So, what's the easiest way of crossing the Avon to get from Swineford over the to the other side? I ride around Lansdown a fair bit, but on the way back to Horfield I like to get across to the Avon Walkway and have a mess around in Hanham Woods and then come back in along side the river and Feeder. I've tried this a few ways, but they either involve a short, but steep, road slog through Bitton and up Willsbridge hill, or footpaths across fields to the Avon, and then what feels like several km's of styles towards Keynsham. Or I guess you come down off Lansdown into Bath and cross there, but that misses out the sunken byeway below North Stoke.
Can you cross over to the Jolly Sailor from just off the A431, or the footpath that heads west out of Kelston?
I'm planning on having a look tomorrow, but just trying to save some faff.
On a connected note, is Toghill Lane BW worth a ride down (assuming I have now other reason *cough* for heading up Toghill)? Just trying to find some new, local interesting stuff without having to head up to Bannerdown or Sally in the Woods area.
cheers
I can’t answer your question but what’s the sunken byway by north Stoke? Do you meant the path that’s basically a stream most of the year round? I quite like that as a little descent - less so the other way as a climb but it’s a challenge.
I think I’ve looked on the map at the Tog hill bridleway but feels a bit out the way so never tried it.
This one
...it's mostly been dry when I've ridden it, but I guess we're talking about the same one. Turns into a footpath at the field and you have to lift over 2 awkward gates. There is another option heading north out of North Stoke which I've never tried.
I've taken the footpath along the Avon (from opposite the Swan) that conveniently takes you to the Bitton picnic area (you go under the viaduct and then back up to the cycleway). It's flat and fine when dry, there are a couple of gates to lift over but it's a quick trundle round the field edge. I've met occasional walkers but they've always been okay.
I really can't remember Toghill Lane, although have ridden it a long time ago - that may suggest it's a bit meh like a lot of the north bath stuff.
Ah, maybe I missed that you can go under the railway path and climb up to it from the other side. Thanks
This one
Trail
…it’s mostly been dry when I’ve ridden it, but I guess we’re talking about the same one. Turns into a footpath at the field and you have to lift over 2 awkward gates. There is another option heading north out of North Stoke which I’ve never tried.
I don’t think I’ve ever ridden down that one.
I think the one I’m referring to might be pipley bottom. As you come down off the top of Lansdown past the golf course you descent until you hit tarmac by the church then follow the road down and take the first right.
It goes into a sort of fireroad thing - the main path goes round to the left - just carry straight on down what looks like a footpath which I believe it actually a bridleway (no styles at all). You get a rocky / loose and often wet descent all the way down to a stream with a crossing over it - then a short technical climb up the other side.
You then follow the road down into Upton Cheney.
Stream looks like this (behind the bike obvs)
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Ah, maybe I missed that you can go under the railway path and climb up to it from the other side.
No problem, not sure how I discovered it. Like you it always felt as though you were a bit stuck at Swineford until I worked it out. The loop up and out from Bath past Kelston is great, I must find an excuse to ride the long way home one day...
Joe - next time maybe try the one I mentioned, I think you'll like it
I'm really struggling to visualise this (and the route tbh haha!) but sounds interesting as I'm nearby.
Anyone got a gpx they can share please?
