SUIT YOURSELF MAGAZINE ONLINE | Stomping The Streets - The Bristol and Bath Railway Path

Stomping The Streets - The Bristol and Bath Railway Path

Last month we were hit with the devastating news that the Bristol and Bath Railway Path could be paved over and turned into a rapid transport route for buses, so what better area then to feature in the patented SY Stomping The Streets? This is no protest piece to vent my disgust at the plans though, a quick look at the internet with show you just how passionately Bristol feels about it all, instead we simply want to celebrate the Railway Path in all its magnificence and remind ourselves why we love it so much. Hopefully it will prompt a few more people to give the route a pedal and sign the petition (8,000 signatures so far!) or at the very least we can rejoice in this fantastic cycle and walking path while we still have it.

The 13 mile trail starts in Bristol city centre at Lawrence Hill and winds its way North-Easterly through Fishponds and around the back of Kingswood away from any traffic or any real sign of the city, surrounded as you are by banks of vegetation. The only indication that you’re in a city at all are the other people around you sharing the path; the dog walkers, the cyclers, the school children, the blackberry pickers, the commuters, the shoppers. All carefree, smiling and nodding “hello” to all they encounter. It is incredible how a thin sliver of winding pavement in the heart of a bustling city can be so quiet, tranquil and such a joyous place.

Through Staple Hill Tunnel and you wind South-Easterly, passing through the serene, rural villages of South Gloucestershire. Hello, Warmley. Afternoon, Bitton. All along the path sides are decorated with colourful murals and interesting, original sculptures and if you’re lucky you might stumble upon one of the pokey, hidden cafes along the route where the world stops for a tea and a scone.

The trail’s most stunning and loved portion is the last few miles as you head towards Bath. You suddenly emerge from the city altogether and after passing over a couple of cattle grids you’re thrown headfirst into stunning countryside, in the open air with endless fields stretching out on all sides. The only sight breaking up the greenery is the Avon River which shares you destination, dotted with boats, canoes and fishermen. Vast, open green spaces have a strange, heart-warming effect and at the end of the journey when you finally pull into Bath it is impossible not to feel refreshed, invigorated and in love with life.

Bristol City Council seem really set on the idea of this rapid transit bus route as part of a wider transport scheme for Bristol by I ask them to really stop and think for a minute. Please just take the time to go for a stroll or cycle along the path for yourselves to truly understand the precious amenity you would be taking away. After having walked its calm, clean, quiet, winding paths, tell me you still want to run a bus though it.