Two Tunnels Shared Path

A new shared path for Bath and North East Somerset

Landowners and Neighbours

The Sections page gives details of land ownership so far as it is known.

Creation of a shared use path on the line is dependent on negotiation for access with the various landowners - the land is no longer owned by any one body. If you're visiting the route, please respect their rights.

Having said that, the majority of the route is either underground, or 'Visitable'!

B&NES own the 'Linear park' within urban Bath and they also own much of the section in Lyncombe Vale - and manage it as an informal permissive path. The two tunnels are owned by the British Rail Board (Residuary) Ltd and Wessex Water, both are currently sealed. The line to either side of Tucking Mill viaduct are owned privately and there is no right of access between Tucking Mill viaduct and the tunnel (though the line can be viewed from footpaths alongside). A public right of way exists between the viaduct and Midford - this is passable if rather muddy and not suitable for pushchairs unless both you and the child in the pushchair is fit!

Neighbours to the Path

Experience elsewhere indicates that abuse of derelict land and structures is much reduced if the assets they represent are brought into use.

Nevertheless, as this path connects urban and rural environments, the path will need competent management not to counter problems with antisocial behaviour, but to build an environment which provides no encouragement for it in the first place.

In short, opening the path will not be a matter of simply opening the tunnels, moving some fill from a cutting and laying a path. It will involve putting in place appropriate fencing and security measures which may include remote sensing CCTV, building formal access points, removing some tree growth and scrub to improve sightlines and provide additional facilities for visitors. It will also involve a commitment from individuals to form a network of path rangers, to help establish the path's reputation as a safe environment for all its users.

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