Community Forest Path Bristol
This is a varied and interesting circular walk taking you on a tour of the countryside, villages and historic estates around Bristol.
The walk starts in Keynsham at the confluence of the River Chew and River Avon and begins with a lovely waterside section along the River Avon before joining the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. You continue to Winterbourne, with a short section along the River Frome, and then through Stoke Gifford to Henbury where you will pass the splendid Blaise Castle. Described as 'the finest place in England' in Jane Austen's novel Northanger Abbey, the estate boasts a 19th century mansion, an 18th century castle, a fascinating Victorian museum and 400 acres of parkland.
From Henbury you continue through the suburbs of Bristol, crossing the River Avon on the Clifton Suspension Bridge next to the beautiful Avon Gorge Nature Reserve. This diverse ancient broad-leaved woodland is home to many rare plants and animals and is well worth exploring. Soon after you arrive at another walk highlight at the Ashton Court Park. Here you will find 850 acres of woodland and meadows including a deer park, mansions and landscaped gardens.
The final section of the walk takes you to Pensford via Dundry Hill, where you will pass the impressive Pensford Viaduct, a Grade II listed building.
You then join the River Chew for a delightful waterside section leading you back to Keynsham.
Community Forest Path Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Community Forest Path Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Community Forest Path OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Community Forest Path Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
On the route we recommend stopping at the Clifton Observatory on the eastern side of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Here you can enjoy refreshments in the 360 cafe which offers fine views over the Avon Gorge and the city of Bristol. There's also an interesting museum and one of only three of the UK's working camera obscuras.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
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View from the bench 1
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View from the bench 2
Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge. Brunel's magnificent and very high bridge seen from the western end. The Clifton Observatoty sits on top of St Vincent's Rock, a haven for wildlife, including several species unique to the gorge. The viewing platform of Giant's Cave hangs on the cliff face towards the left.
Blaise Castle House. A 19th century mansion which is now a museum of everyday objects from the past such as toys, model trains, kitchen equipment and Victorian toilets. The house was built in 1796-98 for John Harford, who was a wealthy Bristol merchant and banker. He was also responsible for building Blaise Hamlet, to house his servants and tenants.
Aston Court - Giant Sequoias from the rose garden
Weir and fish pass, River Chew, Memorial Park, Keynsham