Tour the city of Bath in a whole new way with WildSwimBikeRun. This independent business, which is locally owned and operated, helps visitors explore Bath and the surrounding countryside with fun and informative guided cycle and walking tours. Visitors to the city get the chance to enjoy Bath’s history, culture, wildlife and landscapes with fun, qualified and experienced local guides.
The team at WildSwimBikeRun consists of Darroch, Rickie, Grant, Martin and Misa. The local guides are ex-military or former professional athletes who are DBS checked, outdoor first aid qualified and Childcare in Sport Educare trained with appropriate guiding qualifications. This means visitors are guaranteed a fun, active day out exploring the city which is completely safe and run with military precision.
Speaking about WildSwimBikeRun, Darroch said: “Our tours are suitable for all abilities, they’re perfect for single travellers, couples, families, children aged 10 and over and groups. We also provide private, corporate, group and school tours – all of which are a great way to mark a special occasion or get a group of people together for a fun day out in and around Bath.”
Visitors can book onto a half or full day tour which takes in the city’s famous buildings, historic sites and pleasure gardens, as well as a trip along the Kennet and Avon Canal cycle towpath for a ride through history towards the Avon Valley. This part of the area is abundant with wildlife and sites of historical interest, like the Dundas Aqueduct and the Thythe Barn at the nearby town of Bradford on Avon. On the way back into Bath you will get to pass through a Victorian railway tunnel while you journey along the Two Tunnels Path, Britain’s longest cycling tunnel. Alternatively, there is the Afternoon City Tour which is a ninety minute tour through Bath’s oldest streets on a journey around the grand Georgian architecture, Victorian public gardens, Medieval city walls and the remains of Roman Britain before experiencing the expansive views over the city from the canal. Visitors have the choice of daily cycling tours, daily walking tours, guided mountain bike, road cycling and bikepacking experiences.
The walking tours start and finish in Bath, exploring the hills surrounding the World Heritage city. Walkers get breathtaking views over the city and provide a fun, relaxed opportunity to experience the history, military past, culture, heritage, wold food and diverse wildlife that can all be found on the doorstep. Depending on the length of your stay and the area you’d like to explore, there are a number of walking tours for you to choose from.
“I’ve long been highlighting the amazing outdoor activity opportunities we have on Bath’s doorstep. The hills around Bath provide a huge network of walking, running and cycling opportunities, combined with the traffic free walking and cycling paths in the Avon Valley giving you a blank canvas to plan days of outdoor adventures. Add to this; the rich seam of history, abundant wildlife, spectacular far eating views and local eateries, for a memorable series of outdoor adventures.” Darroch continued.
Considering Darroch’s appreciation for the city, it’s no wonder he and the team are so passionate about their tours. Speaking about what he loves about living and working in Bath, Darroch said: “Within minutes of leaving my front door in the centre of Bath I can be walking or cycling in quiet green spaces for as long as I please. Returning to Bath I have everything I want from a modern city with the added bonus of it being a beautifully historic city with lots of quiet green spaces. For me, Bath is one of the few cities in the world I can happily exist as an active, passionate outdoor enthusiast.”
It’s no surprise that Darroch’s perfect day in the city involves bike rides around some of the most beautiful areas. When we asked what a perfect day in Bath would be like for him, Darroch told us: “An early morning bike ride with friends on the Cotswolds before heading back to Bath for breakfast at the Boston Tea Party on Alfred Street, I’m a big fan of their The Boss breakfast washed down with a couple of flat whites.
“After that, I’d head home for a quick shower and a change of clothing followed by a walk with my wife up onto the skyline trail through the woods and meadows above the city to see the panoramic views, before walking down to the Widcombe Deli via Prior Park Gardens for coffee, cake and people watching.
“If the sun is out, we would definitely stop for an Italian ice cream at Avellinos Deli and Café on Cleveland Place, just to cool us down of course… We love the Corkage on Walcot Street, so dinner at our favourite table trying something new from the huge selection of wines that are available by the glass is the perfect way to celebrate a great day in Bath!”
For the team at WildSwimBikeRun, they are passionate about showing their guests all the amazing sights of Bath while helping them have an active and fun experience.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are getting on a bike for the first time or you’re a veteran outdoor enthusiast looking for a local guided activity, our personal approach to every client ensures they get the most from their time with us. We plan and prepare each and every activity in detail, resulting in experiences that our clients love and keep coming back to Bath for.”
If you come to the city and decide you want to jump on a tour but left your bike at home, don’t worry, bikes, helmets and your guide are all included in the price of the tour!
Speaking about the business, he said: “Put simply, our people and local knowledge make our activities a fun, relaxed and personal outdoor experience with our clients’ experience central in all we do. We’re a mix of ex-military and outdoor athletes who love what we do and ensure that our passion shines through in our guided activities.”
Make sure to follow the team on their social media, you can find them on Twitter, @WildSwimBikeRun, Facebook, @WildSwimBikeRunAdventureHolidays and on Instagram, @wildswimbikerun. Their sister company, Bath Cycle Tours is also on social media.
Find out more and book your tours online via their website, wildswimbikerun.com
We think Darroch sums it up beautifully with this parting message: “When you consider that the Kennet and Avon Canal, River Avon, Cotswolds and Mendips are on the City’s doorstep, combine it with the hospitality Bath is famed for and you have one of the UK’s best outdoor adventure destinations.”
