Cold Ashton to Bath*
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Parade Gardens, BathPhoto: Macs Adventure
The last section of the Cotswold Way takes you across fields and historic battlefields before descending into the Regency splendour of Bath and the end of your journey.
Leaving Cold Ashton the route crosses the A46 for the last time and heads along Greenway Lane before the ascent up onto Lansdown Hill. Crossing the Civil War battlefield to the Grenville Monument, the Cotswold Way heads out to the scarp edge at Hanging Hill and around Bath Race Course to Prospect Stile Viewpoint, and fine vistas of your final destination. Now it’s downhill and into through the suburbs, parks and historic streets of Bath to the finish at the Abbey.
Author’s recommendation
Enjoy the final day of peace and tranquillity in the Cotswold countryside before the hustle and bustle of the tourist honey pot of Bath. Reflect on your personal achievement and savour the moment – it has been a long way from Chipping Campden. The meadows in spring support many species of butterflies especially the Common Blue, Orange Tip, Brimstone, Peacock etc.
The Cotswold Way is well marked so navigation should be straight forward. Look out for the acorn signs which are the National Trail Markers.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
The only hazard you will encounter today is traffic. The main roads you have to cross today can be extremely busy at peak times. Please exercise extreme care and only cross when the road is clear.
When walking around the Golf Course be alert for golfers playing their shots and always remember to give way if needed.
Tips and hints
There are no facilities on today’s walk to Bath until you get into the outskirts and then the centre. So be sure to carry what you need for this final stretch.
Points of Interest
Lansdown Battlefield.
This was a key battle in the defence of Bath during the Civil War between two commanders who had been boyhood friends and who had fought together during the 30 Years War. The information boards give a real feel for the engagement and surveying the landscape you can almost imagine the intensity of the conflict. Of some 2000 Royalist’s taking part only 600 are thought to have survived.
http://www.battlefieldsofbritain.co.uk/battle_lansdown_hill_1643.html
Grenville Monument.
The monument stands on the spot where Sir Brevill Grenville, a Royalist Commander was killed at the Battle of Lansdown 0n 1643 during the Civil War. He later was taken to the Manor House at Cold Ashton then later buried in Cornwall. The monument was erected by his grandson in 1720 before going into exile in France as the representative of the Jacobite, James Edward Stuart.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/sir-bevil-grenvilles-monument/
Bath.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Regency splendour of Bath is one of England’s most popular tourist destinations. Originally the Roman town of Aqua Sulis it was famous for its mineral springs and their healing properties. Successive occupations by the Saxons and Normans were superseded by the 15 th century Abbey. Present day Bath is a show piece of elegance and symmetry epitomised by the Royal Crescent, The Circus, Queen Square and Lansdown Crescent.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
These maps and routes are designed to be used in conjunction with our traditional documentation. We have recently embarked on a conversion initiative to bring the two elements together, and this itinerary will be covered in due course.
In the meantime, using the two elements alongside each other should go a long way to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and problem free day.
Coordinates
Equipment
Good comfortable boots or walking shoes are recommended. The ground can be quite soft and the paths are well used by walkers and riders. Whilst the terrain is not particularly difficult it can be muddy with some waterlogged stretches after heavy rain. Walking poles are an option if preferred. The British weather is changeable so waterproofs should also be carried just in case.
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