Walk around Freshford
This circular walk from the Somerset village of Freshford takes you to Avoncliff with its splendid aqueduct on the River Avon and Kennet and Avon Canal.
The walk starts from Freshford train station which is on the Great Western Railway. You can catch trains here from Southampton, Bath and Bristol. After leaving the station head south east to join with a footpath along the River Avon. This will take you through Avoncliff Wood to the Avoncliff aqueduct. The significant structure carries the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Bath to Westbury railway line over the River Avon. It was built by John Rennie and chief engineer John Thomas, between 1797 and 1801 and is a Grade II listed building. From its elevated position there are fine views over the river below.
After crossing to the other side you can follow footpaths north west along the river past Winsley and Murhill. After you pass the weir you can cross to the other side and follow country lanes and another footpath back to the train station. This walk finishes here but you could stroll a short distance through the village to the River Frome. Here you'll find more nice riverside footpaths and Freshford Mill.
Postcode
BA2 7WQ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsFreshford Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Freshford Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Freshford OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Freshford Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
In Avoncliff you'll pass the noteworthy Cross Guns Inn. The pub dates all the way back to 1550 and is a splendid example of Cotswold stone and expert masonry. Indoors there's old gables, wooden beams, stone floors, and cosy roaring fires to warm yourself next to on colder days. Outdoors there are lovely terraced gardens with fine views of the railway aqueduct and the canal. It's the perfect spot to relax in on warm summer days. You can find the pub at 159 Bradford Road with a postcode of BA15 2HB for your sat navs.
Back in Freshford there's another excellent historic pub in the shape of the Inn at Freshford. The pub dates from the 16th century and is ideally located on the banks of the River Frome. There's original timber beams, open fires, and an award winning garden with lovely views of the countryside. It's the perfect place to relax on warm summer days. You can find it at a postcode of BA2 7WG for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the north of Freshford you'll find another impressive structure in the form of the Dundas Aqueduct near Monkton Combe. There's another worthy waterside walk to try here. You can also pick up the Bathampton Walk which visits Monkton Coombe, Limpley Stoke and the excellent American Museum at Claverton. The museum is one of the highlights of the area and well worth a visit. It takes you on a journey through the history of America with exhibitions and a fine collection of folk and decorative arts. There's also 125 acres of grounds with views of the Limpley Stoke Valley and the River Avon.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Somerset Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The Hill, Freshford. Freshford is a quiet village just inside Somerset. Its main claim to fame is that it provided several locations for the classic Ealing comedy film 'The Titfield Thunderbolt', a film close to the heart of the photographer. This image aims to replicate one of the opening scenes.
Freshford Station
Avon Valley, Freshford. Looking southeast up the valley and the GWR from Station Road, Freshford
River Frome at Freshford Mill
The aqueduct at Avoncliff
Avoncliff. Houses and the Cross Guns PH, from the Kennet and Avon Canal at the south end of the aqueduct. Right on the boundary, but south of the line.
Freshford Inn. This 16th century inn is a great place for some post walk refreshments
Kennet and Avon Canal near Freshford