The best walks and hikes around City of Bristol

FAQs about hikes in City of Bristol

• What makes hiking in City of Bristol special?
  Bristol uniquely blends city life with outdoor freedom. You can find stunning walks around the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, Leigh Woods, and the historic Floating Harbour, offering a multi-faceted experience.


• Are there easy hiking options in Bristol suitable for all fitness levels?
  Yes, many trails are rated easy. For example, the Wapping Wharf & SS Great Britain loop is an easy 7.12 km hike, and the Oldbury Court Estate & the River Frome loop is also easy, covering 5.64 km.


• Where can I find hikes with the best panoramic views in Bristol?
  For panoramic views, consider exploring areas like Troopers Hill, Stoke Park Estate, Brandon Hill, and Cabot Tower. The Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Downs also offer superb vistas of the Avon Gorge.


• Are there any notable riverside walks in City of Bristol?
  Absolutely. You can enjoy superb riverside hikes along both the River Avon and the River Trym. The section through Blaise Castle Estate along the River Trym is particularly delightful.


• What kind of natural landscapes can I expect on Bristol hikes?
  You'll find diverse landscapes, including beautiful Leigh Woods on the western side of the Avon Gorge, protected parkland like the Downs, and wooded gorges such as those in the Blaise Castle Estate.


• Are there longer, more challenging hikes available in Bristol?
  Yes, Bristol offers moderate trails for those seeking a greater challenge. The Clifton Suspension Bridge & Leigh Woods loop from Redland, an 11.04 km route, is one such moderate option.


• What are some historical highlights to see on a hike in Bristol?
  Hikes can take you past the legendary SS Great Britain, the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, and through areas like the Floating Harbour that showcase the city’s rich maritime heritage.


• How can I find recommended trails in City of Bristol?
  Komoot users have rated numerous trails, with top routes like the Wapping Wharf & SS Great Britain loop receiving high praise. The Komoot platform provides community recommendations and ratings to help you choose.

Metropolitan Bristol

There are some superb, scenic walks in Bristol’s city centre, where your only concern will be choosing where to stop for a hot beverage and admire the world-class street art. The Floating Harbour is a great place to start, where waterside restaurants, cafes and bars look out onto the many ships, barges and narrowboats moored on its banks. Many visit legendary engineer and shipbuilder Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain, or continue along the river to take in the majesty of his iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Around the Avon Gorge

Some of the best hiking routes around Bristol are found in the Avon Gorge region, which runs from Sea Walls to Clifton to the west of the city. The Gorge is crossed by Brunel’s famous bridge, a wonderful place from which to take it all in. On the western side, you have the choice of heading for the National Trust owned Leigh Woods and its many gorgeous trails or to venture onto the Ashton Court Estate, which rewards with huge views across the city, more lovely woodland paths and a fallow deer park.

On the city side of the Avon Gorge are the Downs, a huge area of protected parkland that feature some of the most scenic walks in Bristol. Here you can get up close to the top of the cliffs and watch out for the peregrines that nest here, or take in the view of the Suspension Bridge and Leigh Woods from Sea Walls.

Gorges, hills and river valleys

It’s a hilly city, so walking in Bristol can really get the heart going. From Troopers Hill and the Stoke Park Estate in the east to Brandon Hill and its Cabot Tower above the centre, there are numerous places to seek out a panorama. Be sure to keep your eyes skyward on clear, still days, when the city’s famous hot air balloons can often be seen drifting across the heavens.

There are some superb riverside hikes in Bristol along both the River Avon and the River Trym. The latter, as it burbles through a small, wooded gorge in the Blaise Castle Estate, is particularly delightful to follow and feels like a little slice of Middle Earth within the city. It’s possible to follow the Avon all the way to Bath, taking you from Bristol’s urban heart into stunning Somerset countryside.