OUR VISIT
Primrose Hill Community Woodland is a beautiful enclosed woodland with far reaching views across Bath. I took my 1yr old in the buggy and 2.5yr old on foot and thoroughly enjoyed a slow 1km stroll around part of the perimeter path, stopping for a snack on a bench half way round. It all took about an hour including inspecting of a bee house, pond and searching for the best stick.
We entered through the large entry stile (fits a buggy) and took the path on the left. The descent is fairly steep if you’re pushing a buggy, as is the climb back up. If you’re not pushing a buggy there’s a network of smaller paths that draw you into the heart of the woodland that looked very enticing for bigger explorers. There are log dens, exciting paths through thick grassy overgrown paths, bee houses, flowers to identify.
My toddler was sorely disappointed that she couldn’t poke her stick in the pond, or even really see it at all. I guess it’s more for wildlife than little ones to pond dip.
ABOUT PRIMROSE HILL COMMUNITY WOODLAND
Reading a little bit of it’s history, I was amazed that this was clear farmland just 20 years ago! The woodland was created for the community to mark the millennium and planted with mostly British native trees and flowers. It’s now owned and run by a charity who have a programme of development and improvement and ensure it’s open to the public year round.
Check out the Primrose Hill Community Woodland website for more information and to make a donation.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ACCESS: There’s three entry points. We entered through the unusually large stile at Fonthill. You can also enter by public footpath from Beckford Tower and it continues on to Weston Village through Weston Gate.
PARKING: We parked at Fonthill Gate where there was unrestricted parking and plenty of spaces. We visited out of school hours, parking might not be as easy during term time.
BUGGY: I didn’t have a problem pushing the buggy apart from on the steeper hills as my toddler hitched a ride!. I was glad to have a sturdy buggy and would recommend a baby carrier over a lightweight buggy.
TERRAIN: There’s a wide path around the perimeter which also criss-crosses the woodland. It’s fairly uneven and slightly overgrown in places. I’d imagine the paths are very muddy after it’s rained.
DOGS: It’s also very popular with dog walkers with poo bins at strategic points.
