Distance 10km, 6.7mile easy, circular pub walk
This is a lovely walk for luscious green paths and splendid valley views. The walk starts flat then descends slowly down through the Langridge valley with rolling hills filled with wildflowers. A short but steep uphill climb takes you back to the Hare & Hounds for a well deserved pint.
I walked this section back in early spring before all the greenery shot up. Then happened to drive past the lower section earlier in the week and the change in scenery was incredible, it is breathtaking. So on Sunday popped the walking boots on and headed out with a good friend. I wasn’t disappointed.
I’ve done the route both ways and much prefer this clockwise version. There’s also easy ways make it slightly shorter. The route was pretty straightforward and a well trodden path which is always a good sign of a great walk. Enjoy.
I’ve added some description of the walk below but if you want step by step directions click into the plotaroute map below.
MAP & DIRECTIONS
Walking 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 WALK
- We parked at the Hare & Hounds pub, crossed the road and turned right. A short way down the road the footpath sign takes you into the fields through a kissing gate and then right. Stop to take in the views across western Bath and Kelston roundhill, a tree topped dome on the horizon.
- The easy to follow path takes you past the racecourse then back to the road, cross and continue traversing the top of the valley.
- We practically waded through overgrown and wet, grassy paths before taking the path down to the right. This takes you to the other side of the valley looking across Tadwick, Wolley and Swainswick. It’s definitely a sight to behold.
- The path descends down through a tree tunnel between rolling fields filled with wild flowers.
- At the bottom turn right on to a quiet lane, then right again before picking up the footpath again on the left, into a field and over a small stream. Traverse up across a few fields then follow the path along the ridge towards Woolley.
- The tranquil hamlet of Woolley has a beautiful church and there’s a few offerings by the locals with honesty boxes.
- Take the road right and up through Woolley, the pick the slightly harder to find footpath up just after a house on the right. It’s steep, will give your thighs a good workout but doesn’t take long. Wind around back to the road and the Hare & Hounds to enjoy a pizza and a pint overlooking the valley you’ve just walked through.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- TERRAIN: mixture of country footpaths, mud and grass, some very quiet road sections
- PARKING: Map. We parked for free at the Hare & Hounds which has a small car park. Plenty of free parking on the road
- LENGTH: 10km / 6miles
- DURATION: 2.5hrs
- ELEVATION: 292m of climbing, gentle down hill then fairly steep section at the end
- DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
- PUBS & CAFE:
