They include views of a lake, historic skyline and rolling hills
Beautiful scenery at Cheddar Gorge(Image: Sophie Grubb/ Bristol Live)
Going outside and enjoying the fresh air is one of the best parts of summer – and the people of Bristol are so lucky to live near some of the best walking spots in the entire country.
Although there are 430 parks within the city’s boundaries, plus beautiful waterside walking spots like at Bristol harbourside and Conham River Park, sometimes a change of scenery is called for.
After months of miserable weather, the return of the sunshine along with the free appeal of a stroll makes it an ideal summertime activity if you want to save money too.
Below are some suggestions for beautiful walking routes that are within an hour’s drive of the city:
Weston Woods
Inside Weston Woods at Worlebury Hill, Weston-super-Mare(Image: Steve Roberts/Western Daily Press)
- Where: Worlebury Hill Road, Weston-super-Mare
- Distance: 22 miles from Bristol City Centre
This two-mile walk was built to link the main entrance at Worlebury Hill Road with the Hill fort. It is a great option for hikers, with the 130-hectares of woodland offering steep hills and gravel paths while it is accessible for both pushchairs and wheelchair users.
Prior’s Wood
A boy running through the bluebells at Prior’s Wood on May Day bank holiday weekend 2021(Image: John Myers)
- Where: Prior’s Wood, Portbury
- Distance: 7.5 miles from Bristol City Centre
Just 18 minutes from the city centre is this gem of a summer walk that used to be a part of Tyntesfield Estate. The perfect option for anyone looking for bluebells, ancient woodlands, streams and plantations – while you may even spot some wildlife in this dog-friendly area.
Blagdon Lake
Blagdon and Blagdon Lake in Somerset(Image: Rodw at the English-language Wikipedia)
- Where: Mendip Hills
- Distance: 14.5 miles from Bristol City Centre
The one mile walk is a classified Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Stroll along the lake shore, explore the nearby woodland and take advantage of a nature trial and The Discovery Wood which boasts wildflower meadows, as well as badgers, foxes, otters and more respectively.
The Cleve Hill and Common Walk
Two walkers enjoy Cleeve Hill
- Where: Cleve Hill, Cheltenham
- Distance: 40 miles from Bristol City Centre
One of the furthest away on the list but easily one of the most remarkable option for Bristol walkers is this 4.5 mile roam across the Cotswold’s highest common. Bask in the majestic views of the Malverns and even Wales, but be careful if you visit when the weather is bad.
Gloucestershire Way
A view of May Hill and Highnam Church Spire from Alney Island(Image: Bristol Live)
- Where: Gloucestershire, Chepstow, Tewkesbury
- Distance: 19.5 miles from Bristol City Centre
94 miles broken up across 12 different routes means you can spend most of the summer just exploring this lavishing locale. It explores the Forest of Dean, Severn Plain and Cotswolds linking the Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail to the Severn, Cotswold, Oxfordshire and Heart of England Way – something to suit all abilities and experience levels.
Cheddar Gorge
Path on the northern side of Cheddar Gorge in the Mendip Hills(Image: Daniel Mumby)
- Where: Cheddar, Somerset
- Distance: 20 miles from Bristol City Centre
England’s largest gorge stretches three miles long and reaches a depth of nearly 400 feet. Its impressive crags and pinnacles create a stunning landscape. The cliff-top walk offers a 3-mile route, treating walkers to some of the most breath-taking views in Somerset.
Bath Skyline Walk
(Image: (Image: Getty))
- Where: Bathwick Hill, Bath
- Distance: 24.5 miles from Bristol City Centre
A short walk from Bath’s historic city centre, the Bath Skyline Walk transports hikers into another world, leading them through six miles of meadows, ancient woodlands, and secluded valleys, all the way to the skyline hills above Bath and beyond.
Let us know your favourite walking spot if we’ve missed it, in the comments section below
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