Leigh Woods

Explore the beautiful and diverse broadleaf woodland on the plateau above the famous Avon Gorge, boasting superb views across the city to downland beyond. Leigh Woods has been an intrinsic part of Bristolian life for centuries.

Designated pathways will lead you through oak, small leaf lime and ash forest. Springtime brings an abundance of bluebells and wood anemones, whilst the summer months offer relaxing, shady walks. The red and golden hues of autumn, combined with an interesting array of fungi, are particularly beautiful.

Former woodland pasture offers a mixture of open grassy glades, surrounded by broadleaf woodland and many veteran oak pollards, where established footpaths lead to wonderful views of the suspension bridge and the city beyond.

An easy surface pathway follows the base of the gorge, where the true scale of it becomes apparent. Look up to the soaring suspension bridge above and the beautiful broadleaf woodland, interspersed with areas of flower-rich limestone grassland around old stone quarries. Rockrose, Bristol Rock-cress and Black Knapweed are all native to this area.