Bristol and Bath Railway Path

This old railway path used to connect Bristol to Bath (and beyond) until its closure in the 1960s. It runs for 15 miles (24 kilometres), beginning in Bristol and passing through suburbs like Easton, Fishponds, and Staple Hill before seeing its way through South Gloucestershire villages such as Mangotsfield, Warmley, Bitton and Saltford, ultimately ending in Bath's own Newbridge. 

Now it makes up part of the National Cycle Network (Route 4, to be specific) and you can easily follow on the West Bath River side path into Bath's city centre.  Cross over the River Avon at Kelston Park and take in the beautiful views, or take a detour at Eastville Park to explore the Frome Valley Walkway. 

The path is also an important wildlife corridor with fascinating history (especially to railway enthusiasts), and it's estimated that over one million trips are taken on the path a year. The path can also be accessed from Bristol's Temple Meads station, as well as Bath Spa and Oldfield Park stations. The branch from Mangotsfield Station has a 1.1 km section from Shortwood to Coxgrove Hill which is the only section of the Path open to horse riders.