The Active Way was a Bath and North East Somerset Council pilot project that helped residents walk, cycle and wheel for everyday journeys in the Somer Valley.
The project supported people to improve their health and wellbeing by building confidence, stamina, skills and knowledge to travel more actively.
About the project
The Active Way was a free programme delivered between 2022 and 2026 as part of a national Active Travel and Social Prescribing pilot.
It brought together primary health care, local partners and active travel support through social prescribing.
The project supported residents across Bath and North East Somerset to:
- become more physically active through social prescribing
- improve their health and wellbeing
- choose walking, cycling or wheeling for short everyday journeys
The project focused on inclusive, supportive activities for people with low physical activity levels, long-term conditions and underrepresented groups. Activities were designed to meet people at their own starting point.
Participants could join through self-referral or referral from a professional.
What support was offered
The Active Way provided a range of free activities and support, including:
- one-to-one and group walks, rides and wellbeing activities
- cycle training to build confidence and skills
- buggy walks, Nordic walking and seated exercise
- digital support to help change physical activity behaviour
- access to bikes and equipment, including e-bikes
- personalised support and goal setting
- help with planning local routes and everyday journeys
- local grants for community groups and individuals
Activities were designed to remove barriers to physical activity. Equipment was provided free of charge and included adapted bikes so more people could take part.
Sessions were delivered at accessible times and locations to support a wide range of needs and abilities.
Project location
The pilot took place in the Somer Valley, including Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Peasedown St John and Paulton.
A walking and cycling hub was developed in Tom Huyton Park, Radstock, with access to the Greenway and Collier’s Way cycle routes.
View Somer Valley Rediscovered map and information
The SVR project area includes Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Westfield, the large villages of Paulton and Peasedown St John and surrounding countryside and smaller villages. You can view the SVR project boundary on the map below:
Key benefits
The project supported people to:
- build confidence using active travel
- improve physical and mental wellbeing
- develop new skills and knowledge
- meet new people and reduce isolation
- make regular use of local green spaces
Outcomes
The Active Way delivered over 6,000 activities to more than 2,000 residents over 3 years.
Outcomes included:
- increased walking and cycling
- improved physical activity levels, health and wellbeing
- greater awareness of active travel
- more social opportunities and connections
What happens now
The Active Way pilot has ended and the external website has closed.
Some activities and support may continue through local services and partner organisations.
Buggy walks are still available through Children’s Centres.
Find walking, cycling and wellbeing activities
You can find current activities and support in Bath and North East Somerset through:
- local walking groups and cycling groups
- wellbeing and social prescribing services
- community organisations and activity providers
Partners
The Active Way was delivered by Bath and North East Somerset Council in partnership with organisations supporting health, wellbeing and active travel.
- Active Travel England
- University of the West of England
- Riviam Digital Care
- Community Wellbeing Hub and partners
- All Cycle Bath and West
- Walk, Wheel and Cycle Trust
- KiActiv
- Sporting Family Change
- Dance for Health
- Xross Purposes
- Somer Valley Nordic Walking
- See.Sense
- Go Jauntly
- Three Valleys Health PCN
- Radstock Town Council
- Midsomer Norton Town Council
- Westfield Parish Council
- Intelligent Health
- Bath Spa University