Spring is a lovely time to head out for a walk in and around Bath. Here, Lucy from Bathscape shares a selection of pretty routes in the city to enjoy a springtime stroll. 

Some of the biggest highlights of English spring can be found in Bath's parks and woodland. Visit Beech Wood and the southern slopes of the city, near the village of Combe Down, to enjoy carpets of bluebells. Bathscape's South Stoke Circular Walk takes you nearby.

Wild garlic is easy to identify - you can tell by the smell, and the taste! You don’t have to venture very far to find it in full flower in Carr’s Wood at the moment, which you can explore on Bathscape's Green Twerton route. Look up, too, as red kites are now regularly seen in this area.

Image: Wild garlic in Carr's Wood, Bath. Credit Bathscape 

It’s a special time in Bath's parks as well, with buttercups cropping up in long grass areas. There are plenty of bulbous buttercups adorning the beautiful Royal Victoria Park, but if you go slightly further afield, you can see whole fields of wild flowers and experience nature close up. Where better, just a short walk from the city centre, than Smallcombe Cemetery? Check out Bathscape's sensory walk to help you explore it. 

The canal and river offer the possibilities of spotting kingfishers, or even an otter. The Bathampton Meadows Meander will take you out along the river and back through Bathampton Meadows, full of cowslips and, on warm days, butterflies and the buzz of queen bees looking for their new nests. It’s not long before dragonflies and damselflies will arrive in the area, as spring gently gives way to summer.

Image credit: John Crispin

In June, remember to take a walk in Bath's flower-rich grasslands and look out for orchids, ox-eye daisies and many more. Bathampton Down is a great place to spot orchids, and the Bathampton Down Loop walk will take you there. You’ll also pass by Sham Castle and Sydney Gardens, with its fantastic new play area and exhibition. The views from the former at this time of year are not to be missed.

Image: Sydney Gardens

All of the walks above are within easy reach of the city centre, and fully accessible by public transport.

Read more:

• Four country walks in and around Bath
• Things to do outdoors in Bath
• Six of the best pub walks near Bath