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The Bath River Line project is creating a 10km linear park following the River Avon through the heart of Bath. The project has three phases and phase one will cover the stretch from Newbridge to Bath Quays.
Project aims
The Bath River Line has these objectives:
Enhance and expand the active travel network in Bath by creating a level, accessible route from Newbridge to Batheaston
Improve biodiversity and climate change resilience by creating and enhancing natural habitats
Provide a safe, social and inclusive space for residents and visitors
Phase One: construction 2025 to 2026
Phase One of the Bath River Line is jointly funded by:
the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA)
the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, funded by UK Government
It includes new seating, improved access to the river path and planting along the river path between Windsor Bridge and Green Park.
Please select any section below to find out more, or read our full report, to find out in more detail what we achieved on the project in 2025.
We have improved Green Park, with a resurfaced all-weather path, a widened entrance and a new seating area with a great view of the river.
We are currently upgrading the play area with new, accessible wooden swing sets and refurbished play equipment. A new all-weather path will link the play area to the river path and the entrance at the northern end of the park.
Additional cycle racks, benches and new tree planting will help to create a more welcoming and accessible space.
Works should be completed by July 2026.
Midland Bridge
We have installed new curved wooden benches and cycle racks between Sainsbury’s and Green Park.
We've planted a rain garden with pollinator-friendly planting in the spring, helping to slow rainwater flow, reduce surface flooding and create a greener, more wildlife-friendly riverside. The rain garden will take a while to establish.
Norfolk Buildings
We have widened and repaired the path, and planted its edges with pollinator-friendly wildflowers in low nutrient topsoil. These should support greater biodiversity as they grow. We have added a handrail and tactile paving to the steps to Midland Bridge and Norfolk Buildings, to make these connections more accessible.
Norfolk Crescent
We're building improved, more accessible step access to the park from the towpath, with a paved landing area and the removal of a 'kissing gate' and chain link fence. The new, wider steps will be a few metres to the west, to avoid the removal of important trees.
We're creating a new seating nook with cycle parking, at the western end of Norfolk Crescent, opposite the BRAC Café.
The river path between the western and eastern ends of Norfolk Crescent will be closed for improvement works from early July to 28 August (when required). Signed diversion routes for walkers and wheelers will be in place. Please follow the advice of contractors to keep everyone safe.
Diversions in place while work is underway at Norfolk Crescent
Following community feedback and police advice on how to support park users to feel safer at all times of day and night, we have carried out light scrub thinning, to improve visibility in the eastern corner of the Crescent. Wherever possible, we have retained vegetation, and left any cut material as habitat piles to support wildlife.
Comfortable Place (Bath Artist Studios)
We'll be creating a new accessible ramp and steps, and a new seating area with trees and pollinator-friendly planting.
Some works are still ongoing and there may be occasional path closures while we complete the project. Any closures or diversions will be clearly signed and updates will be shared on this page.
Windsor Bridge
Construction work is planned for the area beside Windsor Bridge, following the removal of the redundant pipe bridge adjacent to Windsor Bridge Road. The improvements will introduce new seating, planting and resurfacing, along with a planted swale (a shallow, planted dip that helps manage rainwater naturally) and cycle racks. The graffiti covered wall beside the bridge and the mesh along the bridge underpass will feature a large community designed mural.
View maps, sketches and photos of the improvements
Artist’s impressions of proposed changes along the towpath in Bath as part of the Bath River Line project, showing people and wildlife by the river. The illustrations include:
new steps, planting and mural at Windsor Bridge
a new ramp and steps with planting and trees outside Comfortable Place
a new seating nook with cycle storage at Norfolk Crescent
improved stepped access and paved landing area in Norfolk Crescent
pollinator-friendly planting along the existing wall of Norfolk buildings
seating nooks and planting on the towpath between Midland Bridge and the steps to Sainsbury’s supermarket
planting, a handrail and tactile paving to improve the steps by Midland Bridge
upgrades to Green Park play area, showing new paving and families using the new wooden and accessible swing sets
a wider entrance to Green Park with new bin, bollards and cycle storage, level access and resurfaced path
a new seating area and cleared vegetation in Green Park providing a view of the river
The map below shows the Bath River Line and where we're making improvements.
New signage
We've added new signs along the Bath River Line, designed by Fieldwork Facility and engineered and installed by Rivermeade. These include wayfinding signs and story panels to help people explore the route between Pulteney Bridge and Newbridge. Flood marks under Halfpenny bridge were the inspiration for the River Line logo design.
Examples of new Bath River Line signage along the riverside route, featuring a trail map and an information sign illustrating history and wildlife along the route. The signage highlights key locations along the 10km riverside trail, which connects Newbridge and Batheaston through the historic centre of Bath.
Find out more
Visit www.bathriverline.co.uk to explore the route, discover riverside stories, find practical visitor information, and learn how to get involved with riverside volunteer opportunities. You can also use the website to report issues along the Bath River Line.
Or if you prefer to discover the route by travelling it, the Bath River Line team are running monthly walks. Join one to learn more about the river’s ecology and history. Learn more or book a slot via our social media:
The Bath River Line is an urban green and blue infrastructure project grant funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA), developed in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, Wessex Water, National Trust and Bath Spa University. The concept of a new 10km riverside path and improvements to the public realm for Bath first emerged from our WaterSpace Study. Plans for the Bath River Line were developed following extensive community engagement and consultation in 2021.You can view the consultation report here.
Please email riveravon@bathnes.gov.uk if you have any feedback, queries or concerns during the construction phase. You can report any out of hours emergencies via Council Connect service on 01225 477477.
