Travel bucket list idea:
Walk or cycle to Warleigh Weir
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)
Credit Shutterstock.com/Balint Koban
Last updated: 18 March, 2024
This relaxed, car-free level cycle or walk makes the perfect country escape from Bath, especially on a hot summer’s day.
After following the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath for three miles of brightly painted canal boats, honey-hued villages and a few tempting pubs, you’ll reach Warleigh Weir. This wide cascade, with a still pool feeding it, is classed as Designated Bathing Water – so you can hop in for a spot of wild swimming (so remember to take your swimmers).
The Weir is also flanked by a field – ideal for a picnic next to the historic Claverton Pumping Station.
While you're there
Stop for a coffee at the dinky Café on The Barge, a converted canal boat that does great sticky cakes. You can call in at two good country pubs, The George and the riverside Bathampton Mill.
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 1-3 hours
Getting there & doing it
The towpath is very simple to follow – just cycle with the water on your right to reach the Weir at Claverton in three miles (you’ll share the wide path with walkers and joggers) and then pedal back the way you came. If you’re up for an all-day adventure you can continue along the towpath to reach Bradford-On-Avon (and lovely riverside pub the Cross Guns along the way), nine miles from Bath.
Bike hire is widely available in Bath. Green Park Bike Station rent bikes for around £30 for a day. The Julian House Bike Workshop hire E-bikes for half a day and full days.
When to do it
The canal path is open year-round, but late spring to early autumn offers the balmiest weather for a relaxed cycle and swim.
Saturdays and Sundays on the towpath do get busy with pedalling families, and on hot weekends in the school holidays Warleigh Weir is full of swimmers cooling off, so, if possible, pick a weekday for a quieter cycle without the crowds.
