Tunnels and Kennet and Avon Canal Walk

Description

(D/A) Starting from Bath Spa Railway Station, go through the tunnel to the side away from City centre. Cross the bridge over the River Avon. Look to the left to see where the Kennet and Avon Canal comes into the Avon. Soon reach a traffic light over two busy roads. Cross here and take Lyncombe Hill, the road heading uphill. Turn right onto Calton Road, then immediately start ascending the path you see on your left.this is steep and mostly uses steps. Keep going to the very top reaching Alexandra Park. Enjoy views over Bath as you get your breath back.

(1) From lookout point continue around the hilltop anti-clockwise, right with your back to Bath. About 1/4 of way round turn onto Shakespeare Avenue which descends the hill. At the bottom turn left onto a busy main road. Very soon take a road forking right. Soon you will see a park on your right.go through the park to the far corner diagonally.

(2) Go through a gate taking you to the Two Tunnels Greenway, i.e Somerset and Dorset railway track. This is a cycle and pedestrian route. Turn left onto it and keep walking through the two tunnels. They are dimly lit so you can see where you are going.

(3) When you come out of the 2nd tunnel you cross a viaduct. Straight after going through a gate on your left and descend to Tucking Mill reservoir. Follow the path out onto a lane. Turn left. Follow the Lane to Monkton Combe.

(4) See a church on your right, and go through the churchyard. Look out for Harry Patch's grave. Out the far side of the churchyard follow the village street past a pub and a private school on your right. Take the footpath which goes right and downhill between school buildings. Follow the path bearing left steeply to a lane. Cross the lane and turn left on the footpath which drops down to run alongside school playing fields. This goes under the A36 viaduct. Cross the B3108 and go left a few paces then into the entrance and car park for the short arm of the Somerset Coal Canal the by a cafe and boatyard. Proceed along the canal and shortly reach The Kennet and Avon Canal.

(5) Dundas Aquaduct__ is on your right. Once you have looked at this cross over where the Somerset Coal Canal joins the Kennet & Avon Canal. Turn right then right over a bridge over the K & A Canal. Follow the towpath on its right side all the way back to Bath. In Bath pass through Sydney Gardens and under A36 Sydney Road still on the canal towpath. The towpath crosses the canal in front of Cleveland House and continues on the left side. At next bridge cross the canal again and descend the flight of steps by Tesco Express store. Continue on right side of canal past locks to the main road. Cross the road. Take the path to the left of the canal under A36.

(6) Where the canal reaches the Avon, you need to look out for a path up to the road, and continue in the same direction. Soon you can take the footbridge back to Bath Spa Railway Station.(D/A)