A Trail of Two Cities
At the southern edge of the Cotswolds AONB, around a 50-minute drive from Pond Cottage, this beautifully varied 16km walk links the historic market town of Bradford-on-Avon with the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath. Start beside the river, finish among Bath’s iconic Georgian streets, and return by train — an effortless and rather satisfying way to experience two very different sides of the South Cotswolds.
A current favourite, this is a walk for all seasons. It begins with a peaceful riverside and canal stretch – where you can marvel at the architectural heritage of the Industrial Revolution – followed by a short climb to Claverton Down with some of the finest views into Bath. The route finishes in the city centre, where trains run every 30 minutes for the 10–15 minute return journey. Check here for train times and to book.
You may well wish to linger in Bath for lunch, afternoon tea AND dinner as the city has been named by the Michelin Guide as one of the world’s most exciting foodie destinations!
Before setting off, perhaps take time to explore Bradford-on-Avon, a charming honey-coloured market town with a 14th-century bridge and historic streets — recently described by Condé Nast Traveller as the West Country’s best-kept secret.
From the railway station, head down to the River Avon, perhaps stopping at Timbrell’s Yard for a coffee on their riverside terrace (weather permitting!).
The route follows the river for 3.2km to the Avoncliff Aqueduct (completed 1801), where the Kennet and Avon Canal crosses above. Continue beneath the aqueduct, rejoin the canal, then cross over to follow the towpath.
After a further 4.5km, you reach Dundas Aqueduct (completed in 1805), carrying the canal over both river and railway — a remarkable meeting point of canal, rail, road and river, reflecting the evolution of transport over the centuries! If you fancy some refreshments before pushing on to Bath, detour 500m to the left after crossing the Aqueduct to the excellent Angelfish Café.
Leaving the canal, cross the A36 and climb to Claverton Down to join the Bath Skyline Walk – a beautiful 10km circular route with some of the finest panoramic views over city. The landscape opens into gently rolling downland, with the first clear views of Bath appearing just beyond the highest point as the path begins to dip.
The route then drops into woodland before approaching Widcombe (the point at which the Kennet & Avon canal joins the River Avon) where glimpses of the city return. From here, the transition into Bath is gradual, once more crossing the canal before leading through honey-coloured streets and Georgian highlights of Pulteney Bridge, Queen Square, The Circus, and the iconic Royal Crescent. Delve further back in time with a visit to the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, before heading to Bath Spa station.
For food, our favourites include:
Café Lucca for lunch (just south of The Circus);
The Salamander for a classic pub stop (near Queen Square);
And Oak Restaurant for thoughtful vegetarian small plates (featured in the 2025 Michelin Guide, tucked behind Bath Abbey).
27th February 2026