Distance 18km, 11mile tough, hilly, circular bike ride
An 18km circular cycling route taking you through some of Bath’s finest valleys with dramatic scenery. This route follows quiet country lanes, a section of the canal towpath and sleepy, picturesque villages. There’s some tough, steep climbs with 314m of ascent, so not for the faint hearted (I did it on an ebike!) but this is how you get the best views and the ride ends with some great downhills and the flat canal towpath.
MAP & DIRECTIONS
Map & Directions – Below is a fully interactive map with directions, elevation & distances. Download the plotaroute app to follow the route on your phone with a few simple steps.
THE ROUTE
Terrain. The route is narrow, windy and almost all tarmac there are some gravelly bits scarred with potholes. I passed very little traffic, about 5 cars in total, horse riders, a few other cyclists and walkers. It was very quiet.
Difficulty. There are some very tough, steep climbs which were pretty difficult for me even on an ebike. I’d guess you’d need to be pretty fit to make the climbs on a regular bike.
Parking. Free, unrestricted car park in Batheaston. Also free parking if you buy something at The George. Or you could also start in Larkhall.
Route. I always think it’s best to get the climbs out of the way first so I’ve started the ride from Batheaston with easy, free parking and a lovely cafe.
- The ascent takes you up through Northend with pretty cottages bursting with well tended floral displays. Keep your eye out for Eagle House which was used, from 1909 to 1912, as a refuge for suffragettes who had been released from prison after hunger strikes.
- The far reaching views open up as you climb up into the valley. As you wrap around the valley you’ll see some stunning country mansions, including the hard to miss St. Catherine’s Court a manor house now used as a hotel and wedding venue that has a rich and interesting history. Cool fact, it was used as a recording studio for many famous artists including The Cure and Radiohead.
- As you turn to approach the main road make sure you look back to see the Monkswood Reservoir nestled in the woodland valley.
- The route turns briefly onto the fast and busy A46. I walked my bike the 100m along the wide grassy embankment before crossing with ease and turning right into Hall Lane.
- The road descends here, sometimes steeply but is great fun and more glorious views across the Langridge Valley.
- Another short road section takes you down to the London Road then left to the canal footpath. After the tunnel there’s a right turn which slopes up, then left towards Batheaston.
eBike. I rode this route on a Cube Hybrid ebike on loan from Take Charge Bikes who offer a two week free loan in partnership with Bath Council. To borrow a bike simply submit this form and they get in touch to arrange the date of the loan.
As a complete ebike novice I’m in no position to review the bike but I can say that it was amazing to ride. I rode up hills with ease, apart from the really steep ones. Although it’s assisted I still got a really decent workout but the best thing about it was that I was able to explore places that I couldn’t on my bike. I also thought the bike was stylish and felt comfortable.
Pub & Cafes. Here are some great options for a refuel or post ride pint.
- Gather in Batheaston is a quirky cafe recently relocated and renovated. Check opening times.
- The George Inn is on the canal and serves good pub grub and a refreshing pint.
- The Bathampton Mill has a great spot on the river with a huge garden and the usual pub fanfare.
- The Deli in Larkhall offers some tasty homemade cakes and a delicious lunch menu. Again, check opening times.
Toilets: Free public toilets in Batheaston car park. Public toilets in Larkhall beside Leak Gift Shop.
