Keynsham - The Dramway - Willsbridge - Keynsham

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A fascinating walk, mostly on good paths and tracks following sections of the old horse tramway to its termini on the banks of the River Avon.

The horse tramway, known locally as the Dramway, appears at regular intervals along this walk. The 'Dramway' consisted of two connected lines running downhill for a total distance of nine miles from the Coalpit Heath collieries north-east of Bristol to the River Avon, where barges transported the coal to Bristol, Bath and beyond. The line featured on this walk was completed by 1831 and operated for thirty years until the coal traffic died out. In 1876, a section was reopened to serve the recently revived California Colliery above Willsbridge and an incline was built across the valley to link with the Dramway. By 1904, flooding contributed to the mine's closure and the subsequent demise of the railway.

Also of interest is Avon Valley Steam Railway and Willsbridge Mill with its nature reserve run by Avon Wildlife Trust.

England - South West England - Bristol - Avon Valley

Features

Pub, Public Transport, River
3/7/2022 - Harry Cook

Walked this on 28 Feb 2022. Plenty of parking at the start (no charge) and a really good variety of paths from the track along the river to the cycle path alongside the heritage railway. Didn't try the Lockkeeper pub but it looked promising. Would like to do it again some time.

2/3/2012 - Walkingworld Admin

Walk updated again Summer 2017 by ourselves. Lovely walk with fascinating history and pleasant stretch along the river.

1/13/2012 - Walkingworld Admin

Our thanks to Damian McGonigle for his updates for this walk. January 2012. Adrian (Admin)

1/12/2012 - Damian McGonigle

Very enjoyable walk. I walked it during a working day but even so it was surprisingly quiet and peaceful. Seen lots of wildlife including a heron & buzzard. A choice of pubs along the way, if you get thirsty.

1/2/2011 - Philip Wright

Did this walk as our traditional New Years Day walk. Directions easily followed despite certain changes to paths and signs. Recommended for anyone interested in industrial history. Plenty of parking in new car park on the left coming from Keynsham before reaching the bridge.(ST65756 69011) Cross road and bridge to reach start at the Lockkeeper. Intend to do again in the summer.

1/22/2009 - Roy Davenport

All checked and OK December 2008.

8/25/2008 - patricia dodd

Summer 2008- Section 15-Very tall nettles encroach on path for the whole section- take stick, or cover legs and arms

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