Bristol
Get Outdoors: 24 Fantastic Woodland Walks Near Bristol
Get Outdoors: 24 Fantastic Woodland Walks Near Bristol
Forest track in Stockhill Wood by David Purchase under license CC BY-SA 4.0
The table above lists all the best woodland walks in Bristol. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that walk.
Did you know that Bristol is home to some of the most beautiful forest walks in the country? With so much natural beauty on offer, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it! You can walk the natural rugged terrain on the Frenchay Moor, get a taste of the area's industrial past at the Darkhill Ironworks, or see the famous views on offer at Symonds Yat Rock.
The Top 24 Forest Walks Around Bristol
In this blog post, we will be listing the many forest walks in and around the city of Bristol.
Getting out into nature is something everyone should experience and Bristol has many woodland walks available to spike your interest! Have a look below at the forest walks available on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each walk, to be taken to the Forestry England pages for further information on the forest trails.
Leigh Woods
The variety of woods and wide sunny paths encourage a richness of wildlife that can be spotted at all times of the year. The area is rich with spectacular views over the Avon Gorge that you can enjoy when walking or cycling the paths here! Located not too far away from the city centre, Leigh Woods is popular with tourists and locals alike.
Badock's Wood
This ancient Badock's Wood is located just outside the city centre and is a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk. The woods are home to a variety of wildlife, including many bird species including woodpeckers, foxes, bats, and butterflies. The paths wind their way through the trees, and there are plenty of places where you can sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Stoke Park Estate
On your trip to Bristol, you should make time to visit the 108 acres of Stoke Park Estate. The grounds are beautifully kept, and there are plenty of walks to enjoy. The estate is also home to several historical buildings, including a stately home that dates back to the 16th century. Whether you're interested in history or just looking for a beautiful place to take a walk, Stoke Park Estate is worth a visit.
Frenchay Moor
When planning your next trip, be sure to add Frenchay Moor to your itinerary. This picturesque nature reserve is close to the village of Frenchay just outside Bristol and offers a perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are numerous rugged moorland walks to suit all fitness levels, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. With its tranquil atmosphere and unspoiled natural beauty, Frenchay Moor is an ideal spot for a peaceful walk in the English countryside.
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Ashton Court Estate
If you're looking for a picturesque place to take a stroll while you're in Bristol, then you should visit Ashton Court Estate. Situated just outside the city centre, Ashton Court is home to 850 acres of sprawling grassland, woodlands, and even a deer park. Whether you want to go for a peaceful walk or have a picnic with friends, Ashton Court is the perfect spot.
Durdham Downs
Durdham Downs is a gorgeous area perfect for a peaceful walk. The green space offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Avon Gorge. The Downs are also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great place to go for a nature walk. In addition, there are plenty of places for a seat to enjoy a picnic or an ice cream. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll or a place for a bite to eat in the sun, Durdham Downs is the perfect place to explore.
Entrance barrier at Wraxall Piece by Dr Duncan Pepper under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Wraxall Piece
If you're looking for a scenic place to take a walk during your trip to Bristol, be sure to check out Wraxall Piece. The peaceful woodland is located to the west of the city and is a great place to get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful scenery on offer. The park has a network of paths through the forest giving ample opportunity to explore. Wraxall Piece is also a great place for wildlife watching, as it's home to a variety of birds and other animals.
Ashton Hill
Ashton Hill is a great place to go for a walk when you're visiting the west country. The hill has stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and there are plenty of well-marked trails to follow within the 148 acres of mixed woodland to keep you occupied.
East Harptree
Bristol is a historic city with plenty to see and do. But if you're looking for a beautiful spot to go for a walk, East Harptree is a must-visit. Just a short drive from Bristol, East Harptree is home to an ancient wood with an industrial past. There are picturesque walking trails that wind their way through the woodland and past the historical Smitham Chimney (a 19th-century reminder of the industrial past of the area). So whether you're looking for a place to stretch your legs or simply enjoy being surrounded by nature, East Harptree is the perfect place to stop by.
Stockhill Wood
If you're looking for a beautiful spot to go for a walk, then make sure to add Stockhill Wood to your list. This nature reserve is home to native British woodland animals as well as a variety of birds. A coniferous woodland within the Mendip Hills Area of Natural Beauty is worth checking out.
Tidenham Chase
If you're looking for a place to stretch your legs, Tidenham Chase is the perfect spot. Just a short drive from the city center, the woodland offers peaceful walking trails that provide stunning views. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some of the reserve's resident wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and a variety of birds.
Nagshead Nature Reserve
One of the best places to stretch your legs and take in the scenic sights is Nagshead Nature Reserve. The reserve is situated near Coleford in the heart of the Forest of Dean. There are several walking trails to choose from, so you can tailor your walk to your fitness level. And if you're lucky, you might even spot some of the many species of birds found here, including woodpeckers, pied flycatchers, and goshawks. So if you're looking for a place to relax and spend some time in nature, be sure to add Nagshead Nature Reserve to your itinerary.
The Bluebell Trail near Wenchford picnic area by Paula Smith under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Wenchford
When planning your trip, be sure to add a stop at Wenchford. This hidden gem is located a short drive outside the city within the Forest of Dean and is the perfect spot for a peaceful walk. The paths wind through the large oak tree woods with plenty of opportunities to see the local wildlife and stop for a picnic.
Darkhill Ironworks
This historic site was once a thriving center of iron and steel production, and today it provides a unique glimpse into England's industrial past. The grounds are open to the public for a historic walk, and there are also several brickwork remains scattered throughout the site to explore along the way. Whether you're interested in history or simply looking for a peaceful place to enjoy a stroll, Darkhill Ironworks is sure to provide an enjoyable experience.
Mallards Pike Lake by Pauline E under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Mallards Pike
If you're looking for a beautiful place to take a walk, look no further than Mallards Pike. This picturesque spot is located north of the city and is home to a variety of wildlife and the tree-top adventures of Go Ape for the more adventurous. In addition, several walking trails wind through the park, and a family cycle trail so you can explore at your own pace. Whether you're looking for a stroll, a bit of adventure, or an invigorating hike, Mallards Pike is sure to please.
New Fancy
In addition to its many museums and historical landmarks Bristol has to offer visitors, the surrounding area around the city is also home to many beautiful walks including the ones found in the forest at New Fancy. With stunning views across the Forest of Dean, a historic past through the area's coal production and a magnificent sculpture called the 'Roll of Honour', the forest is the perfect place to take a peaceful walk.
Soudley Ponds
If you're looking for a relaxing walk, be sure to visit Soudley Ponds. This picturesque forest is located just outside of Bristol, and it's the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the peace and quiet whilst surrounded by Douglas fir trees. You can also explore the area around the ponds, where you'll find plenty of hidden gems and perfect picture opportunities.
Cannop Ponds by Stephen McKay under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Cannop Ponds
One of the best ways to explore the stunning nature near Bristol is by taking a walk through Cannop Ponds. The ancient forest is located not far from the city and offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle. The forest is full of lush greenery, picturesque ponds, and peaceful walking trails. In addition, Cannop Ponds is home to a variety of wildlife including ducks, swans, and many other bird species.
Beechenhurst
Beechenhurst Forest is the perfect place to take a refreshing walk while on a trip to the west country. The forest is teeming with things to do including Go Ape, a sculpture trail, a play area for the kids, and a family cycle trail. There are also many different types of trees, plants, and flowers to enjoy here in the heart of the Forest of Dean.
Cyril Hart Arboretum
One of the best ways to experience Bristol is by taking a walk through one of its many parks and forests nearby. The Cyril Hart Arboretum Forest is a great place to start. This forest is home to over 200 different species of trees, making it a truly unique place. As you walk through the forest, you will be able to experience the peace and quiet of nature, as well as the beauty of the trees and flowers found here.
Speech House Woods
This ancient woodland at Speech House Woods is located north of the city and offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The woods are home not just to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and badgers but also to the beautiful 'Speech House' known as the most famous building in the vast Forest of Dean. There are also a number of walking trails to explore, making it the perfect place to stretch your legs after a long day of sightseeing.
Symonds Yat Rock
One of the most popular sightseeing spots is Symonds Yat Rock, a limestone outcrop that offers stunning views of the River Wye. The rock is easily accessible from the city center, and it's a great place to take a walk or have a picnic after your short drive up north. If you're looking for an adventure, you can trek to the famous viewpoint for spectacular views that won't disappoint.
Somerford Common
While there are numerous things to see and do in Bristol, one of the best ways to experience the area in this part of the country is by taking a stroll through Somerford Common. The forest is located northeast of the city and is a great way to experience the natural surroundings of the area. The forest is home to a variety of plant and animal life, and it is a popular spot for spotting butterflies.
Webb's Wood
If you're looking for a place to take a leisurely walk and appreciate nature, Webb's Wood is the perfect spot. The wood is located near Swindon and covers an area of around 250 acres. You can find plenty of different species of trees here as well as plenty of wildlife to spot on your woodland hike.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared some of the forest walks near Bristol. To find out more about things to do in the area, click on the links below:
Please note...
All outdoor activities including forest walks involve a degree of risk. The walks are recommended due to the well known features of each forest but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each path so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your walk!
Crown Copyright, courtesy Forestry Commission (18/10/22) licensed under the Open Government License.