11k Run Bath: Picturesque Avon Trail to Saltford

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 10.6km loop offers a refreshingly flat and fast experience through the Somerset countryside, perfect for runners looking to escape the steep hills of Bath. Starting in the vibrant Locksbrook area, you'll follow the serene Avon Trail as it hugs the riverbank toward Saltford. The terrain is a mix of natural riverside paths and paved sections, totaling roughly 60% paved surfaces, making it an excellent choice for a steady tempo run or a scenic weekend jog. With a negligible 12m of ascent, you can focus on your stride while enjoying the sight of canal boats and rowers gliding along the water before looping back via the iconic Bristol and Bath Railway Path.

Steeped in industrial and natural history, this route traverses the heart of the Avon Valley. The initial stretch takes you past the historic Locksbrook Cemetery and former brass mill sites, reminding runners of Bath's manufacturing heritage. As you approach Saltford, the landscape opens up into lush water meadows that have inspired local artists for centuries. Returning via the Bristol and Bath Railway Path—a pioneering rail-to-trail conversion—you'll run along the former Midland Railway line which once connected the bustling ports of Bristol to the heart of the West Country. It’s a favorite local corridor where the legacy of Victorian engineering meets modern-day fitness culture.