Bristol is a historic city with many environmental stories to tell. If you would like to explore some of the history and environmental history of Bristol at your own pace, we have suggested a scenic walking route here. If the sun is shining and you are at a loose end, this might be the perfect way to spend a few hours in our special city.
A Bristol out and back circular walk
Length: 6.5km
Duration: 2hrs
Refreshments: various options every 20-30mins en route at Clifton Village, Underfall Yard, the Harbourside, and the Clifton Triangle.
This circular walking route begins at the University of Bristol and takes in the wealthy eighteenth-century suburb of Clifton, the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, Burwalls Wood, the New Cut of the River Avon, the Underfall Yard Pumping Station museum, part of the floating harbour and Brandon Hill. The route, like much of Bristol, is not flat – starting at c.70m elevation and descending down to c.10m and back up again. There are multiple opportunities for refreshments en route, from coffees and cakes to hearty meals and pints of beer and cider. Most of the route is on pavements and paths, but a short section through Burwalls Wood is on a woodland trail where there are protruding roots and steps. Hiking boots are not necessary, just sturdy shoes or trainers. The route takes about two hours at a leisurely pace.