Along the riverbank
Bath has a long boating history, and there’s no better time to take a trip along the Avon than the height of summer, writes NANCY CONNOLLY
On hot summer days, we all long to be beside the water to cool off. The River Avon in Bath is beautiful and offers fresh breezes and wonderful views from the river bank. Some say we don’t use the river enough, even though it is a beautiful resource in our landlocked city.
Bath Boating Station is off the beaten track, but just minutes from the city centre in Bathwick - it is a flat walk and within very easy reach.
It is a wonderful place right on the river bank with its own pontoon, where you can hire beautifully crafted wooden boats including punts, canoes and rowing boats - either in groups, couples or solo.
It is a great way to explore the River Avon and travel to nearby villages like Bathampton or Batheaston, and the boat journeys are well known for being relaxing and romantic.
You can stop off and have lunch at the Bathampton Mill or George Inn, or simply sit back and enjoy the views.
Many people celebrate significant birthdays and anniversaries by hiring a boat or punt, packing a picnic and just taking off on the water.
Most of the beautiful old boats are wooden - some are over 100 years old - and the boating station has pretty lawns where you can picnic after you have been boating.
It is a far less stressful way of getting around Bath than by car, especially now Cleveland Bridge is closed to traffic.
There is a long history of swimming and boating at the River Avon in Bath; there was once a famous swimming club there. The Cleveland Pools nearby is due to reopen next summer, and Bath Boating Station is continuing that tradition.
With lots of wildlife to see, it is a perfect way to cool down on a hot summer’s day and see the city in all its splendour from the water.
There are three types of boat to hire:
Thames skiffs are traditional rowing boats dating back to 1894. There are various sizes taking two to six people each.
Punts are long boats seating up to five people - one person has the pole and the others have paddles. Traditionally the boat is propelled by pushing a long pole against the river bed and forcing the punt forward through the water. However, an easier thing to do is to let everyone paddle and the person with the pole just does the steering.
There are also three traditional wooden Canadian canoes which will seat up to four people, with one person paddling at the stern, one at the bow, and two people sitting in the middle.
They are beautiful old boats, really charming, and so well maintained over the years by the Bath Boating Station which is very much a part of our city’s rich history on the water.
■ To find out more or to book a party or afternoon’s boating visit www. bathboating.co.uk