Cycling the Bristol to Bath Railway Path: A Perfect Day Trip from London 🚵
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🗓 This guide assumes you can set off early from London or already live close to Bristol or Bath. We did the trip on a Saturday, left London at 08:30 am and came back around 18:30 pm.
About the Bristol to Bath Railway Path
If you're looking for a scenic and active day out, the Bristol to Bath Railway Path offers one of the most enjoyable and accessible cycling routes in the UK!
This 16-mile (26 km) traffic-free path connects two vibrant cities - Bristol and Bath - following a disused railway line. The path is suitable for cyclists of all levels and provides a wonderful escape into nature, while also offering a dose of local history.
The Path is one of the most iconic and well-loved cycle routes in the UK. Originally a railway line, it was converted into a path in the 1980s and has since become a favourite for cyclists, walkers, and families alike. The route winds through lush countryside, scenic river views, and several historic towns.
📍DISTANCE: 16 miles (26 km) one way, 32 miles (52 km) round trip.
⏱️TIME TO COMPLETE: 1:30 - 2 hours each way, depending on your pace.
ELEVATION: The path is mostly flat, with some slight inclines (under 200 meters of ascent for the route), making it suitable for all skill levels.
TERRAIN: Paved and well-maintained, mostly tarmac, making it accessible for all types of bikes.
HISTORICAL SITES: The path passes by old railway stations, bridges, and tunnels, offering a glimpse into its past life as a rail route.
Getting there from London
Let’s dive into the details of how to make this trip happen from London, how to rent a bike, and what to expect from the ride itself.
If you live near Bristol or Bath, you can scroll down to the next section of this guide.
If you live in London you can keep reading.
From London, we suggest you take an early train to Bristol so that you can get started as early as you can AND avoid the weekend tourists.
We took the 8:30 am train from London Paddington Station to Bristol Temple Meads.
From London, reaching Bristol is easy and straightforward. Trains leave frequently from London Paddington Station to Bristol Temple Meads, with journey times ranging from 90 to 120 minutes depending on the service. It's advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially if you plan to bring your own bike. Great Western Railway trains have bike spaces, but they often require prior booking.
For those without a bike, don’t worry. Bike rentals in Bristol are readily available (more on that below). Once you arrive at Bristol Temple Meads, the start of the Bristol to Bath Railway Path is just a short 10-minute ride away.
You can compare prices on comparison websites such as Trainline or Rome2Rio but from our research for this trip, Great Western Railway Website tend to always offer the most affordable price.
It cost us about £50 per person for a open-return ticket meaning we could take the train back to London whenever we were wanted during that day. We booked with a Two Together Railcard which gave us a discount.
overall prices here
Bike Rentals in Bristol
If you're not traveling with your own bike, Bristol offers several excellent rental options. We decided to rent our bikes with Cycle the City - just a 15 minutes walk from the train station - which provides hybrid, road, and even e-bikes to suit all needs. Rates usually start at around £24-£38 for a day's rental, depending on the type of bike. They require advance booking. We selected the hybrid bikes (£24 per bike) and they come in 5 different sizes with helmets, bike locks and repair kits included.
Make sure to bring a photo ID as a deposit.
You can also consider renting an e-bike if you prefer a more relaxed ride, especially for those unfamiliar with longer cycling routes.
Itinerary
Start your journey at Bristol Temple Meads or from the bike rental location If you’re renting a bike and follow the signs to the start of the path near St. Philip's Road.
First Few Miles: As you head out of Bristol, you'll pass through vibrant urban areas before quickly entering a more rural setting. Keep an eye out for the Mangotsfield Station, one of the many remnants of the old railway.
Midway Point: About halfway through, you’ll reach Warmley, a good spot for a quick break. There's a lovely Warmley Waiting Room Café right on the path, serving homemade cakes, coffee, and tea if you need to refuel.
Entering Bath: As you approach Bath, the countryside turns into beautiful Georgian architecture, and soon you'll find yourself in the heart of the city. Bath's Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge are just a short ride from the end of the path.
Once you arrive in Bath, you’ll definitely want to enjoy a well-deserved lunch before heading back to Bristol. Here are a few great options for cyclists:
Things to do in Bath
If you have time, you may want to spend a few hours visiting Bath. If you don't want to, skip to next section in this guide. Here are 5 things to see & do:
The return journey to Bristol
Once you’re done exploring Bath, it’s time to head back to Bristol. The return ride takes roughly the same amount of time (1:30 - 2 hours), and you’ll be treated to more of the beautiful countryside, with the sun lowering in the sky providing a different perspective of the landscape.
If you’re pressed for time or tired after lunch, there’s always the option of catching a train back from Bath Spa Station to Bristol Temple Meads. Trains run frequently, and the journey is just 12 minutes. You could also take the train back to London from Bath but if you rented your bikes in Bristol, you will to go back there first.
Interesting Facts
Built on History: The path follows the route of the old Midland Railway, which ran between Bristol and Bath from 1869 until it was closed in the 1960s. In 1986, Sustrans and local volunteers began converting it into the traffic-free route you see today.
Wildlife Haven: Along the way, keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and even the occasional deer.
Sculpture Stops: Scattered along the path are various sculptures, from life-sized railway workers to stone markers, celebrating the heritage of the old railway.
Community Spirit: The path is a beloved local amenity, maintained by volunteers who ensure it's clean, safe, and accessible.
Accessibility: The flat terrain and well-maintained surface mean that the path is perfect for all abilities, whether you're walking, cycling, or pushing a pram.
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