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Bath River Line

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.

View or download the Bath River Line Progress Report

Green Park

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're planning further upgrades for spring 2026, including improvements to 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.

Midland Bridge

We have installed new curved wooden benches and cycle racks between Sainsbury’s and Green Park. 

We'll be planting 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.

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. 

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.

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. New ramp and steps with planting and trees outside Comfortable Place. New seating nook with cycle storage at Norfolk Crescent, improved stepped access and paved landing area in Norfolk Crescent. Pollinator 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. Wider entrance to Green Park with new bin, bollards and cycle storage, level access and resurfaced path. A new seated area and cleared vegetation in Green Park providing a view of the river.

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:

  • 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. 
 

Example of new Bath River Line wayfinding signage along the route. The image features two elements: a Bath River Line wayfinding sign mounted on a lamp post, and a Bath River Line map mounted on the railings at the entrance of Bath Quays Waterside. The signage highlights key locations along the 10km riverside trail, which connects Newbridge and Batheaston through the historic centre of Bath.

Examples of new Bath River Line signage along the riverside route, featuring a trail map and wayfinding post. The signage highlights key locations along the 10km riverside trail, which connects Newbridge and Batheaston through the historic centre of Bath.

Find out more 

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: 

Read about the project context and background
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.

Keep in touch

Subscribe to the WaterSpace e-newsletter

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.