Combe Down Tunnel Circular

Introduction

The is an alternative to the Two Tunnels Circular as, at the time of riding this route [Jan 2025], the Devonshire Tunnel was closed while drainage works were being completed. As a result, a short impromptu detour was required through the city of Bath, skipping the Devonshire Tunnel with a climb up over the top of Bath before dropping into the city centre with a short ride through the one way system [not one for those that don’t enjoy cycling in traffic], before connecting with the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath to complete the loop back to the start.

The route is 15.5 miles (25km) in length with approximately 300ft of ascent; Strava generally mis-calculates the ascent due to the Combe Tunnel going through the hills!

Hazards

Below are a few of the hazards on this route to be aware of:

• This diversionary route requires city centre road cycling amongst traffic, and a short sharp climb and a descent back into the city.
• The canal towpath itself can become busy and narrow in places, priority should be given to other towpath users and be careful near the edges!

Places of Interest

Below are listed a select few places of interest along the route, Bath itself is a historic city full of numerous places of interest but far too many to list here.

• Rider's Rest Café
  At the start and end of this route is the aptly named Rider’s Rest Café, the perfect stop for a cyclist with a good selection of cakes and drinks.
• The Hope & Anchor Pub
  A Traditional English country pub in the village of Midford. There is parking for cars and bikes, but the car-park is strictly for the use of patrons of the pub.
• Tucking Mill Viaduct
  The Tucking Mill Viaduct is easily missed as you near the Combe Down Tunnel. It’s an impressive structure and historical landmark. Take a moment to enjoy the views as you cross it.
• Combe Down Tunnel
  This is the main reason to cycle this route, to cycle the 1.6km Combe Down Tunnel, the longest cycling tunnel in Britain.
• Pulteney Bridge and Weir
  Historic bridge built in 1774 with notable architecture & rows of stores lining each side.
• Dundas Aqueduct
  Late-1700s stone structure carrying the Kennet and Avon Canal over the River Avon.
• Angelfish Restaurant and Canal Visitor Centre

Start

During the summer months the Two Tunnels cycle route is a popular destination for all. As a result, parking 'near' the Tunnels can be problematic so I would recommend starting a little further out from the standard Two Tunnels circular route, starting in the village of Wellow. This requires a short, flat, scenic run along the National Cycle Network route 24.

There are a small number of parking spaces on the road near the Rider's Rest Cafe, but this can become very busy at popular times. Further out to the west in the village of Wellow, is a small grass carpark tucked away on the south side of the village. The carpark is signed from the road and due to its secluded nature, I wouldn't recommend leaving any valuables behind, but this is an option on busy summer days.

Route

Starting outside the Café, follow the cycleways signs for Midford along the route 24. The first part is loose gravel/mud, fine for a roadie in the summer, but can get a little sticky in damp weather.

As you approach Midford the cycle route is tarmac and continues past the Hope & Anchor Pub, over the Tucking Mill Viaduct [enjoy the scenery] and towards the Combe Down Tunnel. It’s recommended to cycle with lights; not so you can see as the tunnel is normally lit, but for others to see you.

After passing through the tunnel and assuming the Devonshire Tunnel is closed or you want to divert, about 300m before the Devonshire Tunnel is a footpath on the left side which leads down the former railway embankment, under the cycleway where it connects with Lyncombe Vale Road. Turn right and follow this road down the hill. Turn left at the T-junction and continue up the hill, still on Lyncombe Vale Road.

This is now the steepest part of the entire ride, follow Lyncombe Vale Road up the hill then turn right at the next T-junction onto Lyncombe Hill and continue to climb the hill before descending where it meets the A36.

At the A36, if you are comfortable with road riding, follow the A36 following the signs to Bath Spa railway station. Alternatively, disembark and cross the A36 via the crossing then cross the River Avon via Halfpenny Bridge. Walk through the Tunnel under the railway then return to the road (A3039) and head north, shortly passing Manvers Street Car Park on your right.

Keep following the A3039 past Bath Abbey and round the one-way system to cross Pultney Bridge. The route now follows Route 4 of the National Cycle Network which is signed throughout. Follow these signs along the road where you turn left onto the A36. Negotiate this section carefully as traffic can be heavy here.

Shortly after crossing the railway, you’ll see the Route 4 signs directing to the Kennet and Avon Canal. Join the towpath and continue to follow Route 4 and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the waterway as you slowly emerge from the City of Bath. Continue to enjoy and follow Route 4 for approximately 5.5 miles until you reach the Dundas Aqueduct. Don’t cross the Aqueduct but continue to follow Route 4 towards Brassknocker Basin where you will find the Angelfish Restaurant and the Canal Visitor centre.

Continue to follow Route 4 that joins a lane that passes under the A36 and follow it, still following the Nation Cycle Network Route 4 where you will have to walk the bikes through Monkton Combe School before joining Church Lane. Continue onwards and upwards until you rejoin the route to complete the loop. Finally retrack the final 2 miles and return to Wellow and treat yourself to something yummy in the Rider's Rest Café.