An active guide for visitors to Bath

With Bath fast becoming one of the top outdoor destinations in the South West, surrounded by stunning countryside and waterways, there’s no excuse not to get out and explore in whatever way and whichever sport you choose – by running, cycling, swimming or walking.​

Triathletes

Bath and its surrounds has everything a triathlete needs for a fun training weekend. The Olympic-sized swimming pool at the University of Bath, quiet and smooth tarmac roads in the Cotswolds and a mix of traffic-free paths along the canal and hillside tracks mean quality resources in a beautiful setting. This will transform even the hardest session into pure enjoyment!

Cyclists

​Mountain bikers and road cyclists are spoilt for choice with Bath boasting top quality routes, from city-based to country hills. A mixed network of bridleways and cycle paths including the Bristol to Bath Cycle Path, The Colliers Way and the Kennet and Avon Canal journey through scenic, traffic-free countryside. Bath is also home to the Global Cycling Network or GCN – fans and followers may recognise local scenery from their videos.

Recreational, trail and ultra runners

​From the city centre, runners and joggers can easily access the network of tracks along the Avon Valley and into the hills to enjoy a mix of meadow and woodland trails. With some seriously steep climbs within a short distance of Bath, even the most hardcore athlete will find a challenging route! Fancy a race weekend? Why not try the Bath Half Marathon held annually in March?

Walkers, hikers and ramblers

​A number of the country’s long-distance walking paths are accessible from Bath or within easy reach by public transport. The Cotswold Way, Limestone Link and Macmillan Way provide numerous routes through some of the region’s iconic countryside, not to mention offering delicious refreshments at cafés and pubs along the way!

Retail therapy and well earned recovery

​Independent retailers such as Total Fitness and Running Bath will keep you on track, and you can recover from a hard day with relaxing spa options at Radiance Wellbeing and Thermae Bath Spa.

For your 2019 outdoor break, visit Bath for a fun, challenging and active experience worth making a habit of!