Batfro one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I finally got around to this route in late May, starting in Frome and heading north. Using the gpx route on my watch

It felt like the route divided up into four parts of fairly equal length in terms in character.

Frome to Lullington was mostly well used, easily visible, trod paths. A pleasure to hike. Though there were a couple of places in the outskirt streets of Frome where the gpx waypoints felt a little too far apart, and I went slightly off route albeit briefly.

The next leg from Lullington, and most of the way to Norton St Philip felt underused, less looked after, and in places rather overgrown. I came through this quarter of the route with legs sore from nettles and brambles, and there was also one section where whatever crop (see pic) it is that’s grown thick and bushy, and 4 to 5 feet high by late May seemed to have completely swamped the path across it, and I was forced to take a detour.

Overall this half of the route is epicly scenic, although I noted at one point that the view may have been even better for a traveler heading south rather than north!

At Norton St Philip the route takes you handily past a mini Co-Op, and then the third leg up to Midford is once again very well maintained. It felt at times a little too well maintained in an odd way, I think the estates management in places are keen to ensure you definitely stick to the path, which makes it easy, but the terrain feels a bit artificial in places as a result.

From Midford, you’re on to the cycle path, which I know very well, including how to get off of it at that tricky spot everybody else has mentioned. But even then I was confusingly having to double check my working versus the gpx route, even though I knew where I was going and was fully prepared. But hey, minor quibble and one we already know..

After that, I was impressed with the final route into Bath. It’s a great choice of route, since you don’t really feel like you’re in the city till the very last few hundred metres.

Overall a great route, let down slightly by that untamed second section.

I undertook and surveyed this route from Frome to Bath, and agree with the two previous reviews. As it was April there were no livestock, or tall crops, but counterbalanced by mud.
I understand the Panifex comments regarding access/ egress off the cycle track near Bath. I will upload a slightly revised route to take account of this and Laverton crop path. Coming from Frome direction on the cycle track, pass the Tucking Mill gate ( on right ) and continue on the next galv gate on left, go through this and slog uphill. At galv k /gate turn left uphill.
I recorded the route as 13.15 mi, and it contains 21 stiles, ,16 kissing gates, 13 ped gates, sets of 70, 15, and 7 steps, plus a couple of narrow bridges, both timber and stone.
I regard this as a fine varied walk with great views, much to see and enjoy, plus pub, and bus stop mid route.

I walked this route in the direction Bath to Frome, and found it mostly an absolutely brilliant walk. There are steep sections as you come out of Bath, but this is unavoidable, and in fact the route this slow way takes through Bath is really great.

The only real issue I had is when joining the cycle path along the disused railway, as it comes out of the tunnel. It isn't possible to follow the exact route shown by the gpx file - instead you have to take the righthand (west) of the two footpaths (if you take the other one, like I did, you either have to make a long diversion, or climb over some 6 foot high gates...). Ideally, the gpx file would be updated to be more accurate and show this.

I didn't suffer with any aggressive cattle, like the previous reviewer. I did however come across the high crops - there was a path left through the corn, but it was hard to spot, and would not be ideal for an inexperienced walker.

There is another section on the approach to Laverton where two footpaths cross a field - the slow way takes the slightly more direct one straight through the middle of the field. However, I think it would be preferable to use the one around the edge, since this will always be accessible, even when the crops have not been harvested (as they had been for me).

The route also crosses Orchardleigh Golf Course - which is not ideal. However, the path is obvious and can be crossed easily and safely with a bit of care.

Reasonably good route; only issues are with several fields that during spring and summer are growing large crops that make passage difficult and/or uncomfortable due to their size. Would recommend using some judgement at several points to take a lane around the slightly more direct field.

Was also chased by a herd of cows and had to jump a farmer’s fence.

There is a small footbridge that says is closed for repair, but still appeared structurally sound enough so I ignored the closed sign.

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