Saltford Walks
This village near Bath is located in a lovely spot, next to a canalized section of the River Avon. Saltford is also notable for its 12th century Manor House which claims to be the oldest continuously occupied dwelling in England.
This route from the village uses parts of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, the River Avon Trail and the Two Rivers Way to create a circular walk through the surrounding area. On the way you'll visit Avon Valley Country Park and the neighbouring town of Keynsham.
The walk starts on the River Avon, just to the east of the village. Here you can pick up the Bristol and Bath Railway Path and follow the shared cycling and walking trail north along a disused railway line. This will take you up to the river, passing the Avon Valley Country Park on the way. The park has a number of attractions including surfaced country walks, a boating lake, play areas for children, a small petting zoo and a miniature railway.
This route picks up the River Avon Trail and follows the path west towards Keynsham. Here you can pick up the Two Rivers Way and follow another footpath south along the River Chew to Chewton Keynsham. The route then turns east to follow country lanes back into Saltford.
Saltford Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Saltford Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Saltford OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Saltford Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Riverside Inn is a good choice for some post walk refreshment. Located near the marina the inn is in a great spot. You can sit outside in the garden area and watch the boats go by along this canalized section of the river. They also have a good menu and an attractive modern interior. You can find them at the Shallows with a postcode of BS31 3EZ for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The canal and river trails make for a fine dog walk and the Riverside Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The circular Keynsham Walk uses part of the Monarch's Way to visit Upton Cheyney. You can pick up the trail just to the north of the river at Avon Valley Park.
If you continue south along the Two Rivers Way it will take you along the River Chew to Chewton Keynsham and Compton Dando with lovely views of the Chew Valley countryside.
The village is also located near to Bath where you can try the Bath Canal Walk and the Bath Skyline Walk. The Community Forest Path can also be picked up in the area.
Just a mile to the east you'll find the little village of Kelston where you can pick up the Kelston Roundhill Walk. This popular walk takes you up to an ancient barrow where there are wonderful views to the Wiltshire Downs, the Mendip Hills and the Black Mountains of Wales. There's also a fine 17th century pub to visit in the village afterwards.
For more walks in the county see the Somerset Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Narrowboats in the Saltford Marina. The marina is just off the River Avon near the weir.
View of the weir near the start of the walk. The canalized river Avon at Saltford beside the Riverside Inn looking downstream towards Keynsham.
River Avon above Saltford. Houseboats moored on the left bank above the village. Here the GWR continues NW as the river swings away north; spot the train above the second boat.
Medieval Pond in Saltford. One of a few medieval ponds situated across the fields from the back of Saltford Manor. In those days meat was not allowed to be eaten on a Friday or a Saturday, hence these were probably stocked with pike and perch, and believed to be tended by monks.
Bridge over Bristol and Bath Railway Path above the village. An impressive bridge, whose bluish and purple bricks are gradually being covered in ivy, that carries a track and footpath from Avon Lane across the cycle path (NCN 4).
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Avon Valley Country Park. Seen from Pixash Lane railway bridge. Kelston Round Hill ST7167 is on the skyline to the right with its clump of trees hidden in the low cloud.
The river Chew. A view of the river Chew to the south of Keynsham. In spite of the dry weather the river looks to be bank full, and seems to be carrying a lot of sediment.
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Saltford Manor. This is the oldest continuously occupied Manor House (12th Century Norman - possibly 1148) in England. It was remodelled in the 17th Century.