Get on your bike

Nigel Vile takes a trip along the Midland Railway

The Midland Railway running between Bristol and Bath was one of the unfortunate victims of the Beeching cuts of the 1960s.

Freight was carried along the line for a few years following the withdrawal of passenger services, but the iron road finally closed in the early 1970s. Between 1979 and 1986 it was converted into the first purpose-built cycleway in the country, and now provides a traffic-free cycling route between the two major cities in the region.

Raised on an embankment for much of its course, the railway path brings fine views across the Avon Valley as it heads out from the former station at Bitton towards the Georgian city of Bath. To the north, the southern slopes of the Cotswolds come tumbling down towards the Avon, whilst to the south the views extend beyond Keynsham towards the distant Mendip Hills. Despite starting in South Gloucestershire, this route soon crosses the boundary into Bath and North East Somerset, and provides a perfect introduction to this corner of the county.

Join the railway path at the southern end of Bitton station’s car park, and follow this delightful cycle route for 5½ miles until it joins Brassmill Lane on the edge of Bath by a business park. Initially, the cycle path borders a restored section of the Midland Railway, before crossing the River Avon and heading out towards Saltford and the Bird in Hand public house. The cycle path then re-crosses the Avon and passes beneath the slopes of Kelston Park before reaching Brassmill Lane.

Head along Brassmill Lane for 600 yards until, just past the Avon Tools Hire depot, bear right to join the West Bath Riverside Path. Having passed the Dolphin Inn, continue alongside the river for another 1¼ miles until the path reaches the busy road network on the edge of Bath’s city centre. There is a grass verge, should you wish to rest and linger awhile rather than going into the centre of Bath.

Retrace your steps along the riverside path and Brassmill Lane back to the Bath and Bristol Railway Path. With the hustle and bustle of the city left behind, follow the cycle route for 5½ miles, all the way back to Bitton station.

THE AVON VALLEY RAILWAY Running on the former Midland Railway line, between Bristol, Mangotsfield and Bath Green Park stations, two miles of track have so far been reopened either side of the trust’s headquarters at Bitton station. Visitors can also explore the former goods yards that is home to a mixture of mainline and industrial steam and diesel locomotives, as well as a number of carriages and wagons.

THE RIVER AVON The River Avon has its beginnings deep in the southern Cotswolds and much of its 75-mile course flows through the undulating Wiltshire countryside, where its waters enhance such delightful settlements as Malmesbury, Lacock and Bradford-on-Avon. The river subsequently flows through the dramatic Limpley Stoke Valley before passing through Bath and Bristol.

The river was canalised between Bristol and Bath by 1727, six locks being constructed to overcome the rise of 30 feet between these two cities. Today, the Avon is alive with the sounds of pleasure craft, especially following the restoration of the Kennet and Avon Canal, east of Bath.

BATH Bath has been famous as a source of healing waters since Roman times when, as Aquae Sulis, it attracted visitors from all over the empire.

Following a period of decline in the Middle Ages, by the 18th century Bath was once again one of the foremost cities in the land, thanks to developer Ralph Allen, architect John Wood and society leader Richard “Beau” Nash, attracting such luminaries as William Pitt, Lord Clive, Thomas Gainsborough and David Livingstone.

Jane Austen was but another visitor to the city; her novel Northanger Abbey painting a vivid picture of the social life of the time.

The city still attracts visitors from all across the world, the Abbey church, Roman baths, Pump Room and Assembly Room being just some of the fine attractions that Bath has to offer.

On Your Bike Somerset by Nigel Vile is published by Countryside Books priced £7.95.