Walk to the end of the car park away from the station and follow the path left beneath the railway and beside the river. Enter Barton Farm Country Park and keep to the path across a grassy area to an information board. Veer left, ascending, and pass to the right of the tithe barn, using steps to reach the Kennet and Avon Canal. Turn right along the tow path for 1.75 miles (2.8km) to Avoncliff.

Follow the zig-zag in front of the Cross Guns pub to pass beneath the canal. Ascend the steps immediately to your left and then another set of stone steps on the left to rejoin the canal tow path. Go left and proceed for 3 miles (4.8km) to the Dundas Aqueduct.

After stopping to admire the aqueduct, cross the bridge over the canal and continue for 1.25 miles (2km) to Claverton Pumping Station. Continue on the canal tow path through the now very rural Avon Valley, with all eras of transport modes in sight – river, canal, railway and road – to reach Bathampton and the swing bridge (No. 182).

Keep to the tow path as it eventually leads you through the attractive suburbs of Bath, probably the least stressful and least busy route into the heart of the city. The canal passes through Sydney Gardens (there is a small gate to access the gardens along this part of the tow path), go through a tunnel which takes you underneath Sydney House, then up some stone steps and cross the canal at the back of Sydney House to continue the walk on the opposite side of the canal. At the bottom of Bathwick Hill, cross the road and canal and go through an iron gate to go down some steps and access the tow path again. After passing five locks you will reach the A36.

Cross the road and continue on the tow path. At lock 8/9, cross the road and continue along the tow path to lock No. 7 (the canal is now on the right). At lock No. 7 the canal meets the River Avon. Do not follow the riverside path ahead, instead move left to reach the pavement beside the road and turn right to cross the iron footbridge over the Avon to Bath Spa Station. Return to Bradford-on-Avon via the half-hourly train service (hourly on Sundays).