiet countryside alongside the remains of this industrial past, imagining how two hundred years ago, this quiet scene would have been a hive of activity as narrowboats laden with coal made their slow but steady way through the landscape.
Soon the countryside started to give way to the city, although the streets still had such a village-like feel it was easy to forget we were entering Bath. Our route into the city took us through a stunning 18th century landscaped park, full of wild spring flowers and sweeping views of the city below us (and beautifully ornate Palladian bridge).
Leaving the park, we wandered through quiet streets, past grand town houses and along another canal, this one very much in use, with colourful narrowboats trundling past, leaving the smell of woodsmoke wafting in the air. Nearing the centre of the city, the hustle & bustle increased, and our eyes were distracted by the quirky shops and cafes in the heart of Bath. As we reached our destination, we rested for a while on a bench, tucking in to our provisions, soaking up the sun, and watching city life go by.
It’s a wonderful feeling to enter a city on foot from the peace and quiet of the countryside. Walking from a tranquil village, through fields and woodland, past the remnants of our industrial past and to the heart of a beautiful city.
This fascinating trail is part of Bath & the Avon Valley, a trip that connects the city with the history and stories of the surrounding area and countryside. It explores the picturesque Avon Valley, following a canal and river that wend their way through wooded glades and green pastures. It’s the perfect spot for summer walking.
If you’d like to explore this gorgeous rolling countryside this summer, it’s not too late to book. Simply visit our website or send us an email.
