Bristol – Bath Railway path.

Waking up tired and late I debated whether or not to do the ride especially as I was a little apprehensive about riding back on the same day as I don’t have a lot of faith in my own fitness. In the end I decided it’s best to get it done and regret it later. The path is a 15 mile stretch of the old Railway Line, so it’s mostly flat with only one reasonable hill at the half way mark. Being part of the line means that it does start and end in fairly industrial areas that aren’t the prettiest but the line wouldn't have existed but to carry goods for these places.

The first section travels out of Bristol and is fairly built up and I must say I wouldn’t want to ride through here in the dark there are a few dark bridges to pass under with dark corners and look to be drinking/hang-out spots. However in the daylight it’s a pleasant section with station style names at the links with roads and other people on the path seem friendly and will give a smile and a nod, I even got a high five off a young lad riding the other way and even in this area there was barely any traffic noise. If you realise you need supplies en-route then you pass a Morrisons on the way out.

A remaining platform on the left is fun to jump off as long as no-one is heading the other way, following this a long tunnel marks your exit towards the countryside proper, the tunnel is dark despite the lighting and does leak so be prepared to get dripped on. After the tunnel comes another old station where the path divides with the right hand route taking you to Bath, I have not yet explored the left path.

Mangotsfield Station

The path climbs a little here before crossing over two dual carriage ways, the only place where the traffic noise invades the quiet. Once over the bridge you turn right into a small descent, on the way back this is a bit of a climb but nothing that can’t be conquered with a bit of determination, though some people make it look easy. Between here and a popular platform cafe lies the half way point making it a good place to stop to refuel and have a little breather.

When open, this cafe can be very popular.

Further on from the café you may notice a small sign pointing right to the Bath Ales Brewery shop, which I intend to visit on my next trip. From here the path carries on and joins along the rebuilt section of the railway line where Steam trains provide a popular attraction, at this point great views open up across the countryside.

Crossing bridges over the Avon and passing the Bird in th’ Hand pub provide tempting stopping points, though I struggled to purposefully  break my rhythm once I was at a  comfortable pace. After these points you swiftly reach the outskirts of Bath and the end of the path, where there is a pub whose beer garden was crowded when I passed. To carry on into Bath you just follow the pleasant but narrow river path then the cycle route 4 signs, which are a bit small so keep an eye out.

I rode this route fairly non-stop with only a few hours before returning and didn’t find it too challenging despite my apprehension of fitness levels. Once you find a rhythm and a comfortable pace it’s easy to stick at it as there are so few hills, the biggest interruption can be looking at the views or passing families out for a walk/ride.

Having driven from Bristol to Bath in rush hour a few times I can see why there are more than a few commuters along this route, not only this but you can enjoy being able to walk or ride a tarmac path without having to worry about traffic and enjoying the peace and clean air. Ok my legs were very tired by the time I got back but I’m not very good at taking it easy and barely stopped. It took me roughly an hour and a half each way on a bike not designed for distance. For the Mountain Bikers out there, there seemed to be a few interesting trails leading off to the sides, particularly at Warmley Park, if you have the time and energy to explore.

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