Bathford is just outside of Bath, this route goes past University of Bath. Incorporating Browns Folly, Conkwell and Bathampton woods, this reasonably short ride, however the trails more than make up for it.
Browns folly is the first off road section of this ride, having ridden up to Monkton Farleigh, this a rooty off camber section of single track. In the summer this is a fast flowing section of undulating single track, popping over roots and rocks. In the winter it become a section of sketchy sniper roots, testing skill and agility. It doesn't disappoint in any conditions.
Conkwell downhill / enduro trails
Conkwell downhill / Enduro trails is next having traversed more flowing single track in Warleigh wood and a section of quiet roads. The trails are set into a steep section of wooded hillside and range from flowing single track to more technical trails with drops, jumps and rock gardens. They make the most use of the natural terrain and features, there are a few man made jumps and drops. The trails generally are tamer on the right and more technical to the left when looking down the hill.
At the bottom of Conkwell there is the Kennet and Avon canal which is where the ride continues. Alternatively you can climb back to the top of Conkwell using the either the road if you are to the left or there is a trail back up on the right by the field.
If the weather is scorching at this point you can drop down to the river Avon for a quick mid ride dip. There is an easy entry / exit point under the aquaduct, I wouldn't however recommend swimming in the canal.
Its along the canal then up the other road climb of the ride, not as steep as the first but longer. Again this is worth it for the single track decent down from University of Bath. The descent is flowing in all but the worst conditions, the final descent is best to keep right to the left s double track straight down where to the right it's single track.
Bathford Mountain Bike Ride
OK so the ride starts with a steep road climb and there is another about halfway round. But as they say what goes up comes down and the descents make up for the climbing, some proper rooty single track to thrill and make the climbs more than worth it. It may not be the longest ride but your legs do feel it afterwards, and you will have earned the chips at the end, the Crowns chips are good and they have decent beer on tap as well.
| Distance | 14km |
| Time | 1.5-2hrs |
| Climbing | 400m |
| Starting location | Bathford |
| Pubs, cafes | The Crown |
| Parking | On street |
| Videos | Videos on You Tube |
| Route | View route on Strava View route on Komoot View route on Garmin Download GPX |
This route shares the same starting point at the Box ride, if you are feeling energetic you could go for a second lap over to Box.
Kay
What a lovely ride, for someone relatively new to mountain biking this was perfect, a few steep climbs, a couple of nice bits of downhill and the most beautiful scenery