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Bristol whitebeam with the Clifton suspension bridge behind
From Leigh Woods there are fantastic views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge | © National Trust
Bath & Bristol

Leigh Woods woodland wander

This walk passes our natural play area and runs through beautiful woodland with rare and veteran trees as well as grassland. Stokeleigh Camp hillfort is perched on the edge of the Avon Gorge, with dramatic views along the river.

Total steps: 13

Total steps: 13

Start point

Leigh Woods North Road entrance, grid ref: ST555730

Step 1

There's a site map at the North Road entrance. Go through the kissing gate and up the sunken track straight ahead.

Step 2

This brings you out onto an open grassy area. Cross this, sticking to the right-hand side. You'll walk past a line of rare whitebeam trees.

Wilmotts whitebeam in Leigh Woods
National Trust / Alex Allen | © One of the rare whitebeams which grows in Leigh Woods

Step 3

Just past these trees take the small path that runs along the top of the valley and straight on to another grassy area.

Step 4

Ahead of you are the ramparts of Stokeleigh Camp, an Iron Age hillfort. Follow the narrow rocky path through these; take care if wet as it may be slippery.

Step 5

Once through the rampart, follow the grassy path straight ahead for 200m to the viewpoint.

Step 6

Turn left and follow the path along the gorge side for 300m, back through the ramparts and past a fenced pond.

Step 7

Turn left on to the Purple Trail, where you can see the dramatic sweep of the ramparts and Centenary bench on your left.

Step 8

Turn right and follow the Purple Trail to the stone wall.

Step 9

When you reach the parish wall leave the Purple Trail and turn left following the stone wall. Go straight through the gate after 200m and join the Blue Trail.

Step 10

Follow the Blue Trail straight ahead. Once you reach the ancient yew that grows in the line of the wall, the path should curve away from the wall.

Step 11

After 60m you'll pass the entrance to the natural play area on your right.

Step 12

Carry on past a single storey wooden building to the National Trust office, where you can pick up a site leaflet. Follow the gravel road and look out for the blue-topped waymarker on the left after 70m.

The centenary bench in Leigh Woods
Enjoy the view of Stokeleigh camp from our Centenary bench | © National Trust / Alex Allen

Step 13

Follow the Blue Trail back downhill to the start.

End point

Leigh Woods North Road entrance, grid ref: ST555730

Trail map

Map route for Leigh Woods woodland wander
Map route for Leigh Woods woodland wander | © Hand Made Maps Ltd

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