Bristol Walks
Gert Lush Winter Lockdown Walks
It’s more important than ever to #GetOutside #StaySafe and #KeepLocal so here are some of my favourite walks in Bristol which are particularly lush, gert lush even, at this time of year…
The Downs
This is where I grew up so I slightly biased, but The Downs is a truly unique space in Bristol. At over 400 acres and being pretty flat it is great for families and very accessible. Bordered on three sides by Westbury Park, Sneyd Park and Clifton there are some gorgeous buildings you can dream about living in as well as pathways through woodland, avenues and the infamous Sea Walls with views over to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, down the Avon Gorge and on a good day you can see all the way to Sugar Loaf in the Brecon Beacons. Do pay a visit to goats in the gully and keep an eye out for the resident Peregrine Falcon.
Blaise Castle Estate
I reluctantly took part in many a cross country when I was at secondary school, invariably however we would be found my the teacher playing on the swings. Blaise Castle Estate has a superb children’s play area, that even as an adult I love. My kids even more so. But beyond the park lies a stunning estate full of walks, a fallow castle, beautiful mansion house and a wooded gorge. Just make sure when you head up to the Castle that you tread carefully so as not to wake the sleeping giant…
Clifton Village
Bristol is famed for its beautiful architecture, albeit funded by the riches of slavery, it does mean however that you can have a stunning urban walk. Especially at this time of year, walking late afternoon as the lights switch on makes it even more beautiful. One of the best places to do this is starting at the bottom of Park Street, take in a couple of Banksy’s and walk up to the Wills Building. You can then wiggle through the Georgian mansions to Clifton Village via Birdcage Walk. Here you can wander the small streets through mews and alleyways finishing up with a stunning view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill
Located just off Park Street, Brandon Hill offers 360 degree views over Bristol. A fantastic place for children to play, exploring the pathways and playing hide and seek. The squirrels are friendly so take some natural nuts and see if you can entice them over to your feet. If you are feeling particularly brave Cabot Tower itself may be open, social distancing depending, and you can curl your way up to the top and be rewarded with a truly unique vista.
Arnos Vale Cemetery
If you like the spooky, the spine tingling and the faintly supernatural then Arnos Vale Cemetery in the late afternoon is one for you. Otherwise, visit this 45 acres of Victorian garden cemetery in the daylight and you can wander around the peaceful site gazing at the dramatic architecture and watching the wildlife which lives a quiet existence in this hidden gem of the place.
Leigh Woods
Leigh Woods is a beautiful woodland that is managed by Forestry England. The variety of woods, glades and wide sunny paths encourage a richness of wildlife and special plants including Bristol rock cress and Bristol onion. There are spectacular views over the Avon gorge. Family friendly pathways which are all signposted makes this a relaxed venue where you can see an alternative view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Ashton Court Estate
Ashton Court Estate sits across the Clifton Suspension Bridge and it is lovely to start the walk there so you can traverse the bridge. The estate is 850 acres of wide open space with cycle trails, a golf course, woodland trails, open parkland and the mansion house itself. It is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs where you can walk up to visit the resident deer who live on the estate.
Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills
Accessible, family friendly, play park riverside walks, a nature trail, orienteering and stunning wildlife what’s not to love about this beautiful part of Bristol. You can walk from Oldbury Court down the the River Frome and on towards the historic Snuff Mills.