Walking in the footsteps of Jane Austen: Bath, 7 or 11 miles, moderate

“Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?" - Northanger Abbey, chapter 10

2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, one of the world’s most beloved authors. To celebrate, the Berkshire Walkers will be having a series of walks across the year visiting sites connected with Austen.

Advance booking is not required, but if you plan on attending this walk, please indicate this on Meetup if you can, so others can see that there will be plenty of people going.

Pace: medium. Ascent: 387m.

This walk will be led by Tom H..

Please see our website for more information about the group.

Walk details

In 1801, when Jane Austen moved here with her family from Hampshire, Bath was one of the largest cities in Britain; a popular centre of society and fashion where the upper and middle classes flocked to “take the waters”. Much of the architecture the city is famous for today dates from this time.

Despite Bath's close association with Austen, and the enthusiasm for it expressed by Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey (quoted above), it is clear that the author was not happy during her time in the city. She wrote little until the family returned to Hampshire in 1806.

We start by walking up the Bath lock flight on the Kennet and Avon Canal. The eastern end of the K&A features regularly on our walks and this is a good chance to see a different bit of it! We’ll walk past Bath Deep Lock, the second deepest lock on the UK canal network. After leaving the canal, it’s a steep climb up through Bath streets with the view behind us of the city centre opening out. After passing the Sham Castle folly, we’ll follow the National Trust’s Bath Skyline route along the edge of Bathampton and Claverton Downs.

The Skyline route offers fine views across Bath. We’ll pass through the picturesque Smallcombe Valley before returning to the city centre along one of Bath’s most famous and attractive streets, Great Pulteney Street. At this point - around 7 miles into the walk - it is possible to drop out. However, the walk will continue by exploring Bath city centre, passing all the main sites. We’ll turn around again at the Royal Crescent and return to the station via the River Avon.

Travel details

By public transport

Please travel on the 09.25 departure from Reading if travelling by train. The walk leader intends to travel on this train, if it is delayed the start of the walk may be as well.

To reduce the costs, it is recommended that train tickets are bought ahead of the day of the walk, with a split at Didcot Parkway. This also allows those of us with Network Railcards only to use them on the Reading-Didcot ticket. The walk leader is prepared to answer any questions about ticket-splitting.

If you do not have a railcard, you may be able to travel with others in the same position using the GroupSave discount (valid for groups between 3 and 9). It is suggested that you post in the Berkshire Walkers Facebook group or the event page on Meetup to find others.

By car

Please use any car park in central Bath within walking distance of the station if travelling by car. The closest are at the SouthGate shopping centre and Manvers Street. Please also consider using the Park and Ride buses: https://travelwest.info/park-ride

Dogs

Dogs welcome on this walk, provided they are kept under control at all times and placed on a lead when requested by the walk leader.

Please see our dogs policy on our group website for more details.

Notes

• Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
• It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.

Please see our group website for more information: https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/

Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on our website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day in enough time to be helpful.