Canal & Bathampton Meadow 6.5km Circular

This is my regular running/walking route and I never tire of it. Get out early and you walk towards the morning sun rising behind Bathford Hill, watch the colour of the sky change and it’s reflections in the water. There’s lots of interest along this walk with life along the canal, spotting wildlife at the Bathampton Meadow nature reserve and there’s good coffee spots. It’s also a great option for a run as it’s nice and flat.

THE WALK

• The walk is a circular 6.5 km (4 mile) flat route
• Feed the ducks by The George Inn, an ice cream from the Cafe on the Barge & have a picnic on the green
• Enjoy the Bathampton Meadow nature reserve which was created to provide additional flood relief and has attracted migrant water birds, as well as an abundance of local wildlife.
• Get a coffee from or Robbie’s Plaice & enjoy it in the Secret Garden
• Map. Here’s a fully interactive map with directions & distances.

WALKING DIRECTIONS

• Start on Grosvenor Bridge Road, the road curves right then cross the river.
• Take the steps up to the canal.
• At the top, turn left and follow the canal for about 1.5km until you reach The George Inn.
• After the pub there’s a small green, go through the gate and turn right onto Mill Lane, then immediately right again onto Tyning Lane.
• At the main road, London Road East, turn left and continue until you come to a car park. Turn left and head over the bridge.
• All along this section you’re walking around Bathampton Meadow.
• The path loops around to the left at the bridge and up to the road. Cross the road and go straight over, across a cattle grid.
• Follow the road until you see a stile on your left (the road leads to private property).
• Follow the grassy path under the flyover and wind your way straight across two fields, through a stile and back onto the path.
• Turn right and you’re back at Grosvenor Bridge Road.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• TERRAIN: Mixed terrain, both paved and grass.
• PARKING: Free unrestricted along Grosvenor Bridge Road or you could park in Batheaston Car Park, metered.
• BUGGY: Not buggy friendly terrain & kissing gates.
• CAFE: Robbie’s Plaice is a fish & chip shop but they also do great coffee and a lunch menu.
• TOILETS: Public toilets in Batheaston car park.
• DOGS: Great for dogs.