The Bath Skyline Walk
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The National Trust's Bath Skyline Walk is six miles of waymarked trails, passing through hidden valleys, tranquil woodlands and a patchwork of meadows rich in wildlife. It's perfect for picnics, kite flying and to escape from the city. Points of interest include the site of an Iron Age hill-fort and the 18th Century folly, Sham Castle.
To access the walk, we start at the university, where you will find excellent bus links and ample pay-and-isplay parking. A short walk alongside a golf course brings us to the waymarked Skyline Walk itself.
A woodland stretch through Bathwick Woods, followed by a ridge walk (with some excellent views) leads us through to our first point of interest - Sham Castle. Built by 18th Century entrepreneur Ralph Allen, it cannot truly be described as a folly. It was built at least partly as an experiment in the architectural stile he subsequently used for his own home and was situated so that it could be seen from there.
After our visit to Sham Castle, we drop down steeply into the outskirts of Bath to visit the Widcombe and Smallcombe areas. Climbing back up to the skyline takes us to Claverton Down. We cross this large downland area, much of which is owned by the National Trust, then head back to the start.
Dog walkers: there are a couple of stiles on this walk, neither of which should pose a problem. There will almost certainly be cattle and sheep on many of the green areas. Be aware also, that dogs must be on leads for most of the length of this walk.
Useful Links:
Bus timetables: www.traveline.org.uk
American Museum: www.americanmuseum.org
England - South West England - Somerset - Countryside
Features
Ancient Monument, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Public Transport, Woodland
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