Schemes

The Bath Two Tunnels scheme will transform a four-mile stretch of disused railway line into a new walking and cycling path linking together Bath and Midford. The project will renovate the dis-used Tucking Mill viaduct and open up the two long tunnels, one of which (Combe Down) is over a mile long.  The currently dis-used tunnels are both a unique and outstanding feature of this scheme.  Once completed, walkers and cyclists will experience two illuminated tunnels and a magnificent viaduct along the route that will provide an inspiring yet practical link between town and country, with its unique blend of industrial heritage, wildlife and geology. 

The virtually flat route along the old Somerset and Dorset Railway Line will bring together the communities of Bath, Midford and nearby communities of Oldfield Park, Twerton, The Oval, Beechen Cliff, Bloomfield, Widcombe, Perrymead and Foxhill, will all be able to make everyday journeys to local schools, shops, work and for leisure, by foot or by bike.  Initial estimates suggest that this greenway will attract one million journeys every year by both local people and visitors to Bath. 

The route will also link to the successful Colliers Way in the South and the Bath-Bristol cycle path in the West and create a great round-trip cycle opportunity between Bath and Midford, including the path along the Kennet & Avon Canal. The route will also form part of the National Cycle Network linking to Route 3 and Route 24.  Opening is expected by the end of 2011.

LATEST NEWS:
05.12.2008
Bath's Piggy Bank raises £200,000 for Connect2 Two Tunnels

On 17th July 2010 Sustrans and the Bath Two Tunnels Group are inviting people to come and experience a great local treasure with an organised walk through the mile-long Combe Down Tunnel.  Guided tours will start from Tucking Mill Viaduct every half hour between 10am and 4pm. There will also be a full route walk taking in the entire Bath Two Tunnels Scheme, starting at the junction of Bellotts Road and the Lower Bristol Road near the Royal Oak pub in Bath at 10am and finishing at the Hope and Anchor pub at Midford.

http://www.sustransconnect2.org.uk/news/news_detail.php?item=Local+people+given+rare+chance+to+walk+through+the+Combe+Down+Tunnel

To see your photos of this scheme visit Sustrans' Show us Connect2

How will the local community benefit?

A selection of comments received from the pledges:

"As a regular cyclist into the city of Bath, this route would improve my life substantially. It will also create a circular route from the city for weekend cyclists."

"Completion of this project would enable me to ride into Bath to work every day not just now and then when I can face those hills in and out of Bath!"

"This project would reduce my driving significantly."

"It would make a fantastic circular route via the tunnels to Midford and then back to Bath through Monkton Combe and along the canal towpath."