How long does Solsbury Hill from Batheaston take?

Most walkers take 1.5–2 hours for the 4.7 km route, which has 200 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.

Where does the walk start, and where can I park?

It starts at Batheaston (grid reference ST 780 674). Limited roadside parking in the village.

Can I get there by public transport?

Buses from Bath to Batheaston. Check times on Traveline.

It's graded moderate. Lanes and steep grassy paths.

Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze here: keep dogs on a lead near livestock, especially at lambing time (March to May).

"Climbing up on Solsbury Hill", made famous by the Peter Gabriel song of 1979. The hill is actually called Little Solsbury Hill, it's a hill

Paul Stephenson from London · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Batheaston Moderate

Solsbury Hill from Batheaston

Circular Dog friendly Car-free

The flat-topped hill of the Peter Gabriel song, an Iron Age fort above Bath.

Distance: 4.7 km
Ascent: 200 m
Time: 1.5–2 h
Grade: Moderate
Route: Circular
High point: 191 m

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Route mapped on 25 Oct 2026 from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on 25 Oct 2026. For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.

About this walk

Solsbury Hill from Batheaston is a moderate 4.7 km circular walk with 200 m of ascent, taking 1.5 to 2 hours. It starts at Batheaston (grid reference ST 780 674). The start can be reached by public transport.

Little Solsbury Hill stands over the Avon valley just outside Bath, its flat top ringed by the ramparts of an Iron Age hillfort. The climb from Batheaston is short and steep, and the view from the top takes in the city, the Avon valley and the Cotswold edge.

Return by the lane on the other side of the hill.

Great views History Kid friendly Dog friendly Reachable by public transport

Route

1
Solsbury Hill

Climb from the village to the fort on the summit and return by the lane.

Summit

Little Solsbury Hill

191 m

Plan your day

Start Pace Day

Time needed: 1 h 38 min
Back by: 10:38
Sunset: …
Turn back by: …

Based on Naismith's rule plus short breaks. Allow extra in winter or poor weather.

A link with the route, your start time and when you expect to be back, to send to someone at home.

Summit forecast

–

Forecast at Little Solsbury Hill summit (191 m). Always check a mountain forecast too.

Getting there

Start: Batheaston
Grid ref: ST 780 674
Parking: Limited roadside parking in the village.
Transport: Buses from Bath to Batheaston. Check times on Traveline.
Facilities: Pubs and shop in Batheaston.

Directions to start

Bothies and hostels nearby

YHA Bath Hostel · 3.3 km

Distances are from the start. Check with whoever runs it before relying on one.

Terrain

Lanes and steep grassy paths.

Bog factor

Suitable for dogs.

Access & seasonal notes

Sheep graze here: keep dogs on a lead near livestock, especially at lambing time (March to May).

Land and access

In England you can walk on public rights of way and open access land. The Countryside Code sets out how to do so responsibly.

Leave gates and property as you find them, and follow paths unless there's wider access.
On open access land, keep dogs on a short lead from 1 March to 31 July, and at any time near livestock.
Take your litter home, and bag and bin dog poo.
Plan ahead and check for signs and local advice.

The Countryside Code

What to take

Nothing out of the ordinary, so the usual kit below.

✓Map and compass (and know how to use them)
✓Waterproof jacket and trousers
✓Warm layer, hat and gloves, even in summer
✓Food, water and a head torch
✓Charged phone; register for emergency SMS (text 'register' to 999)

Hill safety guide

Questions about this walk

How long does Solsbury Hill from Batheaston take?: Most walkers take 1.5–2 hours for the 4.7 km route, which has 200 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
Where does the walk start, and where can I park?: It starts at Batheaston (grid reference ST 780 674). Limited roadside parking in the village.
Can I get there by public transport?: Buses from Bath to Batheaston. Check times on Traveline.
How hard is it?: It's graded moderate. Lanes and steep grassy paths.
Can I take my dog?: Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze here: keep dogs on a lead near livestock, especially at lambing time (March to May).

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