Countryside Walks - Exploring the Countryside without a Car

Exploring the Countryside links to 30 walks, which explore the magnificent cities, towns and countryside of the Community Forest and beyond. There is a huge variety of walks to choose from, allowing you to experience the truly stunning range of landscapes to be found in the area. These include imposing coastlines, windswept estuary, meandering wooded river valleys, beautiful rolling countryside and low-lying vales.

It is possible to visit the glorious City of Bath or venture into the Cotswolds and Mendips, all protected for their outstanding natural or architectural beauty. The walks explore our industrial and farming past and visit an array of market towns, small peaceful villages, natural habitats and historic sites and features.

All the walks have been designed to be accessible by public transport from Bristol.

Maps, Clothing and Equipment

We recommend the use of a suitable Ordnance Survey map to supplement the information on the walk cards. The 1:25,000 scale Explorer series is particularly useful as public rights of way and field boundaries are shown.

Many of the routes can be muddy and challenging, especially in the winter months. Stout walking boots and waterproof clothing are therefore recommended.

Selecting a walk

The walks stretch out in all directions from Bristol, from the city and its urban fringe to deeply rural areas. A range of circular and linear walks are offered, some use the same bus or train service on the outward and return journey, others return on a different service. The walks, which range in distance from 1 1/2 miles to 9 miles, have been designed to accommodate people with different levels of fitness and mobility.

From short stile-free walks over easy-going terrain, to more challenging routes with steep climbs and rough surfaces; there is something to suit every preference.

To help you select a walk each route has been graded according to the following scale:

Very easy  (1) - Level or very gentle ascents or descents with no stiles or other climbing structures. Accessible to wheelchairs, pushchairs and people with limited mobility.

Easy  (2) - Easy ascents and descents, occasional rough surfaces with few stiles or other climbing structures.

Easy to moderate  (3) - Occasional ascents or descents, which may be long but not steep. Stiles and other climbing structures are encountered and some surfaces are rough and muddy.

Moderate to hard  (4) - Several ascents and descents, some of which are steep. Rough surfaces and numerous stiles or other climbing structures are encountered.

Travel Arrangements

It is strongly advised that you check the current timetable before making your journey. Telephone Traveline South West on 0871 200 22 33 or visit Traveline South West.

Contact Us

For further information:

Email: Transport Planning Team

Phone: 0117 903 6701

Fax: 0117 9036176

Write to: Transport Planning Team, Bristol City Council, 3rd Floor, Wilder house, Wilder Street, Bristol, BS2 8PH

A Community Effort

The production of this walks pack would not have been possible without the committed efforts of local community groups, rambler's groups, special interest groups, local authorities and AONB teams. We extend our grateful thanks for their work to survey, research and write the walks. The individual walk cards include credits and further information on the groups and organisations that have contributed.