Hanham mills and the river avon
almost a decade ago, I wrote a book entitled Bristol & Bath : A Dog Walker’s Guide. This is walk number 8 in the book.
Although less well-known than the Avon Gorge in Bristol, Hanham Gorge between Bristol and Bath is certainly one of the more attractive stretches of the River Avon.
It was not always peace and tranquillity along this stretch of water, however. An Act of Parliament passed in 1712 gave the power to construct the Avon Navigation. By 1727, six locks and other related works had made the river navigable through to Bath.
The local coal miners were displeased at the large volume of shropshire coal that began to appear in the area courtesy of the new navigation. Having travelled to the West Country by way of the River severn, it was seen as a clear threat to their livelihood. The miners’ reactions were sometimes violent, and included on one occasion the destruction of the lock at nearby saltford. None of the culprits were apprehended, which was probably just as well with ‘damaging the navigation’ being an offence that carried the death penalty.
today, the riverside walk from Hanham mills through to Conham River Park is an absolute delight. swans, ducks, coots and herons are all a common sight along the river, while the sharp-eyed visitor might even catch a glimpse of a kingfisher, whose blue and orange features are unmistakable. Dogs will love the sounds and smells of the woodland that borders the river, as well as the chance to swim in the river at various points along the way. With a total absence of stiles, livestock and traffic, this is quite the perfect walk for a dog.
Getting there
Leave the A431 Bristol to Bath road ¾ mile west of Bitton Station on the Avon Valley Railway, and follow Court Farm Road for 600 yards to the entrance to Hanham Court. At this point, turn left on to an easily missed cul de sac and follow what is a narrow lane down to the car park at Hanham Mills by the River Avon.
1. From the car park, walk down to the River Avon and turn right by the Chequers Inn along a road giving access to a number of properties. In 200 yards, at a fork, keep left along a path signposted as the ‘Avon River Path’. Having passed underneath the Avon Ring Road, continue following the riverside path for 1¾ miles to a junction by a shelter opposite Beeses Tea Rooms. Turn right, following the side path uphill.
2. In 150 yards, just before this path reaches a gate and a road, turn left through a gap in a wall and follow the path ahead to a junction. Turn right down to a gate and the Conham River Park car park. Leave this car park via a gate on the left on a path waymarked ‘The River Avon Trail’. Walk down to the river, turn left and follow the Avon upstream back to the shelter and junction passed earlier. Retrace your steps along the riverbank back to Hanham Mills.