Beyond Bath > Limpley Stoke and Midford Valleys

Limpley Stoke and Midford Valleys

Before ending its journey in Bath the Kennet and Avon canal meanders through the Limpley Stoke Valley. Once a bustling canal connecting London with the port of Bristol, it is now a pleasant setting for waterside strolls and holidays onboard colourful narrowboats.

The history of this water route can still be seen in the engineering landmarks along its course, such as the Pumping Station at Claverton and the aqueducts at Dundas and Avoncliff. The Waterfront Visitor Centre at Limpley Stoke is a good starting point to find out more about the waterway. A section of the old Somerset Coal Canal can still be seen here which once linked the Somerset coalfield to the Kennet and Avon.

The wooded Limpley Stoke Valley is a tranquil setting, dotted with sleepy villages such as Bathampton, Freshford and Avoncliff. Landmarks include Brown's Folly above the hill at Bathford and, just off the A36 at Claverton, is the American Museum in Britain. This unique museum features displays on American life from colonial times to the 19th century. The manor is located in grounds with views across the valley.

Nestled uphill from the Waterfront Visitor Centre are picturesque villages and hamlets such as Monkton Combe, South Stoke and Tucking Mill. At Midford remnants of the Somerset Coal Canal can be seen, while the area is also rich in railway history.

This is also the setting for the National Cycle Route 24 which will eventually run from Dundas to Southampton and Portsmouth. The traffic-free path is a work in progress although some sections are now complete, providing a pleasant route for cyclists and walkers. From Dundas to Monkton Combe the path follows an old railway route. Between Midford and Radstock the route traces the old Somerset and Dorset railway that once brought coal from the Somerset coalfields.

An afternoon spent exploring the heritage of this area on foot or bike should be rewarded by a pint in one of the many local inns.

How to get here: From Bath take the A36 heading towards Warminster. There is parking at the Waterfront Visitor Centre or you may want to turn right up Brassknocker Hill and follow signs to Monkton Combe. Click on the RAC website for a detailed routeplanner. For information on bus routes and timetables see First Group. For a rail journey through the Limpley Stoke Valley take the Southampton line from Bath Spa Railway Station and alight at Freshford or Avoncliff (watch out, though, as these are usually request stops only). See National Rail Journey Planner.For information on walking and cycling along the Colliers Way see www.bathnes.gov.uk or Sustrans

Explore further:
'Rivers, Villages and Valleys' - an illustrated journey through North East Somerset, Bristol and Bath. (£3.95 from Bath Tourist Information Centre)
'Cycling in Bath & beyond' (£3.95 from Bath Tourist Information Centre)
'Heritage & Country Walks' (£2.50 from Bath Tourist Information Centre)

Drop into Bath's Tourist Information Centre for a selection of free leaflets on the Limpley Stoke & Midford valleys.