Great walks around Bath

First time visitors to Bath often get so wrapped up in exploring the city, they are left with no time to appreciate the stunning Somerset countryside that surrounds it. There a dozens of wonderful walks around Bath which showcase the beauty of the Cotswold hills and beyond.

So, when the sun is shining, it is worth tearing yourself away from the many Bath city centre tourist attractions for a morning or afternoon breathing in some rural air on one of the lovely walks around Bath.

All our Bath self catering properties are based in and around the city centre, so you can set out from your front door on foot to complete any of the following routes. Get in touch or head to our special offers page to find out about any deals and discounts you can benefit from when booking your Bath holiday home direct with Panda Sanctuaries.

A brief guide to some great walks around Bath:

The Bath skyline walk

Starting on Bathwick Hill, just a short stroll from city centre, the Bath skyline walk is a six-mile circuit offering stunning views out over the city. It takes you through wild meadows, farmland and ancient woodlands. The three to four hour route is well marked and easy to follow and provides a tranquil contrast to the bustling city centre.

The Kennet and Avon canal path

Enjoy the old world charm of the Kennet and Avon Canal with a meander along the towpath. Sit and watch the comings and goings of the narrowboats as they negotiate their way through the locks, admire some of Bath’s most beautiful properties whose gardens slope down to the canal and enjoy sweeping views across Bath.

Starting from Widcombe, where the canal meets the river, a 30-minute walk will take you to Bathampton where you can stop for a drink at The George Inn or the Raft Café Boat. If you want a longer hike continue, passing more breath-taking scenery, to the Dundas Aqueduct at Monkton Combe, or even all the way to the historic town of Bradford on Avon, which boasts a range of great pubs and restaurants where your efforts can be rewarded.

The River Avon path

The River Avon trail runs from Bath’s famous Pulteney Bridge 23 miles along the river through Bristol to Pill on the coast. Most people simply opt for a half hour amble out of the Bath city centre to The Locksbrook Inn or The Boathouse, both situated on the edge of Bath, and serving up great food and drink. If you want a longer walk carry on a couple of miles to the village of Saltford, where you can enjoy a swim in the river before relaxing with a pint at The Jolly Sailor pub.

The Kelston Roundhill Walk

Just outside Bath on a hill overlooking the Avon valley is the beautiful village of Kelston, from where you can do several great walks including sections of the Cotswold Way. The Kelston Roundhill walk is a six-and-a-half-mile circular route which climbs from the village through fields to the Roundhill’s highest point, the ‘Kelston Clump’ where, on a clear day, you can admire views all the way to Wales’ Black Mountains to the west, the Wiltshire Downs to the east and Mendip Hills to the south. The walk then heads back down the hill to Saltford passing the Bath Soft Cheese Co, a family run dairy with a delightful café. Relax by the river in Saltford or even treat yourself to a refreshing dip, before climbing back to Kelston.