Hikes In and Around Bristol
There are so many hikes within 90mins of Bristol, including strawberry paths, cider trails, and plenty of areas of outstanding natural beauty.
If you fancy some company put up a Post or an Event on the Explorers Connect in the South West Facebook Group and invite others to join you. Happy Hiking!
Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Many different walking routes but one of the classics is starting at Chew Stoke heading south along Chew Valley Lake, then heading west over to Blagdon Lake. Chew Valley Lake is a haven for wildlife.
Brecon Beacons - Highest mountain range in southern Britain. Most make for the famous twin summits of Pen-y-Fan (886m) and Corn Du but there's a lot more on offer in the 520 square mile Park - the Black Mountain range, the Fforest Fawr massif and the Black Mountains, all with their own distinctive character. The south of the Park famously has deep, wooded gorges, caves and waterfalls.
Leigh Woods - On your doorstep. Some of the south-west's most beautiful and historic woodland, stunning views of the Avon Gorge, Clifton suspension bridge and Bristol itself.
The Cider Trail - Start from Stroud train station, via Slad (made famous by the Cider With Rosie book) Expect beech woods, hidden valleys and great views from the top. The Woolpack in Slad has cider.... More information
Bristol-Bath Railway Path (26km) - Good for walking and cycling, this lovely path takes you along the disused railway line so its pretty much flat! You will pass various station platforms converted to cafes, along the River Avon and into Bath.
Hanham Mills - On the ourskirts of Bristol. Lovely walks along the river or through woodland nature reserves (beware very muddy in the winter months). Plenty of car parking and a couple of good pubs (The Lock and Weir Inn is very accepting of muddy boots and has lots of seating by the river). If you don't have a car then Keynsham train station is 2.5 km away along the riverside footpath.
Chedworth Roman Villa Trail/Cotswolds (AONB) (7k) - From Chedworth follow the Macmillan Way long distance trail to the ruins of a 4th century Romano-British villa complete with mosaics. Join a free tour of the site. Continue through Chedworth woods, returning to Chedworth on public footpaths. If you'd like to continue you could pick up the Macmillan Way or the Monarch's Way .
Cotswold Way National Trail - Bluebell woods and sleepy villages make up The Cotswold Way. The Cheltenham Circular Foot Path (40km) is another recommended but much longer walk.
Quantock Hills (AONB) - Heathland hilltops and valley woodlands. It's an area of outstanding natural beauty. Try two hills, Long Stone Hill for views and look out for red deer and Trendle Ring, an Iron Age hill-fort on Bicknoller Hill.
Barrington Park Trail (7km) - Short circular walk around Barrington deer park. Start in Great Barrington and follow footpaths around the deer park and along the River Windrush. Good views of the Cotswolds hills.
More Information links below and plenty of information and maps online:
www.walkinginsomerset.co.uk/bristol.php
www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/county-walks/gloucestershire
www.theguardian.com/travel/2012/may/12/leigh-woods-bristol-walk
www.mapmyhike.com/gb/bristol-eng/wells-cheddar-and-burrington-course-1359167
www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/barrington-park-walking-route
www.breconbeacons.org/explore/things_to_do/walking/where_to_walk
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