Visitor info
Bath River Line is a 10km riverside trail that runs through the historic centre of Bath, connecting Newbridge and Batheaston.
Join anywhere to explore the city’s thriving green spaces, riverside habitats and industrial heritage.
Bath River Line is easy to join at any of the ‘stops’ or bridges along the route. The Park & Rides offer an easy way back into town at either end of the route.
- Newbridge Park & Ride on Newbridge Road (BA1 3NB) offers free parking and a frequent bus (Service 21) into Bath city centre. The carpark is located at one end of the Bath River Line. Buses run every 15 minutes. All buses are wheelchair and pushchair accessible
- Lansdown and Odd Down Park & Ride take you into Bath City Centre, approximately a five-minute walk to Churchill Bridge. From there, you can travel east or west along the Bath River Line.
Bath River Line is easy to access throughout the route. See the interactive map to find the nearest access point to the river.
If walking from further afield, various other trails intersect with Bath River Line:
- The Bristol to Bath Railway Path crosses the river at Newbridge, where you can join the start of the Bath River Line on foot.
- Several Bathscape walks intersect with the Bath River Line
- The Canal and River’s Trust Walk around Bath from Darlington Wharf offers a two mile circular walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal with an audio trail.
- CRT Bath Locks guide
- CRT Bathampton guide
Please note, the section between Newbridge and Brassmill Lane is pedestrian only. Bathampton Meadows is inaccessible to wheelchairs.
The Bristol to Bath Railway Path, is a 13-mile (21 km) traffic-free, multi-use trail following a former Midland Railway line connecting Bristol and Bath. It joins the Bath River Line at Brassmill Lane, and forms a key part of NCN 4 which passes along the river to Norfolk Crescent. NCN4 then heads off into the city centre, rejoining the Bath River Line at Pulteney Bridge.
The Two Tunnels Circuit is a 13-mile loop that includes NCN 244 (the tunnels) but also uses parts of NCN 4 (the Kennet & Avon Canal) and NCN 24 (the Colliers Way) to complete the circular route back to Bath. This route joins the Bath River Line at the Locksbrook Campus from the Fieldings Road Footbridge.
NCN 244 (The Two Tunnels Greenway) is a 4-mile, largely traffic-free, and scenic section that runs directly through the Combe Down tunnels between Bath and Midford.
Where cyclists share the route with pedestrians – please follow the Code of Conduct and give priority to walkers for a pleasant experience. Bike Racks are available throughout Bath.
Bath Bus Station is located next to Churchill Bridge, making it easy and quick to access the centre of the Bath River Line.
- Service 3 (First Bus) runs between Bathford, Batheaston, the RUH and Bath city centre, stopping along London Road – ideal for accessing Bathampton Meadows and Batheaston.
- Service 13 and D1/D1x also travel to Batheaston and Bathampton via the city centre and connects surrounding towns and villages.
- Service 39/X39 connects Bristol with Bath Bus Station, stopping at Newbridge.
Bath Spa Station, located in the city centre, is approximately a five-minute walk to Churchill Bridge. From there, you can travel east or west along the Bath River Line.
Public parking is available at Newbridge Park & Ride, Avon Street Carpark and at the Batheaston car park on London Road East (free for two hours with disabled bays). Check our interactive map for details
We want everyone to enjoy the Bath River Line. The riverside paths can vary in surface and width. Here’s what you need to know:
- Between Newbridge and Brassmill Lane the path is narrow and includes some gravel sections. The surface is uneven and there is no barrier between the river path and the river.
- Between Brassmill Lane and Bathampton Meadows the path has a level tarmac surface suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs. Following heavy rain, water can pool on the surface of the path, and you might encounter silt that has been left behind after a flood.
- There are two points along this stretch where you encounter steps - at these locations a step-free route is indicated on the wayfinding signage.
- The western entrance to Bathampton Meadows currently includes a kissing gate, which restricts access for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The meadows themselves have limited paved paths and, as a floodplain, can become flooded after heavy rain. An alternative route follows the canal to Mill Lane, connecting to the eastern side of the meadows.
- A gravel footpath and a pedestrian bridge takes you to the eastern entrance to Bathampton Meadows, and a carpark on London Road East (What 3 words) ///lock.link.vibe
- There are times of the year when sections of the path are flooded and not accessible. Alternative routes are marked on wayfinding signage at each site.
- Bathampton Meadows access information
Key accessible entrances include
- Brassmill Lane
- Bath Spa University Locksbrook Campus
- Windsor Bridge
- Destructor Bridge
- Comfortable Place (from Summer 2026)
- Victoria Bridge
- Nelson Villas, Green Park
- Bath Quays Waterside, off Rossiter Road
The Bath River Line is a space for everyone – pedestrians, cyclists, wheelers, families and pets. Some sections are narrow, so please follow our Code of Conduct:
- Slow down near pedestrians and give them priority
- Use a bell or call out politely when passing
- Keep dogs under control and on a lead where paths are busy
- Be considerate – share the space safely
Accessible toilets and seating are available at major points along the route. Check our interactive map for details. Carparks are also located on the map along with nearby places to eat and drink.
If you have specific accessibility requirements or questions, please contact us at mailto:riveravon@bathnes.gov.uk
Our goal is to make the Bath River Line safe and enjoyable for everyone. If you have feedback, we’d love to hear from you.
The River Avon is a beautiful part of Bath, but it can be dangerous. Cold water, strong currents and hidden hazards mean accidents can happen quickly. Whether you’re walking, cycling or relaxing along the Bath River Line, please stay alert and follow these safety tips.
If Someone Is Struggling in the Water
- NEVER enter the water yourself – you could get into trouble too.
- CALL 999 immediately and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service.
- TELL them to float on their back – 'Float to Live'.
- THROW them something that floats – a bag, ball or rescue equipment.
Watch the RNLI’s Float to Live video:
Along the Bath River Line, you’ll spot River Rescue Cabinets containing lifesaving equipment. Knowing where they are could save a life.
Watch how they work:
Jumping into rivers from bridges or high banks is extremely dangerous. Cold water shock, strong currents and hidden debris can cause serious injury or death. Enjoy the river safely from the path.
For more river safety tips and information visit Avon Fire & Rescue website.