Bristol to Bath cycle

This is the most used cycle path in all of the UK. With its combined appeal of being handy for getting in and out of Bristol for work as well as being a link to more leisurely trips it cannot be beaten.
But it is of use and value to all sorts of users including pedestrians, kids on the way to school, dog walkers and joggers. Generally the mixed use goes down well but beware the periods of 8 — 9 AM and 5 — 6 PM when everyone and their mother is jostling for space.
The trip between Bristol and Bath is fantastic and it’s remarkable that the roughly 14 miles can be completed without ever having to compete with road traffic. This makes it doable for all levels of cyclists.
The path also links to a number of other routes, my favourite being the spur through Pucklechurch that will lead all the way to Castle Combe.
The path is also a surprisingly great place to nature watch and even in the inner city I have seen badgers and foxes.

I’ve done the Bristol to Bath cycle path a couple of times with a friend or two. It’s a really good day out and it can be a day with all the pubs along the canal from start to end. Plenty of food and drink to be had. We usually end up getting the train home to Bristol.

Tucked away on the edge of Castle Park are the remains of what gives the park its name. Part of the Great Hall has been incorporated into the neighbouring building. Otherwise, there’s not all that much to see apart from some low walls and a bit of moat, but this was once one of England’s finest Norman castles. A board offers interesting information, but is faded and weathered, and in places hard to read. Unfortunately, you can’t actually walk among the ruins, but this is still well worth a look.
The Park itself used to be the site of Bristol’s busiest shopping streets, but the area was destroyed during the Blitz and was turned into a sculpted park after the War. Against this backdrop of annihilation the enigmatic ruins of the castle grow more impressive, I reckon.

This is a really great day out (weather permitting) and lets you enjoy two fab cities and some countryside in-​between. Plus you feel like you have achieved something and really enjoy your pint-​reward at the other end. I’ll detail the route a little as it is only possible to put a single marker on the attached map
The official path starts at Castle Park (look out for blue signs) and you basically follow the old Bristol /​Bath railway out of the city and into the stunning countryside surrounds. It is a roughly 14 mile (tarmac), easy going, no-​traffic-​adventure (allow about 2 hours) taking you through a tunnel, into forest, along a river, passed old rail stations (one serves refreshments) and more
Worth bearing in mind that that you must head off on your return journey before dark as the tunnel lights get switched off at around 8pm. If you have a few too many (or are just don’t fancy getting back on your bike) you can take the train back to Bristol like we do (check times though as it doesn’t run all night).