The journey along the River Avon from Bath to Bristol is a scenic passage through history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. This 19-mile stretch of the Avon meanders through the rolling countryside of Somerset, offering views of lush meadows, ancient woodlands, and historic landmarks that speak to the area’s rich past.
Historical Significance:
The River Avon has been an important trade route for centuries, with Bath and Bristol being key centers of commerce since Roman times. Bath, famous for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture, sits at the start of this journey. The river played a vital role in the city’s early development as goods were transported between Bristol, Bath, and further inland. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Avon became increasingly important for trade and navigation with the construction of the Kennet and Avon Canal, connecting it to the River Thames and making it a crucial waterway linking London to the Bristol Channel.
Locks:
The stretch of the River Avon from Bath to Bristol includes six locks that help manage the river’s elevation change, which is around 30 meters (98 feet) over the course of the journey. The first lock after Bath is the Weston Lock, followed by others like the Kelston Lock and the Hanham Lock, which is the last before reaching Bristol. These locks are part of the navigational system that allows boats to traverse the river’s sometimes steep gradient.
Connected Rivers and Canals:
The River Avon connects with the Kennet and Avon Canal at Bath, a significant waterway that links the Avon to the River Thames at Reading. This connection provides a navigable route from the Bristol Channel to London. The Kennet and Avon Canal itself has 105 locks over its 87-mile length, and the Bath to Bristol section is an important part of this broader network.
At Bristol, the Avon flows into the Floating Harbour, an ingenious system created in 1809 to ensure the city’s docks remained usable regardless of the tides. The harbour is an enclosed stretch of water separated from the tidal river by locks, allowing boats to remain afloat at all times, which was vital to Bristol’s maritime trade.
Interesting Features:
- Pulteney Bridge: One of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, this historic bridge is a unique architectural gem. As you pass beneath it on the River Avon, you’ll notice its Georgian elegance, lined with shops on either side.
- Avon Valley Railway: Along the route, near Saltford, you can spot the Avon Valley Railway, a heritage railway that runs along part of the original Midland Railway route. Steam trains occasionally operate, offering a nostalgic sight as they parallel the river.
- Clifton Suspension Bridge: As you near Bristol, the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge comes into view, spanning the deep Avon Gorge. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the bridge is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering, and seeing it from the water offers a stunning perspective of its grandeur.
- Bathampton Meadows and Kelston Round Hill: The riverbanks between Bath and Bristol are often lined with lush meadows, and Kelston Round Hill provides a distinctive landmark with its circular ridge offering panoramic views of the Avon Valley. Wildlife enthusiasts might also spot kingfishers, herons, and otters in the quieter sections of the river.
- Hanham Lock: The last lock before Bristol, Hanham Lock is often considered the start of the tidal section of the Avon. Here, the river widens as it approaches the Bristol Floating Harbour, and the landscape becomes more industrial as the city draws closer.
- Bristol Harbour: Arriving in Bristol, you’ll enter the Floating Harbour, a bustling and lively area filled with docked boats, converted warehouses, and cultural attractions such as the SS Great Britain, another of Brunel’s engineering marvels.
The journey from Bath to Bristol along the River Avon is a delightful blend of tranquil countryside, historical intrigue, and urban vibrancy, with each twist of the river offering something new and unexpected.