I've always enjoyed going for a long walk at the weekend. Getting outdoors in the fresh air makes a nice change from the weekday grind behind the desk.
One can definitely find some escapism in lacing up some muddy walking boots, packing a rucksack with a flask of Heinz Tomato Soup and heading outdoors. Sun, rain, ice or snow - I'm rarely deterred.
Living in Bristol, I'm fortunate that it's a city with a lot of walking trails and you can quickly get out and into the countryside. Here are a few of my favourite routes that are perfect for a weekend outing and provide a much needed change of scenery. All of the routes start and finish at the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
1. Pill Circuit via the River Avon Trail
Clifton Village --> Leigh Wood --> Pill --> Abbots Pool --> Aston Court --> Clifton Village
Distance: Approx. 12km
Mud Scale: Walking boots recommended. Leigh Woods and the River Avon Trail can be muddy if it has been raining.
Good for: Longer walk, trails, picnic spots
This is one of my favourite longer walks to do around Bristol. It's primarily on trails and as soon as you cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge, you're straight into the countryside. It starts off in the forested area of Leigh Woods, which offers miles of walking and bike trails. Leigh Woods is often quite busy, but as soon as you're onto the River Avon Trail, it quietens down quickly. When you leave the trail, you'll come across a large duck pond which is a great place to stop and have a picnic. You'll then pass through the town of Pill and on to Abbots Pool, before popping out at Ashton Court. Here, you can join back onto the circuit and head over the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
2. Blaise Castle Estate
Clifton Village --> Sea Mills --> Blaise Castle --> Clifton Downs --> Clifton Village
Distance: Approx.15km
Mud Scale: Walking boots recommended but not essential. The first part is muddy if you take the walking path along the river but can avoid it by sticking to the road.
Good for: Great views, heritage, picnic spots
Blaise Castle Estate is a great walk if you enjoy heading to a destination- and what better target than a castle? Starting in Clifton Village, descend the steep hill to the river and continue along the A4 away from Bristol City Centre. The road is traffic heavy, but after 1km or so you can cut down onto a footpath that runs along the waterfront, separating away from the road. Be warned - when there's been rain this path becomes very muddy, but is a nice relief from the traffic. You then pass through the old port town of Sea Mills and follow the River Trym to the entrance of Blaise Castle Estate. The woods around the estate offer lots of opportunities for exploring, but continuing along the tarmac path will lead you to a short, steep ascent to the castle. The castle isn't the most impressive, but the views are lovely and there's benches to enjoy a picnic before heading back to the starting point via Stoke Bishop and Clifton Downs.
3. Abbots Pool & West Tanpit Wood
Clifton Village --> Aston Court --> Abbots Pool --> West Tanpit Wood --> Aston Court --> Clifton Village
Distance: Approx. 11km
Mud Scale: Muddy. Walking boots recommended.
Good for: Exploring trails, picnic spots, escapism
This circular route through beautiful scenery and woodland is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Cut off from Ashton Court towards Abbots Pool, a hidden woodland gem that features a large duck pond at its centre, which is a haven for swimming, playing and BBQs in the summer months. Keep to the left of the pond and follow the trails up towards West Tanpit Woods. There are a few lanes you can choose to take you towards vineyards (home of Wild West Wines Ltd), before passing the Bristol & Clifton Golf Club and BGS Sports Grounds. Rejoin the trail at Ashton Court to complete the loop.
4. Leigh Woods
Clifton Village --> Leigh Woods --> Clifton Village
Distance: 1.5km walk from Clifton Village. Distance within woods varies depending on route.
Mud Scale: Can get away with trainers but walking boots recommended after a bout of bad weather.
Good for: Shorter walks, exploring trails, escapism
Leigh Woods is the ideal place to escape for a few hours. Just minutes away from the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the woods are scattered with hiking and bike trails, which eventually lead down to the River Avon Trail. The trails are well signposted and surrounded by trees and nature. It's hard not to feel miles away from the city.
5. Harbourside via Ashton Court
Clifton Village --> Ashton Court --> Harbourside --> Clifton Triangle --> Clifton Village
Distance: Approx. 10km
Mud Scale: Trainers are fine if you stick to main path through Ashton Court but if you're planning to walk on the footpaths, walking boots recommended.
Good for: Avoiding mud, exploring the city, coffee stop
The Harbourside walk is my go-to if I fancy a more chilled weekend outing, with a takeaway coffee stop on the way. Crossing over the Clifton Suspension Bridge, head through Ashton Court and down past the estate and car park, in the direction of the river and The Pump House pub. Follow this path along the harbourside until you come to the Broken Dock, where you can treat yourself to a Spoke and Stringer coffee or some fish and chips. Continue past the Watershed and up Park Street towards the Clifton Triangle before returning to the starting point.
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