Image shared for Bath Skyline hills and Rainbow Wood from central Bath
Countryside Circular

Bath Skyline hills and Rainbow Wood from central Bath

Somerset

Distance
7.3 mi
Est. time
4h 30m
Difficulty
Medium
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at the north-west pedestrian entrance to Manvers Street council car park. Walk north to North Parade, cross the Avon on North Parade Bridge and use the Pulteney Road and Bathwick Hill pavements to reach Cleveland Walk. The countryside circuit then follows the clockwise Bath Skyline paths through Sham Castle Down, Bathwick Wood, Bathampton Down and Bathampton Wood. Pass Bushey Norwood, the university boundary gates and stone stile, then continue across Claverton Down to Rainbow Wood and the viewpoints above Lyncombe Vale.

At Widcombe Hill, leave the Skyline waymarks and follow the pavement downhill towards Widcombe. Return along the Pulteney Road pavement and North Parade Bridge to the car park. This city-start variation deliberately leaves out the final Smallcombe Vale and Richens Orchard section of the standard National Trust loop. The orchard can close while sheep are grazing. Sham Castle is visible near the bench above the field steps; its optional out-and-back detour is not included in this route.

Allow about 4 hours 30 minutes. Expect sustained climbs, steep steps, gates, a stone stile and narrow, rocky woodland paths. Grass and limestone can be slippery after rain. Wear walking footwear, keep to the established paths and use care at road crossings. There is a short road section near Claverton Hill; watch for traffic. Dogs need close control and leads near livestock and through the woodland play area.

Manvers Street parking is open 24 hours with no maximum stay; charges apply and the height limit is 2 metres. During the May-November 2026 street works, vehicle access is via Pierrepont Street and pedestrian footways remain open. Check the current tariff and signs. Shops and refreshments are available in Bath and Widcombe; carry water for the rural section.

Route and access information: National Trust Bath Skyline walk and 2026 map, with Bath and North East Somerset Council parking and Manvers Street works information. Check current notices before setting out.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/bath-skyline/bath-skyline-walk
https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/manvers-street-works

Walk details

County
Somerset
Walk type
Circular
Category
Countryside
Distance
7.3 mi (11.7 km)
Est. time
4h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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