Without doubt, the highlight of local cycle routes is the Two Tunnels Circuit – a mainly traffic-free loop of around 14 miles, through and around Bath.
Mostly flat or easily graded, 95 per cent off-road, and with plenty of food establishments and picnic opportunities, this is a very family-friendly route. Best of all, unlike many off-road routes, this one is a circuit, so you don't have to retrace your steps, and the scenery is always changing.
And what scenery! The route splits into several sections with their own distinctive characteristics. From the west, the path climbs slowly upwards through tree-lined glades, following the old Somerset and Dorset Railway around the bottom of Oldfield Park, views of Bath opening up where the track crosses two impressive new bridges.
Finally Dorchester Tunnel is reached – it's quite short but feels longer as it is built on a curve – then a short stretch through the delightful Lyncombe Vale brings you to the mouth of the Big Hole.
At 1,762 metres, Combe Down Tunnel is the longest cycleable tunnel in the UK, and takes around 5 minutes to glide through from north to south, being slightly downhill in this direction. Also built on curves, this subterranean ride through two long lines of twinkling lights is a dreamy experience not to be missed, enhanced by ambient music played through the central part of the tunnel.
The tunnel opens into pure Somerset countryside, more great views as the track crosses Tucking Mill viaduct, then passes Midford Castle high on the right. The route veers off onto quiet country roads here. However, following the railway path for 200 metres will bring you to the Hope and Anchor pub in Midford. Alternatively a great place for a picnic is Midford viaduct, immediately after the pub, which featured in the opening scene of the Ealing comedy The Titfield Thunderbolt.
Returning to the circuit, along the lanes to Monkton Combe village and the Wheelwright's Arms, before descending through the school grounds, and picking up another short stretch of old railway under the A36. Then up a ramp to join the only remaining stretch of the old Somerset Coal Canal, with another potential stop at the Bath and Dundas Canal Co tea room. The route now follows the canal towpath all the way back into Bath, with tranquil waters and colourful boats to your left, and views over the beautiful Avon valley to your right.
There are several highlights on this 7km section, starting almost immediately at Dundas Basin, where the Coal Canal is joined by the Kennet and Avon, arriving from the east over the magnificent Dundas Aqueduct which strides across the valley, affording wonderful views to north and south. Definitely another picnic possibility!
Further on is Claverton pumping station – a 200-year-old water-driven device to raise water from the Avon to the canal, still operated on certain weekends of the year. Also worth a stop at this point is Warleigh Island, where river swimmers congregate in their multitudes during the summer.
With the sun on your back, water to your left, and surrounded by lush green countryside, you may feel at this point that it doesn't get any better, however As the canal curls around to the left, another idyllic staging post appears in the shape of the George Inn at Bathampton.
From here the canal spears like an arrow into the centre of Bath, with wide views of the city opening up as the trees drop away on your right. At Sydney Gardens you have a choice of routes – right down the A36 for confident riders, or left and around the outside of the Gardens via quiet roads for families. Both routes lead to Great Pulteney Street, where you can make a grand entrance into the city along this grandest of Bath's Georgian boulevards, followed by the crossing of the famous Pulteney Bridge, another Bath icon.
You are now in tourist territory, with Pulteney Weir, Parade Gardens, Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths all within a stone's throw and another couple of hundred metres will take you to Kingsmead Square.
A bit more quiet road work brings you to the final stage of the route, the Riverside Path, which, with its old industrial backdrop, offers a change to the canal towpath, but still enjoys a tranquil waterside charm.
One last undiscovered gem before you reach the river is Norfolk Crescent, appearing out of nowhere as you exit the city centre. This is one crescent that the tourists never see, but no less impressive for all that, and with its own tree-lined wedge of green space provides yet another tempting picnic opportunity.
Just another mile along the river and your circuit is complete, when you reach the footbridge leading back to the start of the Two Tunnels path. The river path heads on past the Dolphin pub to Brassmill Lane, which is a great place to start the circuit if you are bringing your bikes by car, or if you have ridden in from the Bristol-Bath Cycle Path.
No excuses then, if you live in Bath, or are bringing your bikes by car or train, the circuit is easy to access. Even if you don't own a bike, cycles can be hired at the station http://www.bathcanal.com/ Bike_Hire.html and at Brassknocker Basin http:// www.nextbike.co.uk/en/.
The whole route can easily be ridden by an adult inside two hours but if you're taking the family, or enjoying plenty of stops, you can double that time.
