Little Solsbury Hill - a red car parked on the side of a road
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Little Solsbury Hill

4.8
·68 reviews·Batheaston, United Kingdom

Ascend Little Solsbury Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Bath and the surrounding countryside. A rewarding walk with no facilities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Golden hour glow

CrowdMedium
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Little Solsbury Hill - a red car parked on the side of a road

Little Solsbury Hill

Best Time

Summer evenings

Golden hour glow

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend Little Solsbury Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Bath and the surrounding countryside. A rewarding walk with no facilities.

4.8
(68 reviews)

"Stunning views of Bath and the surrounding area. Worth every step!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking is Tricky

Parking is limited and can be illegal. Consider buses or a long walk from Bath centre .

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Paths can get muddy, especially near the top. Proper footwear is a must!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Summit

Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Bath and the surrounding countryside. Perfect for photos!

Trig Point

Trig Point

Summit

Reach the iconic trig point for that classic summit photo and a sense of accomplishment.

Picnic Spot

Picnic Spot

Summit

Ideal location for a picnic with unparalleled views, especially lovely at sunset.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking Pains & Trail Tips

Parking at Little Solsbury Hill can be a challenge, with many visitors improvising or opting for public transport.Reddit Be prepared for muddy sections, especially after rain, and wear appropriate footwear. The walk offers stunning city views, making it a rewarding experience despite potential access hurdles.

Best Footwear & Weather Prep

While the path is mostly paved, expect some muddy patches near the summit, making sturdy walking shoes essential.Reddit The hill is exposed, so dress in layers and be prepared for wind, even on a pleasant day. Check the weather forecast before you go to maximize your enjoyment of the panoramic views.

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Clear autumn days
Why
Crisp air & views
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The @bpachoir will be joining the procession up to Little Solsbury Hill today. We hope to see many of you there as well. Meet from 14:00 in the Riverside garden, Batheaston for 14:30 departure. Bring a picnic + stay until sunset. There will be workshops, tea ceremonies, finishing with a performance hour of music + spoken word. LINK IN BIO for all the deets. See you there!!! 💜💜💜
through.thecracks
19 likes • 483 views

🚗 Parking is Tricky

Parking is limited and can be illegal. Consider buses or a long walk from Bath centre.Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Paths can get muddy, especially near the top. Proper footwear is a must! Reddit

Part 3 of Bath hike! This one up to Little Solsbury Hill! I’ve been up here before to get the trig, so this is a return visit for me, and this is another Bath Sky Line view. - - - - - - - - - - - #dogsofinstagram #dogoftheday #adventuredog #trig #trigbagging #trigpoint #ordanancesurvey #hiking #hikebritain #ladieswhohike #hikersofinstagram #womenwhohike #womenwhoexplore #adventurewoman #outdoor...
steph_the_wiltshire_wanderer
560 likes • 1.1K views
Climbing up Little Solsbury Hill from a footpath near the elegant Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath, England. @visitbath #visitbath #lovegreatbritain #bailbrookhousehotel #escapesnaps #hiking #solsburyhill #littlesolsburyhill
karamurphyimages
13 likes • 250 views

🌬️ Dress for the Weather

It's exposed up there! Layers and wind protection are recommended.

🧺 Pack a Picnic

No facilities on the hill, but the views make for a perfect picnic spot.Reddit

reddit.com

Walk to Solsbury Hill

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking is Tricky

Parking is limited and can be illegal. Consider buses or a long walk from Bath centre.Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Paths can get muddy, especially near the top. Proper footwear is a must! Reddit

🌬️ Dress for the Weather

It's exposed up there! Layers and wind protection are recommended.

🧺 Pack a Picnic

No facilities on the hill, but the views make for a perfect picnic spot.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Bus is a Good Option

Buses 3, 13, or 231 from Bath centre get you close.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(68 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Little Solsbury Hill for its absolutely stunning panoramic views of Bath and the surrounding countryside, making it a worthwhile climb. While the lack of parking and occasional muddy paths are noted drawbacks, the rewarding vistas and the peaceful atmosphere are frequently highlighted as major positives.

"Just for the experience. You can climb the hill and watch the city lights. We parked the car illegally and climbed the last part. Impossible to park your car, no facilities. You have to improvise! Or take a bus or a long walk up...."

Frans Willems

"Even in winter this is worth a jolly jaunt up the hill. You can get bus number 3, 13, or 231 from Bath centre. Then it’s a nice walk on a paved but quiet road, with only a small muddy section near the top. I didn’t find to be slippery. About 30 minutes walk from the bus stop. My app tells me it is 50 floors up.
The views are delightful. Nice greets from passer-bys. Keep in mind it’s not the kind of place to have a toilet. A fine way to get your steps in!"

Damian Tapley

"Love this place.. a fantastic place for someone who loves to have some clean air to breath and walk in peace. You can have a look of the entire bath city from here."

Sumaya Musadique

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Peaceful atmosphere
Great picnic spot

What People Dislike

Difficult parking
Muddy paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take buses 3, 13, or 231 from Bath city centre, which will drop you off a walk away from the hill.Reddit Alternatively, many visitors opt for a longer walk from Bath centre, enjoying sights like the Holbourne Museum and the canal along the way.Reddit Some even park illegally to shorten the final ascent.Reddit

Parking is notoriously difficult and often illegal.Reddit It's advisable to plan for public transport or a significant walk rather than relying on finding a legal parking spot near the summit.

Yes, you can walk from Bath centre. The route can be scenic, passing by the canal and through villages like Batheaston.Reddit Be prepared for a trek, especially the final climb up the hill.Reddit

A popular route involves taking the canal to Bathampton, crossing to Batheaston, and then ascending the hill.Reddit Some suggest avoiding the Swainswick route if it's muddy.Reddit

Yes, several bus routes from Bath city centre serve the area, making it accessible without a car.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Little Solsbury Hill is a natural landmark and does not require an entrance fee or tickets.

As an open natural space, Little Solsbury Hill is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoying the views.

There are no facilities such as toilets or cafes on Little Solsbury Hill itself. It's recommended to use facilities in Bath or nearby villages before ascending.Reddit

No, there is no admission fee to visit Little Solsbury Hill.

While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting, potential for getting lost, and safety concerns. Sunset views are popular, but descending in the dark can be challenging.

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

From the nearest bus stop, the walk up Little Solsbury Hill typically takes about 30 minutes.Reddit The total time will vary depending on your starting point in Bath and your walking pace.

The walk involves a significant ascent, described as climbing 50 floors.Reddit While parts are paved, it can be steep in places and muddy near the top.Reddit

The terrain is mixed. You'll encounter paved paths, country lanes, and potentially muddy, slippery sections, especially after rain.Reddit

From the summit, you get stunning panoramic views of Bath city, the River Avon, and the surrounding Somerset countryside.Reddit

Yes, Little Solsbury Hill is a great place for dogs, offering plenty of space to roam. However, keep them under control, especially near the edge and if there are livestock present.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers the most iconic panoramic shots of Bath.Reddit The trig point is also a popular subject.Instagram For different perspectives, consider capturing the winding paths or the distant city skyline.

Golden hour, just before sunset, provides beautiful light for capturing the city and landscape.Instagram Clear days offer the best visibility for expansive views.

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidelines before flying a drone in the area.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on Bath's landmarks. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light photography at sunset.

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permissions. Always be respectful of other visitors.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Little Solsbury Hill offers a fantastic outdoor adventure for families. The walk up provides a good opportunity for kids to burn energy, and the panoramic views from the top are sure to captivate them. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on the hill.Reddit Sturdy shoes are a must for little feet, especially if the ground is wet. Consider taking a bus from Bath to shorten the overall journey and make it more manageable for younger children.

🚶 Budget Travelers

Little Solsbury Hill is an excellent free activity for budget travelers. The main costs will be transportation to the area, whether it's a bus fare from Bath Reddit or fuel if driving (though parking is a challenge). Packing your own picnic Reddit instead of buying food at cafes significantly cuts down expenses. The experience of the views and the walk itself is priceless and requires no admission fee.

🐶 Dog Owners

Little Solsbury Hill is a dog-friendly destination, offering ample space for your canine companions to explore. Many visitors bring their dogs along for the walk.Instagram It's important to keep dogs under control, especially near the edges of the hill and if there are any farm animals grazing. Ensure your dog is comfortable with potentially muddy terrain and windy conditions.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Access: Parking and Public Transport

Getting to Little Solsbury Hill presents a common challenge for visitors: parking. Many reviews highlight the difficulty of finding legal parking spots, leading some to improvise or park illegally.Reddit This scarcity of parking means that public transport or a dedicated walk from Bath are often the most practical options. Buses like the 3, 13, or 231 from Bath city centre can get you close, requiring a subsequent walk.Reddit This approach not only bypasses parking woes but also allows for a more immersive experience of the surrounding countryside and villages like Batheaston.Instagram

The Little Solsbury Hill Walk: Terrain and Preparation

The little solsbury hill walk itself is a rewarding, albeit sometimes challenging, experience. While parts of the ascent are paved, the final stretch to the summit can become quite muddy and slippery, especially after rainfall.Reddit This makes wearing appropriate footwear, such as sturdy walking boots or trail shoes, highly recommended.Reddit The climb is often described as equivalent to ascending 50 floors, indicating a noticeable incline.Reddit Despite the potential for mud, the walk is generally considered manageable and is frequently undertaken by dog walkers Instagram and those seeking fresh air and exercise.

Experiencing the Summit: Views and Activities

The primary draw of Little Solsbury Hill is undoubtedly the stunning views it offers. From its exposed summit, visitors are treated to a breathtaking 360-degree panorama encompassing the historic city of Bath, the winding River Avon, and the rolling Somerset landscape.Reddit This makes it an ideal spot for photography, particularly during the golden hour before sunset.Instagram Many visitors also find it to be a perfect location for a picnic, enjoying their meal with an unparalleled backdrop.Reddit The presence of a trig point at the summit also appeals to hikers and those looking for a specific landmark to reach.Instagram

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