Beyond Bath > Avon Valley and Keynsham

Avon Valley and Keynsham

The River Avon flows through Bath on its way to the historic port of Bristol. For a leisurely view of the city from the water's edge hop on board one of the passenger boats that cruise up and down the river.

Travelling west from Bath is the riverside settlement of Saltford, with its own marina, pubs and Brass Mill, one of over 30 mills that were once powered by the Avon.

Nearby is the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, (part of the National Cycle Network 3) which runs along an old railway track. It provides level walking and cycling as well as refreshment stops and places of interest en route.

Railway enthusiasts will be delighted by a stop at Avon Valley Railway at Bitton, just off the path. Here steam trains run to the edge of the scenic Avon Valley and there are themed days for all the family.

For a leisurely day out on the river's edge, Avon Valley Country Park near Keynsham is a family park with nature trail, friendly animals and adventure play area.

Nearby, Keynsham is a modern town with a rich history. Sited at the confluence of the Rivers Avon and Chew and surrounded by pastures and woodland it has been inhabited since early times.

The Romans built villas in the surrounding area and it is believed that the Saxons later sited a minster in the town. Keynsham Abbey was founded by the Normans but later fell into ruin after the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539. Keynsham's abundant supply of water means the town's history has long been entwined with the mills surrounding the area.

Today the town offers High Street shopping, leisure facilities, bars and restaurants and a pleasant waterside park. A farmer's market is held on the second Saturday of each month. Annual events include a free music festival in July and Victorian Christmas Evening.

To explore the town further the Mosaic Trail is a walking route based on ten mosaics that illustrate Keynsham's history. Other walking routes in the area include the River Avon Trail and the Community Forest Path.

How to get here: From Bath take the A4 which passes by Saltford and the edge of Keynsham, en route to Bristol. Click on the RAC website for a detailed routeplanner. Keynsham train station is a short walk from the town centre, and is on the Bath to Bristol line. For information on bus routes and timetable see First Group. Further information on train times from National Rail Journey Planner.

Find out more:
'Rivers, Villages and Valleys' - an illustrated journey through North East Somerset, Bristol and Bath (£3.95 available from Bath Tourist Information Centre)
'Cycling in Bath and beyond' (£3.95 from Bath Tourist Information Centre)

Drop into Bath's Tourist Information Centre for a selection of free leaflets on the Avon Valley.

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