A lot of money is being spent on improving the route into town for cyclists from Batheaston. It includes a new foot and cycle bridge which has been a bit marooned of late in flood water from the River Avon.
While it is always good to hear of money being spent to encourage two-wheeled traffic into Bath l cannot help wondering whether a little grit or even tarmac might not improve another route into town – and at not too great a cost.
I am talking about the turning off the London Road which takes you down to Kensington Meadows and the Grosvenor Bridge across the River Avon.
It was once a well-known walk to a public house with tea gardens attached and you can still see evidence of a pavement that led from the bridge towards the bank of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Prior to this it passes under the Great Western Railway.
The pub is just a ruin now but the path is well used by dog owners, cyclists and pedestrians.
It leads up onto the canal towpath and into town via Sydney Gardens.
With all the bad weather we have been having the path is wet and muddy and not pleasant for anyone to use.
While l am not suggesting a major overhaul – l would not want to be too intrusive in affecting the natural wild habitat – l do think a firm surface on the path would encourage round-the-year use and help put more people onto bikes!
