BathFrome

Batfro one
Verified route

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

By a Slow Ways Volunteer on 07 Apr 2021


Distance

21km/13mi

Ascent

404m

Descent

450m

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Description

This is a Slow Ways route connecting Bath and Frome.

Know of a better route? Share it here.

This is a Slow Ways route connecting Bath and Frome.

Know of a better route? Share it here.

Status

This route has been reviewed by 4 people.

There are no issues flagged.

Photos for Batfro one

Photos of this route will appear when they are added to a review. You can review this route here.


Information

Verified route

Route status - Live

Reviews - 4

Average rating -

Is this route good enough? -  Yes (4)

There are currently no problems reported with this route.

Downloads - 34

Surveys

What is this route like?

Surveys are submitted by fellow users of this website and show what you might expect from this Slow Ways route. Scroll down the page to read more detailed surveys.

Grade 4X based on 1 surveys Sign up or log in to survey this route.
Description Note
Grade 4: Route includes very rough surfaces including deep ruts, steep loose gravel, unmade paths and deep muddy sections. Wheelchairs may experience traction/wheel spin issues.
Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users.
Grading is based on average scores by surveyors. This slow way has 1 surveys.
Full grading description

Only people who have completed our training can become Slow Ways surveyors and submit a survey. We do not vet contributors, so we cannot guarantee the quality or completeness of the surveys they complete. If you are dependent on the information being correct we recommend reading and comparing surveys before setting off.

Survey Photos

Facilities

Facilities in the middle third of this route.

Not present at time of survey Public toilet (1)
Not present at time of survey Wheelchair accessible toilet (1)
Present at time of survey Supermarket (1)
Present at time of survey Restaurant (1)
Maybe present Vegan restaurant (1)
Present at time of survey Accommodation (1)
Maybe present Accommodation < £50 (1)
Not present at time of survey Campsite (1)
Not present at time of survey Bothy (1)
Not present at time of survey Free wifi (1)
Not present at time of survey Public phone (1)
Present at time of survey Mobile phone coverage (1)
Not present at time of survey Train station (1)
Present at time of survey Bench (1)
Not present at time of survey Picnic table (1)
Present at time of survey Bus stop (1)
Not present at time of survey Ferry (1)

Challenges

Potential challenges reported on this route. Some challenges are seasonal.

Not present at time of survey Scrambling (1)
Not present at time of survey Wading (1)
Not present at time of survey Swimming (1)
Not present at time of survey Climbing (1)
Not present at time of survey Stepping stones (1)
Present at time of survey Very slippery (1)
Present at time of survey Very muddy (1)
Not present at time of survey Very icy (1)
Not present at time of survey Likely to flood (1)
Present at time of survey Long grass sections (1)
Maybe present Crops encroaching on path (1)
Present at time of survey Diverted path (1)

Obstacles

Obstacles on this route.

Present at time of survey Stiles (1)
Present at time of survey Step and kerbs (1)
Not present at time of survey Possible to avoid steps, if applicable (1)
Present at time of survey Flights of steps (1)
Present at time of survey Gates (1)
Present at time of survey Kissing gates (1)
Not present at time of survey Locked gates (1)
Not present at time of survey Disables access gates (1)
Present at time of survey Cycle barriers (1)
Not present at time of survey Ladders (1)
Not present at time of survey Cattle grids (1)
Not present at time of survey Fords (1)
Present at time of survey Narrow bridges (1)
Not present at time of survey Ferry required (1)
Present at time of survey Acceptable road walking (1)
Not present at time of survey Unacceptable road walking (1)
Not present at time of survey Dangerous road crossings (1)
Present at time of survey Walking on paths beside roads (1)
Present at time of survey Walking on verges beside roads (1)
Not present at time of survey Railway crossings (1)
Not present at time of survey River crossings (1)
Not present at time of survey Cattle possible (1)
Not present at time of survey Horses possible (1)
Not present at time of survey Tidal area (1)
Not present at time of survey Potential falls (1)
Not present at time of survey Exposed to elements (1)
Not present at time of survey Remote area (1)
Not present at time of survey Mountainous area (1)
Not present at time of survey Military training area (1)
Not present at time of survey No visible path (1)
Maybe present Seasonal nesting birds (1)
Not present at time of survey Other hazards (1)

Accessibility

Is this route step and stile free?

Not present at time of survey Free of stiles (1)
Not present at time of survey Free of single steps/kerbs (1)
Not present at time of survey Free of flights of steps (1)
Not present at time of survey Free of other obstacles (1)

Measurements

Surveyors were asked to measure the narrowest and steepest parts of paths.

The narrowest part of the path is 50.0cm (1)

The steepest uphill gradient walking East 48.0% (1)

The steepest uphill gradient walking West 50.0% (1)

The steepest camber gradient across the path 10.0% (1)

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Clear (1)

Successfully completed

We asked route surveyors "Have you successfully completed this route with any of the following? If so, would you recommend it to someone with the same requirements?". Here is how they replied.

Maybe present Small Pug-sized dog (1)
Not present at time of survey Small Labrador-sized dog (1)
Not present at time of survey Large St. Bernard-sized dog (1)
Not present at time of survey Standard pram (1)
Not present at time of survey Off-road rugged pram (1)
Not present at time of survey Standard wheelchair (1)
Not present at time of survey Off-road rugged wheelchair (1)
Not present at time of survey Standard mobility scooter (1)
Not present at time of survey Off-road rugged mobility scooter (1)

Recommended by an expert

We asked route surveyors "Are you a trained access professional, officer or expert? If so, is this route suitable for someone travelling with any of the following?" Here is how they replied.

Maybe present Small Pug-sized dog (1)
Not present at time of survey Small Labrador-sized dog (1)
Not present at time of survey Large St. Bernard-sized dog (1)
Not present at time of survey Standard pram (1)
Not present at time of survey Off-road rugged pram (1)
Not present at time of survey Standard wheelchair (1)
Not present at time of survey Off-road rugged wheelchair (1)
Not present at time of survey Standard mobility scooter (1)
Not present at time of survey Off-road rugged mobility scooter (1)

Terrain

We asked route surveyors to estimate how much of the route goes through different kinds of terrain.

11.0% of the route is on roads (1)

19.0% of the route is lit at night (1)

44.0% of the route is paved (1)

12.0% of the route is muddy (1)

9.0% of the route is over rough ground (1)

3.0% of the route is through long grass (1)

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1 surveys

Information from verified surveys.

4X April 2023 by Brian
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Geography information system (GIS) data

Total length

Maximum elevation

Minimum elevation

Start and end points

Bath
Grid Ref ST7524964364
Lat / Lon 51.37778° / -2.35700°
Easting / Northing 375,249E / 164,364N
What3Words stale.hike.taking
Frome
Grid Ref ST7764948039
Lat / Lon 51.23109° / -2.32149°
Easting / Northing 377,649E / 148,039N
What3Words gangs.mull.truth

Batfro One's land is

Arable 25.5%
Other agricultural land 8.4%
Pasture 34.7%
Urban 28.1%
Woods 3.3%

Data: Corine Land Cover (CLC) 2018

reviews


JerB

29 May 2023 Spring

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.


Brian

16 Apr 2023 Spring

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.


Panifex

13 Aug 2022 Summer

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.


Bryan Johnson

22 Jul 2022 Summer

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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Overall ratings

4 reviews


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