BATH / WALKING ROUTE
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Bath Skyline Walk: Six-Mile Circular Route from Bathwick
Leave the streets of Bath for hilltop views, woodland and open fields. This six-mile circular walk gives you a countryside day alongside the city’s museums, cafés and places to stay.
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At a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing
The Bath Skyline is close to the city, but it is a proper half-day walk. The climbs, gates and woodland paths need more time and suitable shoes than a city sightseeing stroll. Start at Bathwick Hill to follow the signed circuit, adding the journey from the centre separately.
It works particularly well on a two-night Bath break: use one day for the walk and another for the city. Booking an evening activity immediately after the expected finish leaves little room for a slow lunch, muddy paths or extra photographs. Keep that part of the plan flexible.
Bathwick Hill → Sham Castle detour → Bathampton woodland → Claverton Down → woodland and Monument Field → Smallcombe → Bathwick Fields. Follow the Skyline waymarkers and official map through the numerous junctions.
Mapped and ready
See the real route before you set off
Open the interactive map before setting off and save an offline map for the walk.
Step-by-step directions
Follow the route
Climb above Bathwick
Cross to Cleveland Walk, take the uphill footpath towards North Road and climb through the fields. Visit Sham Castle by its short detour, returning to the main trail.
Route advice: Road crossings need care; do not add the castle detour twice.
Parking or booking: There is no National Trust Skyline car park. Use a legitimate city car park or public transport and add the connection to the start.
Across the eastern skyline
Follow the Skyline route through woodland, out across the fields and towards Claverton Down. Use the map at gates and branching woodland paths.
Route advice: Expect uneven quarry-country paths rather than a surfaced promenade.
Parking or booking: Follow the current route signs and access notices.
Woodland and the southern views
Continue through the signed woodland section to the playing-field edge, then follow the route through the valley viewpoints and connecting paths.
Route advice: Keep dogs controlled near grazing land.
Parking or booking: Follow the current route signs and access notices.
Return through Smallcombe
Descend towards Smallcombe, cross the lane and climb back through fields and orchard paths to Bathwick Hill.
Route advice: Save energy for the final climb; the last section is not all downhill.
Parking or booking: Follow the current route signs and access notices.
Before you go
Practical information
Use the route stages with the mapped paths and current signs. A mixture of city-edge roads, grass, woodland, steep steps, rocky sections and gates/stiles. Woodland shade helps in summer; winter mud can slow the route substantially. The walk itself is free. Roman Baths, spa visits and other city activities are separate bookings.
For another day out, see Things to Do in Bath: 15 Best Ideas for a First Visit. For a different route, explore The Cotswold Way, or return to more ideas for Bath.
Parking
There is no National Trust Skyline car park. Use a legitimate city car park or public transport and add the connection to the start.
Tickets and booking
The walk itself is free. Roman Baths, spa visits and other city activities are separate bookings.
Seasonal considerations
Woodland shade helps in summer; winter mud can slow the route substantially.
Toilets and refreshments
Use city facilities before setting out. Refreshment businesses near the route are independent and opening varies.
Terrain
A mixture of city-edge roads, grass, woodland, steep steps, rocky sections and gates/stiles.
Accessibility
The full six-mile circuit is unsuitable for a step-free outing. Choose a separately described accessible route if needed.
Dogs
Keep dogs under effective control; use a lead around livestock, farmland and the woodland play area.
Public transport
Bath Spa station connects with the city bus network. Look for a current service stopping at Cleveland Walk on Bathwick Hill.
Safety
Wear footwear with grip, carry water and allow for several road crossings. The city’s proximity does not remove the need for a route map.
Important cautions
This route has not been personally surveyed by Days Out Now. Follow current access notices and carry a suitable navigation map.
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Useful answers
Bath Skyline Walk: Six-Mile Circular Route from Bathwick FAQs
Does the six miles include the walk from Bath Spa station?
No. The advertised circuit starts at Bathwick Hill; allow extra distance and time from the station.
Can I fit in a city attraction too?
Yes, but allow at least half a day for the walk and avoid a tight timed booking immediately afterwards.
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