This is a cracking Cotswold edge walk , one of several possible routes down the beautiful St Catherines Valley from the lovely village of Marshfield into the Georgian gem that is Bath. This route traverses the valley, so there is a bit of up and down, and the views are stunning. From Marshfield, the route heads down into the valley, then climbs steeply up some beautiful meadows towards the WW2 airfield of Charmy Down. The proximity of the A46 as you skirt rather than climbing up on Solsbury Hill is a shame, and the initial approach to Bath is a little disappointing after all the natural stuff. Once you get into Larkhall, it's better, and the stroll into Bath along the canal and Great Pulteney St is a reason to like this way into the city after all.

Just spent a happy Spring day trying out this Slow Way and it was a pleasure. It is difficult not to enjoy walking in this area.

We walked from Marshfield to Bath. The route makes its way over the plateaus and into the delightful stream-cut folds of this beautiful part of the lower Cotswolds, with a couple of moderate hill climbs and plenty of views.

It passes through the lovely St Catherines Valley, with its mixture of pastures and woodlands, then crosses the skylark-favoured expanse of the long-abandoned wartime airfield at Charmy Down and eventually skirts the ramparts of the ancient fort at Solsbury Hill, before heading into the city via the likeable laid-back suburb of Larkhall (which has good local shops, cafes etc) and along the canal path. It finishes with a tourist walk one of Bath’s grander thoroughfares, across Pulteney Bridge, and around the abbey.

My favourite bit? - an entire field full of flowering cowslips on the side of St Catherines. My least favourite bit? - the slightly ungainly approach at the edge of the city over to the noisy A46 at Swainswick. But it is a fine walk all told.

Navigation is easy (although I know this area well so would probably find it so). The only awkward place is the short section along the scrubby side of Solsbury Hill where it can get squelchy underfoot at wet times of year and the path through isn't always obvious and not quite as shown on the OS map. But it is all open access anyway here - just follow the clearest pathways through the trees and keep low.

The footpaths are generally well maintained and well-signed, as is usual for this well-walked area. Access includes kissing gates, farm gates and stiles. There is plenty of livestock, including today some cows with young calves and a couple of friendly horses.

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