Old Moaner Travel
I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list
Kennet and Avon: Bradford on Avon to Bristol
This section of the walk continues from delightful Bradford on Avon passing through one of the most scenic canal stretches in the country before reaching the tourist hotspot of Bath. At Bath the canal itself ends and the route then follows the River Avon, past Keynsham into Bristol.
Deciding where to end the walk was quite arbitrary as it is possible to walk all the way to Avonmouth, but that would mean a final boring stretch through industrial wasteland, not the best way to complete what has been a really scenic walk. Alternatively the walk could have ended at Bristol's historic docks but I've decided to continue a little bit further to as far as the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge - a seemingly fitting place to end the journey.
Section Length: 28.72 miles (46.22 km)
Time Taken: 9 hrs 55 mins
Dates Walked: 18th,May 2018, 14th and 15th May 2019
Logistics: This section of the walk was completed in three parts.
The first from Bradford on Avon to Bath (9.89 miles). For this I parked in at Bradford on Avon station and walked to Bath, catching a train back - Bath Spa station is right beside the river (2-3 trains an hour).
The second part was Bath to Keynsham (8.83 miles), where I drove to Keynsham and got the last space at the towns only long term car park then caught a train to Bath Spa (one train an hour).
Leg three was Keynsham to Bristol (10 miles), it was impossible to park anywhere in central Bristol or Keynsham so I had to park in Bath and catch a train to Keynsham (one train an hour) to start the walk, At the end of the walk it was a train back from Bristol Temple Meads to Bath Spa (several trains an hour)
The stretch of canal from Bradford on Avon to Bath is, arguably, one of the most attractive stretches of canal in the country. Actually I would go as far as to say "arguably" doesn't even come into the equation - it is the most beautiful stretch of canal in the country.
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Leaving Bradford on Avon there is a lovely wide, paved towpath making walking easy.
Shortly after leaving Bradford on Avon you will pass the 14th century Tithe Barn, 168 x 30 feet (51 x 10 metres) in size and it's open to the public, operated by English Heritage. The original roof is still intact.
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This section of the canal is tree lined providing pleasant shelter as you pass by moored houseboats.
The section meanders for a mile and a half before reaching Avoncliff and the impressive Avoncliff Viaduct.
Completed in 1801 the 330 feet (100m) Grade II listed structure takes the canal over the River Avon and, now also, the railway line.
If you are planning to continue along the canal you need to pass under the aqueduct to the other side, if you don't you'll end up in Avoncliff Station.
Adjacent to the aqueduct is the delightful No 10 Tearooms, open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Having crossed the Aqueduct the canal becomes very rural and you feel as if you are in a different world as the only sound you are likely to hear is rustling leaves, birdsong and the occasional train passing by.
Occasionally gaps will open in the trees offering stunning views across the Avon valley with views of the river, railway line and, in the distance the A36.
After a couple of miles you will reach another aqueduct, this time the Dundas Aqueduct as, once again the canal crosses the river and railway.
Designed by John Rennie and named after Charles Dundas, the first chairman of the Kennet and Avon Canal Company, the 150 yard (137m) structure is a Grade I listed building and the first canal structure to be designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
There is a junction with the now defunct Somerset Coal Canal, with only a short stretch remaining.
The canal continues through serene countryside with occasional views across the Avon valley.
Whilst on the opposite bank random sculptures begin to appear.
Soon you will enter the delightful village of Bathampton, very much an idyllic Cotswold village.
There's plenty of canal side seating if you want to rest your legs and if you want refreshments a cafe boat is moored up here.
From here it's only a relatively short walk to the magnificent city of Bath. The first glance will be views of the rows of Georgian houses perched on hills on the outskirts of the city before the towers of the cities churches begin to dominate the horizon.
Small tunnels pass under streets and buildings as you enter the city itself and soon the magnificent Abbey dominates the skyline.
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A series of locks heralds the end of the canal as it joins the River Avon in the centre of the city. Within the city the area alongside the river is well developed with plenty of greenery and seating. There is a wide, paved path along the river, which is a double edged sword. It's easy underfoot , however it is incredibly popular with cyclists. Unfortunately a significant minority of these cyclists are the type who think they have a God given right to cycle wherever they want and sod any pedestrian who gets in their way.
The paved stretches for just over 2½ miles until Newbridge, where the A4 crosses the river. It's at this point the path also crosses the river and the path becomes more rustic, following the edges of farmers fields. This is a lovely quiet stretch with rural scenery, few walkers and, mercifully, no cyclists.
Approaching Saltford the path runs next to the railway line although you wouldn't be aware until a train passes. Saltford is a good spot to take a rest as there a few pubs along the riverbank along this stretch of the river.
Leaving Saltford the river takes a loop, which is a lovely scenic walk, even though it goes past the local sewage works. If you're feeling lazy you can cut the loop out and take the Bristol and Bath Railway Path - but be warned this is loved by cyclists.
The loop path meets with the Railway Path at Avon Riverside Station, if you walk the loop you will need to climb the bridge to cross the river.
Having crossed the bridge, a left turn leads to the riverbank for a scenic rural path towards Keynsham. Approaching Keynsham the path veers away from the river but once across the main road take a left turn and the path will lead back to the river by Keynsham Lock.
The path continues along the edge of farmers fields before becoming an attractive tree lined walk - giving some shade if it's sunny.
Eventually you will come to another sharp turn in the river and you'll be at Hanham Mills, a delightful area with a couple of pubs and the path leads past a delightful row of picturesque cottages. From here on the path is again paved, which leads to a resurgence of the dreaded cyclists. Having said that the path does meander through some stunning scenery with the river running through a valley.
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After passing Conham River park the scenery starts to become more urban as you approach the outskirts of Bristol. Passing bleak industrial units you will reach the point where the river divides with The Avon branching left an the feeder canal going right. Cross the feeder canal. In theory there is a path along the River Avon but it seems to be permanently closed, so you need to follow Feeder Road, alongside the feeder canal. There isn't much to see, the feeder canal isn't that attractive and the opposite side of the road is lined with industrial units followed by what can only be described as a slum area.
You have to leave the waterside to pass under Temple Meads station, after which you can rejoin the river. However at the time of writing, there is massive redevelopment work taking place in the Temple Meads area adding a ridiculously long detour to get back to the river.
When you get back to the riverside you do wonder why you bothered - you are walking along a busy main road, high above the river and at low tide all you can see is detritus and abandoned waste - all in all a depressing sight.
Call me cynical but I'm left with the distinct impression the council are deliberately neglecting the river to get visitors into the Harbourside area - more on that later.
After a depressing couple of miles you cross the river and here you will be about 500 yards from the Clifton Suspension Bridge, our arbitrary finishing point for this walk. It's a pleasant walk through parkland to reach the destination.
Just now I mentioned the Harbourside area and this is a typical docklands redevelopment and I have to say it is very attractive and a lovely place to walk and explore - indeed I would go as far as to say it's the one and only redeeming feature in Bristol. The remainder of the city I wouldn't care if I never see it again.
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