Bristol Walk Fest

Bristol Walk festival is underway, regardless of any coronavirus restrictions that are in place at this current time.

Having been cancelled in 2020 because of the pandemic, Bristol Walk Fest - which recently revealed its favourite hiking routes in Bristol - returns between May 1st and 31st.

However some of the best-known spots are getting a little over-crowded at times, with so many people keen to embrace the outdoors, we found online some of their favourite alternative walks to do.

please remember to adhere to 2 metre distancing advice when bumping in to other walkers, and bear in mind that toilets and refreshments may not be available. Eastwood Farm is a 45-acre wildlife haven abutting the river Avon at Brislington.

Once home to the last dairy farm within the city’s boundaries, it was briefly used for landfill before being reclaimed by Bristol City Council and protected as a Local Nature Reserve.

As well as stunning views of and across the river, there’s the chance to explore ancient woodlands, water meadows, a lagoon and a pond.

Look out especially for herons, woodpeckers, swans, newts and a rich range of wildflowers.

Access is off Whitmore Road, BS4 4UD. More information can be found on its website.

Badocks Wood is around 10 hectares of a valley cut by the River Trym between Henleaze and Southmead in north Bristol.

As well as leafy walks, wildlife sights and sounds, river and lake views and a variety of wildflowers, the site also hints at the ancient history of settlement in the area as it contains a 3,500 year-old burial mound in the field and a stylish artwork marking its position.

The main access points are off Doncaster Road or Lakewood Road, BS10. More information on the woods can be found on its website.

Troopers Hill has a fascinating history, wildlife treasures and spectacular views of Bristol and the river Avon.

An obvious sign of its industrial heritage is the tall Grade 2 Listed chimney on the hill’s crest - a relic of copper smelting, probably built in the 1790’s. It’s also believed the hill was where Parliamentarian troops gathered before the 1645 siege of Bristol during the Civil War.

The geology is interesting, too - sandstone, rather than the limestone more common locally, which when mixed with historic chemicals results in an acid soil and in wild plants found nowhere else in the city. It’s also a great place for wildlife spotting with, for instance, no fewer than 24 species of butterfly being recorded. Main access is off Troopers Hill Road or enter via Malvern Rd or Summerhill Terrace to avoid a steep climb. Loads more information can be found on Troopers Hill's website.

Stockwood Open Space

Stockwood Open Space lies on the northern slopes of Dundry Hill, it’s a 60 acre parcel of land once used by many generations of traditional farmers.

Today, it’s a something for everyone mosaic with attractions which include a tree-lined brook, the very ancient Ilyngrove woodlands, marked nature trails, stone-lined old pond, sloping meadow, an adventure playground and more.

There’s also a horseback trail or, if you prefer a two-wheeled ride, a section of the Whitchurch Way bike path.