The Cheltenham Circular Foot Path (40km) is another recommended but much longer walk. Bear right at a stone wall and carry on as the blue Sustrans path turns left. A circular one-mile walk around the National Trust's Leigh Woods, taking in veteran trees, dramatic views from the edge of the Avon Gorge and Stokeleigh Camp hill fort. During the autumn months, the towering copper beech trees lining the drive to Leigh Woods, just across the River Avon from Bristol, wend their way through a magnificent kaleidoscope of purples, reds, yellows, oranges and browns. Listen to the latest episodes from our country podcast. This ancient broadleaf woodland has been part of Bristolian life for centuries, and has a rich variety of trees, including the rare Bristol whitebeam. With spectacular views across Bristol and the surrounding landscape, ancient and veteran trees, and an abundance of wildlife, Leigh Woods is the perfect place to stretch your legs. The walk was originally devised by Rochford District Council's Conservation Project in 1986. Just across Clifton Suspension Bridge is Leigh Woods, a National Trust protected area of woodland that it is free to enter. Try 3 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just £5! 1. Follow the path as it bears right away from the road to a viewpoint over the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Car park at end of Leigh Woods Drive off A369. Accessed via an avenue of copper beech trees, planted to commemorate the Queen's Coronation in 1953, the medium sized car park is the ideal place for starting off on a walk in these woods. By entering your details, you are agreeing to Countryfile.com terms and conditions & privacy policy. N.B. Visit Leigh Woods on a circular walk from Bristol’s historic quarter, Clifton, with views of the … There are spectacular views over the Avon gorge. Across Avon Gorge, Bristol Botanic Garden holds a collection of local and rare native species. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. Leigh Woods walk. Thanks! This is a circular walk. Cross the suspension bridge. Continue through Chedworth woods, returning to Chedworth on public footpaths. Can you see how all the branches come from the same part of the trunk? Walk past the camera obscura – a convex lens and sloping mirror that projects a bizarre panoramic moving image on to a round table. Take an off-piste excursion over the ramparts into the hillfort’s partially wooded centre, which has the feel of a meadow or even a secret garden. Visit several iconic Bristol sights – Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Camera Obscura and Leigh Woods, Published: September 19th, 2019 at 3:05 pm. From the main entrance to Bristol Zoo, walk left along Clifton Down then turn left and pick up an attractive path to the side of the road. Long Ashton is well endowed with footpaths and leaflets describing a variety of walks are available free of charge from the Little Tipple or can be viewed here. Along with the Brecon Beacons, Avon Gorge is home to six of the 11 threatened tree species in the UK. Nearest postcode: BS8 3QB. uring the autumn months, the towering copper beech trees lining the drive to Leigh Woods, just across the River Avon from Bristol, wend their way through a magnificent kaleidoscope of purples, reds, yellows, oranges and browns. Cotswold Way National Trail - Bluebell woods and sleepy villages make up The Cotswold Way. Starting in the Oxfordshire village of North Leigh, this pretty and gentle circular walk takes you across fields to follow the River Evenlode and visit the excavated remains of the roman villa, including mosaics. Parking is available in Church Road, opposite The George at Abbots Leigh, where the walk starts. The nooks, crannies, hollows and deadwood created by fungi on these venerable old trees provide valuable niches for wildlife, including birds, bats and invertebrates. Carry on browsing if you're happy with this, or find out how to manage cookies. If you're looking for a faster paced visit, Leigh Woods is a great place to go for a run.. Leigh Woods, on the outskirts of Bristol, is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. A 5-mile circular walk around Leigh Woods, taking in the Avon, views of the suspension bridge and the lovely Nightingale Valley. A designated nature reserve, Leigh Woods is a great place to take children, with a variety of pathways to choose from, depending on the length and level of challenge that you require. It’s an easy walk taking in some of Bristol’s famous views over Avon Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge and Ashton Court. Already have an account with us? If you’re lucky, you may see an eccentric local who regularly exercises his parrot here. Venture a little further to the eastern edge of the fort and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views across Avon Gorge. Posted by Dave Cobbin December 1, 2020 Posted in Uncategorized Tags: Bristol Suspension Bridge, Leigh Woods, Nightingale Valley, River Avon Leave a comment on Leigh Woods The villa, free to enter, is in a delightful location beside the River Evenlode. If you'd like to continue you could pick up the Macmillan Way or the Monarch's Way. Useful information. Turn right and follow the path past several railway bridges, with views up to the suspension bridge. The woods were once part of Ashton Court and signs of the pomp and splendour of this grand estate still remain in gnarled, ancient and veteran oaks, limes and yews. Head downhill towards the River Avon, until you reach a cyclepath beside the river. 8 miles/12.8km | 5 hours | moderate. From Leigh Woods there are fantastic views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Leigh Woods is a great place to stretch your legs in the great outdoors. Begins Leigh Woods car park OS grid reference ST553740 Walk in a nutshell A tour around some of the south-west’s most beautiful and historic woodland, including an … Turn right towards the National Trust building, then left. This walk gives you three alternative views of the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, while visiting several of Bristol’s most-loved sites. Path can be muddy in places after heavy rain. We use cookies to provide you with a better service. The nooks, crannies, hollows and deadwood created by fungi on these venerable old trees provide valuable niches for wildlife, including birds, bats and invertebrates. Some are well known, such as Avon Gorge, but a few less familiar attractions, such as the rockslide, are off the tourist radar but cherished by locals. Enjoy a day out in Leigh Woods with views of the stunning Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge with our. Wander through tranquil woodland - Leigh Woods (winter special 2017).pdf [410.8 KB] Seek out the animal sculptures - Ty Sculpture Trail (May-June 2017).pdf [290.46 KB] Dig deep into Shipham's mining history (March-April 2017).pdf [195.16 KB] Plotted with the plotaroute.com route planner. This circular walk in Bristol visits some of the highlights of the city, including Temple Church, Castle Park, the SS Great Britain, Britol's Floating Harbour, Cabot Tower and Bristol Cathedral. You're now subscribed to our newsletter. Turn right when you reach Leigh Woods and take the left path, following blue markers. One steep ramp exists at the north-west end of the Park. The reserve is located in the beautiful Avon Gorge and is a popular retreat from the city. Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve. You can download our site map here to plan your route in advance. Telford declared his own design the winner, but when this proved unpopular, 24-year-old Isambard Kingdom Brunel won a chance to be project engineer in a second competition in 1830. Escape the city centre with a walk at Leigh Woods. A circular walk around Farmoor Reservoir with fine views across the reservoir and also across the Thames and its meadows. Start. Find out about trails across the nation's forests. While the village presents some interesting houses and buildings, the serene woodland offers one of the most beautiful walks in Bristol. Follow it past a pond to a car park. Go through a barrier then, when Sustrans route 41 goes right, keep ahead towards Paradise Bottom. You can continue along the edge of Leigh Woods for wonderful views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge. This one is a little different but I wanted to include it to highlight the different … Length: 5.5 miles / 8.8km (approx 2-3 hours, longer if stopping for lunch at The Poacher and Partridge) Where is Countryfile visiting this week and what time is it on BBC1? There’s a great network of hard-surfaced, colour-coded pathways to choose from depending on how far you want to walk (although they do get muddy in bad weather). Grid reference: ST552740. There’s an optional stop for a pub lunch en-route. More walks and woodland venues to be added soon! Route map for 'Abbots Pools Circular' - a 7.9km walking route near Leigh Woods, UK. Walking trails in England . Mountain bikers of all abilities can also find trails in the woods, from adrenaline-fuelled runs to slower training routes for those looking to practise their off-road skills. Stout footwear needed. Find out more at botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk. Leigh Woods Purple Circuit is a 1.7 mile loop trail located near Bristol, Bristol, England that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Higher Folds, Leigh, WN7 2XT Located on the outskirts of a residential area of Leigh, Colliers Wood is a beautiful mix of stunning woodland walks … It is suitable for families with children, but unsuitable for prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs. Leigh Woods is on the opposite side of the Avon gorge to the Downs and can be accessed by crossing the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. Sadly Brunel died before his project was completed in 1864. Walkers will find various marked trails, perhaps the most satisfying of which is the 2.5km purple trail that takes you to the edge of an Iron Age promontory hillfort known as Stokeleigh Camp. Cross a bridge then turn left. It's about a 5 mile walk with lots of nice long, waterside stretches along the River Avon to enjoy. The variety of woods, glades and wide sunny paths encourage a richness of wildlife and special plants including Bristol rock cress and Bristol onion. Leigh Woods – Abbots Leigh Circular (6.38 miles) This one is perfect if you don’t have a car as it’s very easily accessible from the city centre. Head downhill and around a pond, then uphill through woods and one of the prettiest parts of the walk. Try 3 issues of BBC Countryfile for just £5! The name Leigh Woods denotes the village as well as the woods. Turn left at the purple fence post marker 18, then left again at marker 19. Turn right just before the bridge and follow this path back to the entrance to Leigh Woods. Leigh Woods. St Anne's Woods and Nightingale Valley are hidden gems in Brislington and is largely not known! After 300m, turn left down Sustrans route 41. Some are well known, such as Avon Gorge, but a few less familiar attractions, such as the rockslide, are off the tourist radar but cherished by locals. Local walk grade: Moderate/hilly (SO06) Woodspring Group Our groups help local people enjoy walking and protect the places we all love to walk. A long circular walk that takes you from the edge of Tonbridge, deep into the garden of England before returning you back to town via the river. There’s a range of colour coded paths (some are buggy-friendly) and mountain bike tracks as well as a play trail for little ones and often family-friendly activities going on. The path becomes a wide gravel track. Walkers will find various marked trails, perhaps the most satisfying of which is the 2.5km purple trail that takes you to the edge of an Iron Age promontory hillfort known as, Day out: Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor National Park, Elderflower guide: where to find it, how to identify and recipe ideas. Dogs allowed. Prior’s Wood. Park by the 2nd 40 mph sign, before entering Farmoor village from Eynsham (room for 4 cars). Leigh Woods Not far from Ashton Court Estate, this National trust woodland is great for a drizzly day as many of the paths run under cover of the trees. Pill and Leigh Woods. The woods were once part of Ashton Court and signs of the pomp and splendour of this grand estate still remain in gnarled, ancient and veteran oaks, limes and yews. This is a circular walk * This walk is Cancelled * This walk takes in three areas of woodland. Leigh Woods-Abbots Pond-Ashton Court circular: Leigh Woods: Walking: Easy: 4.36 miles: Back2Black2017: Leigh Woods: Trail Running: Medium: 6.33 miles: Back2Black5k: Leigh Woods: Trail Running: Medium: 3.53 miles: KidsrouteB2B1k circuit: Leigh Woods: Trail Running: Medium: 0.73 miles: Leigh Woods Circular: Leigh Woods: Walking: Medium: 5.42 miles Turn right on to the estate road, then bear left at signs for Paradise Bottom. The X4 or X3 buses stop near The George. Turn left back over the bridge and left past the camera obscura to return. It has a mixture of terrains - wildflower meadows, steep valley slopes with the Brislington Brook running through, woodland as well as green parkland. Take the first right up North Road, past some grand houses. Street art walking tour. Carry on downhill (left), ignoring the path that bears right through barriers, and past a cottage called Oak Wood Lodge. You can also incorporate a circular walk of … … All of the following walks are free admission. You can unsubscribe at any time. However, ten years on, the project A gentle mile-long stroll through some of the wonderful veteran trees at Leigh Woods. A symbol of Bristol for the past 150 years, the design grew from a competition in 1829, judged by leading civil engineer of the day Thomas Telford. Bring binoculars. Among these are nine whitebeam trees, including Sorbus porrigentiformis – a species common to the gorge with upright leaves and globose fruit – and Sorbus robertsonii, grafted from the only remaining tree of its kind. Leigh Woods. George Inn, Abbots Leigh (Image: Dave Betts) There is plenty of choice for walks around Leigh Woods, including a six-mile circular route leading from Leigh Woods… The blue trails trace the western edge of the woods, from the south to the north, before linking with the River Avon trail that continues on to the village of Pill to the west, or Bath to the east. The trails will take you into the heart of the forest, where you will even be rewarded with stunning views over the Avon gorge. 2 miles (3 km) Enjoy cycling and walking trails in this forest and nature reserve in Bristol. These trees also provide a home for fungi, with more than 300 species growing in the woods, including edibles, such as beefsteak and oyster mushrooms.The nooks, crannies, hollows and deadwood created by fungi on these venerable old trees provide valuable niches for wildlife, including birds, bats and invertebrates. You can enjoy oak, small leaf lime and ash forest with carpets of bluebells in the springtime. Its high banks are unmistakable. After lunch in Leigh on Sea you walk back to Benfleet along a wide track adjacent to Benfleet Creek with fine views of the flat open estuary waterscape and the hilly woods away to your right which you walked in the morning. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods/lists/fascinating-walking-trails Bath Much of the Trail can be visited as there are a number of ramped access points and the route itself is over one metre wide with good quality surfaces. A leisurely walk (riverside) starting and finishing in Somerset, England, about 7.60km (4.72 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 2:30h. Length1.7 miElevation gain190 ftRoute typeLoop. Walk: Bradford-on-Avon to Bath, Wiltshire/Somerset. Go through a gate then turn left at the main track (from earlier). This wooded avenue, just off Abbots Leigh Road, leads to the forest’s main car park. A 23 mile circular walk around south-east Essex leading you through a rich variety of landscapes - from the ancient woodlands of Hockley to the expansive coastal margins of the Roach and Crouch estuaries. You will encounter livestock in some fields, including horses. These trees also provide a home for fungi, with more than. Walk Id: 4052762. Learn about the importance of nature while exploring Leigh Woods - there's plenty for families to enjoy. Continue along the path and bear right past the rock slide – a section of rock that has been worn smooth by countless bottoms. Footpath Walks. Take the path directly behind the noticeboard. Tailor your journey through Leigh Woods by following our way-marked trails, or by making your own adventure along the woodland paths to the trees. This walk gives you three alternative views of the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, while visiting several of Bristol’s most-loved sites. This is a no-brainer for any bluebell fans situated only 18-minutes from the city centre. Starting and ending near the Nova Scotia pub, this route takes you under the Clifton Bridge, up through Leigh Woods, through Ashton Court, Lower Ashton and returning to the start.