Bristol Walks

Steps in Stone walks reveal the role of geology in our landscapes and histories.

We explore the journey of the land beneath our feet since the early days of our planet, delving into our imagination and connecting with the world around us.

Group of walkers at Cabot Tower with view of Wills Memorial Building in background

These walks are for you if:

  • you are interested in the history of our places, both ancient and more recent

  • you want to connect with the wild within the urban

  • you want to spend time outdoors with others in new ways

  • you want to learn about the story of our incredible planet and how we can care for it

Any questions?

Bristol from the Bridge walk

Clifton & Harbourside

During this two hour walk, come and explore Bristol’s deep time history: connecting the city we live in with the land beneath our feet.

Circular route from the Clifton Suspension Bridge taking in some of the city’s iconic views and monuments whilst discovering the rocky history of Bristol’s past and the links between the geology and the City’s human history through its stories, architecture and industry.

Gain a new understanding of the City’s landscape and history, and leave with a fresh perspective on the rocks which are part of our everyday life in the city.

Route details: Starting at the Clifton Suspension Bridge, winding down the Avon Gorge through Hotwells, the Docks and back up to Clifton.

Duration: 2 hours / Distance: 2.5 km / Accessibility: steep paths and steps

Price: £26 *

Bristol WalkFest offerings:

Friday 16th May, 2:30-4:30pm

Saturday 31st May, 10:30-12:30pm

The depth of Mathilde’s knowledge is impressive, and her delivery very accessible. It will be great spotting the different types of rocks in the buildings of the city!
— Jack, walk attendee

Any questions about the walk? Read our FAQs or get in touch.

* We’re keen to include everyone. If the ticket price is too high for you, some reduced fare tickets are available on request. Please get in touch.

Rivers Old and New walk

Eastville / Stapleton / Fishponds

A meditative walk through the green Frome valley. Travel back through its deep history and connect the rocks in the cliffs to the river we see today. A reflection on time and the Earth’s cycles.

Join us on this walk and listen out for the echoes of the past. We explore the history of the rocks that make up this beautiful rewilded valley and place them in the context of the human history of the Snuff Mills area, its industry and inhabitants of old.

This walk is slow paced giving you a chance to breathe and pause in a beautiful wild part of the city. We engage in light meditation and mindful writing exercises to help us connect with the concept of deep time - optional if you don’t feel comfortable with this.

Route details: Circular route starting at the Snuff Mills carpark, Bristol BS16 1DL

Duration: 2 hours / Distance: 2.5 km / Accessibility: some muddy paths and steps

Price: £26 *

Bristol WalkFest offerings:

Friday 16th May, 10:30-12:30pm

Friday 30th May, 2:30-4:30pm

Any questions about the walk? Read our FAQs or get in touch.

The mindfulness moments helped me visualise the vast expanses of time over which our environment was formed, and connect better with the surroundings on the day and beyond.
— Bean, walk attendee

* We’re keen to include everyone. If the ticket price is too high for you, some reduced fare tickets are available on request. Please get in touch.