Best Walks Around Bristol
Walking has always been a popular weekend activity, but recently walks have become a lifeline in what can otherwise feel like a monotonous day. As a company, we are lucky to be based in Bristol with a plethora of walks for all ages on our doorstep. Keep reading to discover just a few of the best walks around Bristol.
Walking in Bristol City
Did you know that Bristol is often described as “best explored on foot”? It’s earned that description due to Bristol’s many pedestrian-only areas, along with its many parks and green spaces. Walking is such a big part of life in here that we even have our own Bristol Walk Festival in normal times.
Bristol City Walking
Bristol has a few amazing walks around its city centre. Visit Bristol has even put together free audio tours you can download onto your phone for three of the centre's main walking paths. Don’t forget to wrap-up and stay warm with one of our lambswool scarves!
The Harbourside
Bristol’s Harbourside Walk is our Digital Marketing Manager’s favourite walk in the city. The route can be busy on a weekend but it’s easily accessible and well-marked for anyone who wants some fresh air and views. It takes you past some iconic viewpoints including a Bansky and the SS Great Britain. The Bristol Harbourside is a big part of the city's beating heart and maritime heritage, so this walking route is not to be missed.
Old City Heritage Trail
A hidden gem, this walk takes you around the historic old city roughly following the route of the Norman city walls. We recommend you download this illustrated guide to the Old City Heritage Trail before setting off, so you know what to look out for on this level 1.5km route.
Street Art Walk
Bristol is home to some amazing street art including the famous Banksy, who hails from the city. When we aren’t in lockdown Bristol hosts Upfest, a multi-venue urban festival that takes place on the stretch of North Street in Bedminster. A favourite event for Bristolians and tourists alike, we hope to see it come back this summer. In the meantime, click to find out where to see Banksy street art in Bristol.
Countryside Walks Around Bristol
Ashton Court Circular
Bristol is a city surrounded by countryside making it easy to get out into nature. One of our favourite places to walk around Bristol is the Ashton Court Circular walk. It is 10.4 km long but you can cut back at any point if you don’t want to do the full loop. This is a great family walk as it offers a chance to see wildlife and is accessible for any fitness level. In the summer it is one of our go-to places to have a picnic and people watch!
Leigh Woods Nature Reserve
Leigh Woods is part of the National Trust and offers some of the best views of Clifton Suspension Bridge from above and below! The lush woodland and far-reaching city views make it one of favourites when we want beautiful scenery and meandering paths to help us get our steps in for the day. This walk in Bristol is great, but make sure to keep your eyes open for mountain bikes sharing the trails!
Early morning walks provide some amazing views of sunrise!
Stoke Park Estate
Commonly referred to as 'the yellow house you can see from the motorway that nobody knows the name of', Stoke Park Estate is a public open space flanked by Purdown on one side and the M32 on the other. Highlights include the bright yellow Dower House and pretty Duchess Pond. You might be lucky to spot some of the wetland birds that have occasionally been seen here, including reed bunting, reed warblers or even a rare bittern.
View over Duchess Pond to the Dower House in Stoke Park Estate, Bristol
There are so many other walks around Bristol that we love but the above are just a few that are easy for us to access and get our nature fix. What walks do you love near Bristol?