The River Avon is a key feature of the county, winding east to west through the heart of Bristol and into the River Severn. Indeed, it is the River Avon that has shaped the city and its surrounds, its accessibility to the open ocean making it a key trading point for centuries \u2013 not least during the\u00a0Bristol slave trade between\u00a01700 and 1807.<\/p>\n
Historically, Bristol has been described as a city\u00a0built on seven hills, but in truth there are many more and most walks in and around the centre include at least a little bit of climbing. The rewards are worth it, however. Discover some of the most beautiful parts of the county with our favourite walking routes.<\/p>\n You may also like:<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> 8 miles\/12.8km | 5 hours | moderate<\/em><\/p>\n This walk gives you three alternative views of the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, while visiting several of Bristol\u2019s most-loved sites. 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.<\/p>\n Leigh Woods walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n 1.7 miles\/2.8km | 1 hour | easy<\/em><\/p>\n Nature has a wonderful habit of popping up where you least expect it. Concrete is no match for a determined seedling, and birds can find a home in even the most built-up of environments.<\/p>\n This walk in the city of Bristol is a prime example of nature reclaiming space. It starts among the overgrown gravestones and dove-inhabited chapel of Greenbank Cemetery, before crossing an old railway viaduct that is now a nature reserve. The walk then loops through a patchwork of colourful allotments, under the viaduct and back to the start.<\/p>\n Greenbank Cemetery and Clay Bottom walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n 1.1 miles\/1.8km | 45 minutes | easy<\/em><\/p>\n Eastwood Farm<\/a>\u00a0is looked after by Friends of Eastwood Farm, a small group of local residents who work with Bristol City Council on habitat improvement and visitor access, among other things.\u00a0Thanks to their hard work, the local nature reserve has become an urban oasis for many. For such a short walk, this circular route on the edge of Bristol passes through a surprising array of habitats. Discover wild woods and lush meadows before returning along the banks of the River Avon.<\/p>\n As you\u2019re out on your walk, look for kingfishers and herons<\/a> along the river, bluebells <\/a>and woodpeckers among the trees, and grazing roe deer<\/a> beside the water meadows.<\/p>\n Eastwood Farm Local Nature Reserve walking route and map<\/a><\/p>\n 2.4 miles\/3.8km | 2 hours | moderate<\/em><\/p>\n Bishops Knoll is Bristol\u2019s very own The Secret Garden<\/em>, a steep-sided woodland of wending paths and ancient trees, bursting with natural and historical wonder.\u00a0Wander through the old terraced gardens, discover a Victorian folly and marvel at the exotic veteran trees \u2013 the Monterey cypress, giant coast redwood and an Austrian black pine \u2013 that stand tall among a supporting cast of native oak, hazel and hawthorn. The woods are a popular hang-out spot for tits<\/a>, jays<\/a> and robins<\/a>, as well as sparrowhawks, buzzards and tawny owls<\/a>.<\/p>\n After the enchantment of Bishops Knoll, the walk emerges from the trees onto the banks of the River Avon, bending downstream before returning to the start via a beautiful wildflower meadow and duck pond.<\/p>\nBest walks in Bristol<\/h2>\n
Leigh Woods<\/h3>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Greenbank Cemetery and Clay Bottom<\/h3>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Eastwood Farm Local Nature Reserve<\/h3>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Bishops Knoll and Old Sneed Park<\/h3>\n
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