What is the Bath Beat?
The Bath Beat returns on Saturday 24 April 2027
Bookings open January 2027
Step out of the city and into something unforgettable.
Starting on the southeastern edge of Bath, The Bath Beat is more than just a walk or run, it’s a journey through some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes on the edge of the Cotswolds. Whether you’re taking on your first challenge or chasing a personal best, this event invites you to explore rolling hills, ancient woodland, river valleys, and timeless countryside.
Choose your distance:
- 12.5 miles (TBC pricing)
- 17 miles (TBC pricing)
- 21 miles (TBC pricing)
- 26.5 miles (TBC pricing)
Each route follows public footpaths that wind through farmland, along a historic disused canal, and across some of the region’s most scenic viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll pass welcoming checkpoints stocked with homemade cakes, sandwiches, and plenty of encouragement to keep you moving.
For those taking on the full 26.5-mile challenge, the route offers a true tour of the countryside, passing through picturesque villages including Bathford, Avoncliffe, Hinton Charterhouse, Norton St Philip, Wellow, and Combe Hay before returning to Bath via the Somerset Coal Canal and the charming village of Midford.
Your entry includes:
- Fully supported checkpoints with food and drink
- A finisher’s medal for those who complete the challenge
- Recovery support if you’re unable to make it back under your own steam
- A welcoming finish with plenty more food and refreshments
Whether you run, walk, or take it at your own pace, The Bath Beat is about the experience—fresh air, great company, and a route that rewards every step.
What Have Others Said?
On behalf of the New Forest Runners, of which there were at least 12 running/walking this year, can I please thank you for putting on what was once again a fantastic event. This is my favourite marathon and I have completed it several times over the years. The scenery, volunteers and food were all amazing and this year was even better. Phil West would have been so proud of all your efforts and I know of several first timers who are already looking forward to next year. – Ian (2024)
The best long distance walking (optional running) event in the South West! This event is made memorable by its strangely inverse relationship between bargain entry fees and the large quantity of food available at the checkpoints! You won’t go hungry on this one. Great scenery and organisation. Makes the bath half marathon look overpriced and badly organised. Compton in runners world
Just to say how fantastic Saturday was! We were all so impressed by how well the event was organised & how helpful everyone was. So much time & trouble has obviously been taken to put some really fab routes together & the route planner was brill!! I didn’t realise how really lovely the area is & will definitely be re-walking in the future! Maggie
Norton St Philips is the best checkpoint on any race in Britain Simon
What a great day yesterday. Thank you for organising and running such an enjoyable event; I’m sure that everyone who participated must have been well pleased with all aspects of it – the beautiful route, the warm welcome and efficiency at check points, the superb food, the route description and the happy atmosphere I found all along the route. Dennis
Just wanted to say, it was well worth the efforts of driving from Surrey to do your event – again. I’d forgotten how pretty the route was, with some fabulous views, even if the wind was a little challenging – all day ! Jackie
My boyfriend and I did the Bath Beat at the weekend and I just wanted to get
in touch to say how much we both absolutely loved it! It was my first
experience of an event such as this and I am already planing on coming back
next year. Everyone at all the checkpoints were friendly, encouraging and
welcomed us so warmly, the route itself was breathtaking (in some points
literally!!) and the directions were obviously the result of a lot of care
and investment.I have been well and truly bitten by the trail event bug and am keeping my
eye out for other events to do. I just hope they have been organised with
the same care as the Bath Beat. Stella
Our local newspaper, the Midland Reporter Telegram in Texas, ran a story last Sunday (Father’s Day) on the marathons we have run. You will notice the article mentions The Bath Beat! And, there’s even a photo by a bridge in Avoncliffe. Bill
See the article by clicking here.
I was fortunate to secure a place at short notice on the 26.7 mile route of the Bath Beat challenge walk, which celebrated its 20th-anniversary on 27th April. The event was started by police from Bath Police Station who enjoyed walking together, including the Black Mountains Roundabout, hence the name.
It was a breezy day, with winds of around 40 mph in the wake of Storm Hannah. Tree blossom fell like snowflakes, settling in sheltered corners. The route followed part of the Kennet & Avon canal. Decorated narrow boats bore names like ‘Party Animal’, ‘Dreamer’ and my personal favourite: ‘Relativity – Travelling at the speed of life.’
The weather improved during the day, with big skies to match the open landscape south of Bath. One check point was in the church at Norton St Philip, giving a welcome moment of serenity.
You often pick up fragments of conversation during such events and I remember one about whether this year would see a new personal best for number of slices of cake eaten at the various check points during the course of the walk (sixteen to beat). I wonder if they succeeded! See the collage from this walker by clicking here Pete
Just wanted to say a huge thanks to everyone who helped out yesterday, the number of kind people who gave up their Saturdays and even their homes to look after us all was very humbling. The snacks along the way really are a massive re-energiser both mentally and physically! Karen