We are the West Wiltshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
The main focus of this walk is to follow the way Bath developed in the 18thC and early 19thC into the most fashionable spa town in Britain. It starts on North Parade where some of the earliest rented houses were built and follows some of the main features within the old city walls (including places where ‘Bridgerton’ was filmed…feel free to dress in period costume!!!) and then on to Queen Square, The Circus and Royal Crescent, all demonstrating the Palladian stylings of John Wood the Elder and his son. The walk then continues up towards Lansdown Crescent where the styling changes from severe Enlightenment classicism to the embracing of the cult of Sensibility and then curvaceous (!!!) Romanticism. The walk finishes in the Pultney estate, a grandiose late-18thC plan that was only partially completed due to an economic crash (HS2 anyone?). Even if you know Bath there should be some surprises. There are some great views from Beacon Hill. Two stops – either bring your own refreshments or make use of the plentiful cafes. Time will be given to indulge.
Please TEXT the walk leader to book a place.
Unlike the 2023 walk there will be no country walk before. This is a history/culture walk similar to the 2024 walk in Bristol. If any other walk leader would like to do a normal walk there is no problem with them running together as they will be very different.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT US USING THE EMAIL BUTTON ABOVE
Meet at North Parade where the pedestrianised Duke Street meets it – just west of the bridge overlooking Bath City Parade Gardens, in the shadow of St. John the Evangelist church. If coming by car you can use one of the Park and Rides – pay on bus and it covers parking. I have put in a late start of 10.30 as this accommodates train arrivals from Trowbridge, Chippenham and Frome (latter seems to be bus replacement). The start is 5 mins from Bath Spa station – straight up Manvers Street, turn right at North Parade.
