How long is the Bath Skyline walk?

The full National Trust loop is about 6 miles, but this specific viewpoint-focused route takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. The duration depends on how long you spend at Prior Park and Alexandra Park for photography.

Is Sham Castle worth visiting?

Yes, Sham Castle is a unique 18th-century folly that provides excellent photo opportunities. It is a fascinating example of Georgian 'eye-catchers' and offers a great view of the city without the crowds.

Where do I start the hike to Alexandra Park?

The hike typically begins at Widcombe Parade, just behind Bath Spa Station. From there, you follow the pedestrian signs for Beechen Cliff or Alexandra Park, which involves a steep climb up several flights of stairs.

Are there toilets on the Bath Skyline route?

Toilets are limited along the trail. You can find facilities at the start near Bath Spa Station and at the end within Prior Park Landscape Garden (for visitors). It is best to use facilities in Widcombe before starting the ascent.

Is the hike to Prior Park difficult?

The hike is rated as moderate due to the steep hills. While the paths are well-maintained, the elevation gain requires a basic level of fitness and comfortable walking shoes, as there are many steps and slopes.

Can I see the Royal Crescent from the hills?

Yes, Alexandra Park offers a clear, elevated view of the Royal Crescent. While it is about a mile away, the elevated perspective allows you to see the full architectural scale of the Crescent and the Circus.

What is the best time for photography in Bath?

Late afternoon, or 'golden hour,' is the best time for photography on this route. The sun sets behind the hills, illuminating the Bath stone buildings in a warm glow, which is particularly beautiful from Alexandra Park.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

While most visitors to Bath remain within the golden-hued streets of the city center, this self-guided walk invites you to look upward and outward. The Skyline Viewpoint Hike is a journey through the vertical layers of Bath, transitioning from the bustling independent shops of Widcombe Parade to the serene heights of the hills that cradle the city. On this neighborhood stroll, you will experience the dramatic contrast between urban Georgian elegance and the rugged, natural beauty of the Somerset countryside. This route is specifically designed for those who want to see the city from a different perspective, away from the typical walking tour Bath offers in the crowded squares. You will begin in the historic district of Widcombe, once a separate village, before ascending toward Alexandra Park. From here, the city unfolds like a map, revealing the intricate patterns of the Royal Crescent and the Abbey from a distance. The path then leads you through the quiet, overgrown beauty of Smallcombe Cemetery, a hidden Victorian gem where nature has reclaimed the landscape. As you climb higher toward Bathwick Hill, the architecture shifts to grand suburban villas before reaching the whimsical Sham Castle. This is not a guided tour Bath visitors usually find; instead, it is an independent exploration of the 'Green Belt' that defines the city's unique character. The final leg takes you to the world-renowned Prior Park Landscape Garden, home to one of the few Palladian bridges remaining on the planet. Throughout this walking route, the focus remains on photography and the natural environment, providing ample opportunity to capture the iconic skyline. Whether you are seeking a peaceful escape or a moderate physical challenge, this self-guided adventure offers a comprehensive look at why Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site, not just for its buildings, but for its integration with the surrounding landscape. Prepare for steep inclines and breathtaking rewards as you discover the wilder side of this historic city.

Highlights

Panoramic 360-degree views of Bath from Alexandra Park

The peaceful, atmospheric Victorian graves of Smallcombe Cemetery

Grand Georgian architecture along the ascent of Bathwick Hill

The curious 18th-century folly known as Sham Castle

The iconic Palladian Bridge at Prior Park Landscape Garden

Exploring the independent spirit of the Widcombe neighborhood

Tour Stops (6)

Widcombe Parade

Your self-guided adventure begins in Widcombe, a neighborhood that feels like a village within the city. Once the industrial heart of Bath due to its proximity to the Kennet and Avon Canal, Widcombe Parade is now a charming stretch of independent businesses. As you stand here, notice the transition from the grand Roman and Georgian center just across the river to this more intimate, local atmosphere. The architecture here is a mix of styles, reflecting its history as a hub for trade and transport. This is the perfect place to gather your thoughts before the ascent begins. Take a moment to appreciate the Widcombe Social Club and the nearby St. Thomas à Becket Church, which dates back to the 15th century. From here, the route starts to climb, leaving the level ground of the river valley behind for the high viewpoints that define the Bath skyline.

Alexandra Park

After a steady climb, you reach Alexandra Park, situated atop Beechen Cliff. Opened in 1902 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Alexandra, this park offers what many consider the definitive view of Bath. From the wooded perimeter, the entire city is laid out before you in a sea of honey-colored Bath stone. You can easily spot the Gothic tower of Bath Abbey, the curved line of the Royal Crescent, and the modern Thermae Bath Spa. This site was a favorite of the painter Thomas Gainsborough and the novelist Jane Austen, both of whom appreciated the dramatic perspective provided by the cliff. It is a prime spot for photography, especially as the sun begins to dip, casting long shadows across the valley. The park itself is a peaceful green space, popular with locals for its quiet walks and panoramic benches.

Smallcombe Cemetery

Descending slightly from the high ridge, you enter Smallcombe Cemetery, a place where time seems to stand still. This Victorian burial ground is a beautiful example of a 'garden cemetery,' where nature and memorialization coexist. Unlike the manicured parks of the city center, Smallcombe has a wilder, more romantic feel, with ivy-clad headstones and ancient trees. It is divided into consecrated and unconsecrated sections, reflecting the social and religious divides of the 19th century. As you walk the narrow paths, you will find the graves of notable Bathonians, from poets to military officers. The silence here is profound, broken only by birdsong, making it one of the most peaceful stops on your walking route. It provides a poignant look at the Victorian era's relationship with death and the enduring beauty of the Somerset landscape.

Bathwick Hill

As you move toward the next height, you will traverse Bathwick Hill. This area represents the pinnacle of Georgian suburban development. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the wealthy elite of Bath moved away from the crowded center to build these sprawling villas with expansive views. The architecture here is characterized by grand porticos and large gardens, designed to showcase the owner's status. Walking up the hill, you can see how the city planners of the era intended to blend the urban environment with the countryside, a concept known as the 'rus in urbe' or 'country in the city.' The climb is steep, but the glimpses of the valley between the historic properties are spectacular. This road eventually leads to the entrance of the official Bath Skyline walk, connecting the city's residential history with its natural heritage.

Sham Castle

Standing proudly on the edge of the golf course is Sham Castle. Despite its name and medieval appearance, this is not a defensive fortification but a folly built in 1762. It was commissioned by Ralph Allen, the entrepreneur who made his fortune from Bath stone, primarily to improve the view from his town house in the city below. The structure is essentially a screen wall—from the front, it looks like a grand castle with towers and battlements, but from behind, it is entirely flat. It is a classic example of 18th-century architectural whimsy and a testament to the ego and creativity of Bath's Georgian developers. Today, it serves as a unique landmark and a fantastic vantage point looking back toward the city and the Bristol Channel in the distance.

National Trust - Prior Park Landscape Garden

Your final stop is the magnificent Prior Park Landscape Garden. Created in the 18th century by Ralph Allen with advice from the poet Alexander Pope and the landscape architect Capability Brown, this is a masterpiece of the English Landscape Movement. The centerpiece is the Palladian Bridge, one of only four of its kind in the world. The garden is designed as a sweeping valley that leads the eye down toward the city of Bath, framed by carefully planted trees and shimmering lakes. It is a place of deliberate beauty, intended to look natural while being meticulously engineered. Walking across the bridge or sitting by the lakes offers a sense of total immersion in Georgian elegance. Note that while the gardens require an entry fee, the views and the historical significance of the bridge make it an essential conclusion to your skyline exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Skyline Viewpoint Hike is widely considered the best route for panoramic views. It includes Alexandra Park and Sham Castle, offering 360-degree perspectives of the UNESCO city center and the surrounding Somerset countryside.