We are the Somer Valley Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Geoff Y
Bath River Avon, Two Tunnels Greenway, Tucking Mill, Bath Skyline, Priory Park, Widcombe, Kennet and Avon Canal.
Leaving Bath the walk follows the route of the old Somerset & Dorset Railway along the Two Tunnels Greenway, with good views of the city. After passing through the shorter Devonshire tunnel, at 1/4 mile long, it passes attractive Lyncombe Vale, before entering Combe Down Tunnel. This is the longest cycle/footpath only tunnel in Britain, at just over 1 mile long. The walk emerges to cross the striking Tucking Mill viaduct in its rural setting.
Climbing above the tunnel, the route follows Bath’s skyline, with views to the south, then north over Bath, before descending near landscaped Prior Park & on to Widcombe and the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Notes: if you have them, please bring a torch and a High Visibility Jacket. (Not essential if you don’t possess either of these items). The two tunnels are lit, however, dimly, so having some torches and HVJ s would add to our visibility. It is necessary in the tunnels to walk in single file and keep to one side, as cyclists will be passing. It will probably take approx. 20 minutes to walk through Combe Down Tunnel, 5 minutes for Devonshire Tunnel. The tunnels are well maintained and dry, and a good size, and something to be experienced, unless you clearly don’t like such enclosed places.
Some information on the Somerset and Dorset Railway may be read on information boards on route, and its links with the area north of Bath will be highlighted too.
Please bring a light picnic lunch and a drink
Wear suitable footwear
Paulton free car park (behind the Chinese Take Away) High Street Paulton Bristol BS39 7NW
Start: The paved area between Bath Spa Railway Station and Bath Bus Station, Dorchester Street, Bath, BA1 1SU. GR: 754 644. City Centre Car parks available, also 2 P & R's (Odd Down & Newbridge - allow for travelling time)
