Bristol and Bath Railway Path
The Bristol and Bath Railway Path runs right through Saltford so if you fancy stretching your legs and taking in a bit of the local scenery, hop on. The path is used for leisure and commuting and is part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, running 13.9 miles, or just over 23km, from central Bristol to Bath. Built on the bed of the former Midland Railway, the trail is tarmacked and mostly flat and at 3m wide, there’s ample room for walking, jogging and cycling.
So it’s not an out-in-the-wilds kind of walk, but it’s nice – tree-lined with artworks and sculptures along the route, and there’s actually quite a bit of wildlife to be spotted. What’s nice is to stop off for a bite to eat at Warmley Waiting Room where the old station has been given a new lease of life as a café.
All information correct at the time of writing
Warmley Waiting Room, Bristol
Warmley Waiting Room is right on the Bristol to Bath Railway Path so it’s a good place to stop for coffee or a bite to eat when you’re out for a walk or bike ride. The original waiting room has been given a new lease of life as a café – family run, in a rather charming setting with seating indoors, on the platform or in the gardens.
Food is served from breakfast time through to late afternoon, with a menu that offers rolls, sandwiches, baguettes, jacket potatoes and scrumptious home made cakes and scones. Stop by for a sausage and bacon roll, smashed avocado on toast or BBQ pulled jackfruit rolls with homemade slaw. In the colder months it’s a very welcoming place for winter warmers like a bowl of soup or deluxe hot chocolate.
Testament to Warmley Waiting Room is how popular it is with locals and visitors alike, and it’s not far from Saltford so when you’re staying here on your large group holiday, it’s a nice place to go, especially when the sun is shining and you can sit outside and soak up the ambience.
All information correct at the time of writing
Bath Skyline Walk, Bath
Explore the Bath Skyline Walk if you’re visiting Bath when you’re on your large group holiday at Bluehaven and need to take 5 from the busy city streets. This 3 mile circular trail takes you high up on the hills, with startling views across the city; the terrain is mixed – roads, surfaced paths, steep climbs and a rocky section. Amble past a sham castle, through woodlands and across fields; enroute you’ll see evidence of the limestone quarries that provided building stone to Bath from Roman times, and stone markers and troughs indicating the springs that fed drinking water to the city in Georgian days.
Of course, you don’t have to do the whole walk, you can do as little as you like, or you can make it longer by veering off on one of the detours, like Smallcombe Wood, carpeted with wild garlic in the spring time, or to Prior Park to wander the winding paths of the 18th century landscape garden; there you can see the famous Palladian bridge, the kids can let off steam in the natural play area, and if it’s a weekend or the school holidays you can stop for a hot drink, or if it’s warm enough, for ice creams.
All information correct at the time of writing
Arnos Vale, Bristol
Okay, so a cemetery might not be everyone’s choice of places to go for a walk, but when it’s a Victorian Garden Cemetery like Arnos Vale, well, that’s different because this is so unique and the sense of tranquility is incredible, it’s like a secret world of peace and quiet and endless days.
So go and discover Arnos Vale for yourselves; if you’re planning a day trip to Bristol when you’re staying at Bluehaven on your large group holiday, factor this in, stop for a stroll on the way back, otherwise make a special visit. You might find it a little creepy, but the chances are it’ll work it’s magic and you’ll like it. People are so enraptured with the gardens that they choose to get married here!
There are 45 acres of beautiful natural landscape to explore, with impressive Gothic architecture to see, a Discovery Trail and guided walks. Delve into the history and heritage of Arnos Vale in the West Lodge exhibitions, stop for tea and cake at the Atrium café.
All information correct at the time of writing
