Bathampton Down Walk [Complete Guide & Free Map]

The Bathampton Down Walk

So now we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the walk!

A short Walk through Bath’s History

Bath’s story stretches back over 2,000 years. Long before the Romans arrived, the native Britons revered the natural hot springs, believing them to hold sacred healing powers. They dedicated the waters to the goddess Sulis. When the Romans invaded around 60 AD, they built a magnificent complex of baths and a temple, merging Sulis with their own goddess, Minerva. The resulting Roman city of Aquae Sulis became one of the most important spa towns in Roman Britain.

Fun fact: Archaeologists have uncovered Roman curse tablets at the baths—thin sheets of metal inscribed with angry appeals for divine revenge on thieves who stole their cloak while they were bathing!.

Middle Ages

After the Romans left, Bath declined but never lost its spiritual connection to the springs. A monastery was founded during the Anglo-Saxon period, and by the Middle Ages, Bath had grown into a modest but important religious and market town. The present-day Bath Abbey, a striking example of Gothic architecture, was built on the site of an earlier Norman cathedral and still dominates the city centre.

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Georgian Period

Bath entered its golden age in the 18th century. Elegant architecture flourished, and the city earned a reputation as a fashionable resort for the wealthy. Jane Austen, who lived in Bath briefly, added to its literary fame. Architects like John Wood the Elder and his son left a lasting mark on the city, designing many of its iconic landmarks, including The Circus and the Royal Crescent.

Modern Times

Bath didn’t escape the challenges of the 20th century. During World War II, the city was bombed in the 1942 “Baedeker raids” by the Luftwaffe. Historic buildings, including the Royal Crescent, were damaged—but careful restoration efforts in the post-war years preserved much of the city’s architectural charm.

In 1987, Bath was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its Roman heritage, Georgian architecture, and enduring spa culture. Today, it’s the perfect destination for a day out—offering history, charm, and beautiful surroundings.

River Avon

We begin our walk at Bath Spa station and head toward Bathampton Down. To get there, we first cross the River Avon. The river stretches for 83 miles (134 km) from its source in the Cotswolds to the Severn Estuary.

Following the towpath, we can spot St Matthew’s Church across the river. Built between 1846 and 1847 to serve the growing local population, this church was designed by Bath City Architect George Phillips Manners. It’s built in the Decorated Gothic style and features a 150-foot spire with six bells—some dating back to around 1500, transferred from the older St Thomas à Becket Church.

Sham Castle

We leave the towpath via Cleveland Road and turn right onto a footpath opposite Sham Castle Lane. As the name suggests, this is where we’re heading.

Once on North Road, take the footpath on your left leading up a 60-metre hill. At the top, you’ll reach Sham Castle, a decorative 18th-century folly perched on Claverton Down.

It was built in 1762 for local philanthropist Ralph Allen and served no defensive purpose—it was purely designed to enhance the view from Allen’s townhouse. While it looks like a medieval fortress from a distance, it’s actually just a single screen wall. The structure features a central arched gateway and two impressive towers, each three storeys high. Sham Castle remains a much-loved local landmark and is illuminated at night.

Bathampton Down

From Sham Castle, we continue uphill to reach Bathampton Down, which rises to 204 metres above sea level.

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Geology

Bathampton Down is a limestone plateau just southeast of Bath, known for its rich geological makeup and sweeping views. The plateau is formed primarily from limestone, laid down around 160 million years ago when the area was covered by a shallow sea. This limestone—better known as Bath Stone—is prized for its warm golden colour and ease of carving, and it has been used extensively in the city’s iconic buildings.

Beneath the down lies a network of old stone quarries once used to extract Bath Stone. In recent years, the area has gained ecological importance and is now a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), providing winter roosts for bat species.

History

Bathampton Down has been inhabited for thousands of years. Flint tools found here point to activity as far back as the Mesolithic period. During the Iron Age, people built more permanent settlements, including a hillfort with defensive ditches. Its elevated position would have offered a strategic vantage point over the surrounding landscape.

The Romans also made use of the down. Archaeologists have found stone coffins in the area—likely remnants of Roman-era burial sites.

By the medieval period, the land had shifted to agricultural use. Evidence of historical farming practices can still be seen today, including terracing and pillow mounds, which were once used to breed rabbits—a valuable source of meat at the time.

Today, Bathampton Down is home to the University of Bath and a golf course, but it still holds traces of its long and fascinating past.

Kenneth and Avon Canal

From the plateau, we begin our descent back toward the city, joining the Kennet and Avon Canal.

This waterway stretches for 87 miles (140 km), linking the River Thames at Reading with the River Avon in Bath. It combines stretches of natural rivers with a central man-made canal section, dug in the late 18th century to create a navigable route between London and Bristol.

In the early 19th century, the canal thrived as a major transport route for goods like coal, grain, and building stone. However, with the rise of the railway, canal usage declined sharply.

Restoration efforts began in the mid-20th century, led by dedicated volunteers and the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. After decades of hard work, the canal was fully reopened in 1990 by Queen Elizabeth II. Today, it’s a peaceful route for boaters, cyclists, and walkers.

We follow the towpath back to Bath city centre, where our walk concludes—or perhaps not just yet.

What to do after the walk?

If you’re visiting during the festive season, don’t miss the Bath Christmas Market, widely considered one of the best in southern England  alongside with Winchester.

Running since 2001, this award-winning event transforms the historic heart of Bath into a festive wonderland. Over 170 wooden chalets fill the streets around Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, offering everything from handmade crafts and local art to artisan food, mulled wine, and festive treats. The market typically lasts 18 days and draws nearly half a million visitors, making a big impact on the local economy. With live music, street entertainment, and a warm community vibe, it’s one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in the UK.

Happy discovery!