Places to ride
Points of Interest Bath is renowned for it’s history and culture. The map on page 2 shows where you can find it all. Roman Baths 01225 477785 Email: romanbaths-bookings@bathnes.gov.uk The Abbey 01225 422462 Email: office@bathabbey.org The Royal Crescent No 1 Royal Crescent, BA1 2LR 01225 428126 Jane Austen Centre 40 Gay Street, Queen Square, BA1 2NT 01225 443000 Holburne Museum of Art Great Pulteney Street, BA2 4DB 01225 466669
Kennet & avon canal
If your after a quiet, peaceful bike ride, wether your on holiday or just want to escape the city then this historic cycle path is just for you. Covering many miles of weaving waterway, it can take you all the way to Reading if your fit enough! Along it’s idyllic path you ride past some of the most spectacular scenery Bath has to offer, from views of the world famous Cresent to a totally unique sight of Bath in all it’s glory, busy, energetic and alive. Appreciated all the more from afar. On a more natural note, the trail also engulfs itself in it’s more natural surroundings. From huge Oak trees swallowing you in their shade, to squirrels racing alongside your bike with nuts in their mouths. Possibly the most beautiful and revered sight of all is when you come to Divizes. After clocking up an impressive 22 miles already on the trail, you are greeted with one of the most impressive sights that can’t be found anywhere else in the UK. 16 locks, one after the other. These were engineered as a solution to climbing the very steep hill in Devizes and were the last part of the Kennet and Avon canal to be completed. The 16 Caen Hill locks are only part of a wider picture you’ll find in Devizes. In all, 29 locks can be found in just over two miles.
Bristol & bath cycle path If a shorter, equally idyllic ride more your thing, then the Bristol to Bath railway path is equally as impressive. Merging tranquil countryside and a 13-mile o-road route seamlessly. The path is many things to many people. Its an integral commuting route for some, avoiding the busy main roads of the daily slog during the week whilst turning into an attractive leisure path and important wildlife corridor for families and enthusiast alike. Along the path you can discover some fascinating history thanks to the art installations that a scattered periodically along its trails. The trail has something for everyone and is bound to be a winner for the kids.
Pedal Pushers
Kids aren’t easy to please, we all know that. They want excitement! And that’s where Victoria Park comes up trumps! It’s the perfect place for kids of all ages. You can ride around the park on the bike friendly roads, take in the bird sanctuary or relax by the lake and feed the pigeons. After that, feed yourself and have a picnic in the park. After the family’s tummies are full its play time. From zip line to swings, sand pits to slides, the park has it all. If they’re on the more extreme side of fun, bring their bikes down to the ramps. This friendly corner of the park suits kids of all ages and abilities. The park is free to enter and is the best way to break up any family bike ride. Go on, give the kids a treat.
Johns Bikes: If you want bikes, and everything about them, you’re in the right place! The shop stocks a huge array of bikes, from track to mountain, kids bikes to the latest and greatest models. They encourage you to try the bikes, click the gears, squeeze the brakes and fall in love with it before you buy. Bike hire also available. 01225 464207
Johns bikes repair shop: No time to do that all-important annual service yourself? Bring your bike in to these guys and they’ll give it all the tender loving care it deserves. Their dedicated workshop has all the latest kit and a team of experts who just love to get their hands on every type of bike. Tel: 01225 464207 Total Fitness: its owned and run by an ex-triathlete. The rest of the team are all keen cyclists who will offer you the best kind of advice and the right kind of equipment. The shop has all sorts of cycling and triathlon goodies crammed into it. Tel: 01225 431468
Avon Valley Cyclery: It can be found at the back of the railway station. It’s hidden away from town but definitely worth investigating. They stock a huge array of accessories and clothes and are Baths specialist in the increasingly popular, folding bicycles. Not only this but they have their own workshop and cycle repair centre. Tel: 01225 442442
Chain Reaction
Chain Reaction’s belief is that everyone should cycle. Whether it’s for fun, fitness or you just want to do your bit for the environment. Cycling is the way forward. It’s cheap, healthy and leaves no carbon footprint, so, what are you waiting for? This short, fun and informative guide takes you through the best of Bath, from the Royal Crescent to Bath Abbey, cycle routes to cycle shops. Chain Reaction was founded as a response to the continual threat of global warming. So come and join us and help spread the word across the city. You never know, you may end up being part of your own, Chain Reaction.