Beyond the Suspension Bridge: My Favourite Weekend Escapes Around Bristol

There is something about the landscape surrounding Bristol that feels like a well-kept secret, even though it is right on our doorstep. While I absolutely love the harbourside buzz and the endless coffee shops in Clifton, there are those Sunday mornings when my soul just screams for wide-open spaces and the smell of damp earth. If you are anything like me, you probably need a little escape to reset after a long week. I have spent the last few years exploring the trails around our city, and I have whittled them down to the ones that truly feel like a breath of fresh air. My absolute go-to for a quick fix is the Abbots Leigh woods. It is barely a stone's throw from the Suspension Bridge, but the moment you duck under the tree canopy, the city noise just vanishes. I love coming here in the autumn when the leaves are turning; the light filtering through the ancient oaks makes the whole place feel a bit like a scene from a fairy tale. It is a fantastic spot if you just have an hour to kill and need to clear your head. If you are craving something with a bit more of a viewpoint, you have to head out toward the Mendip Hills. Black Down is a personal favourite. The climb up is honest work—my lungs definitely feel it by the top—but the payoff is a 360-degree view that makes you feel like you are on top of the world. On a clear day, you can look back toward the city and across the Severn Estuary toward Wales. I always make sure to pack a thermos of tea because sitting at the trig point with a warm cup in hand is arguably the highlight of my week. Now, for the ones that feel like a proper day out, I cannot recommend the walk around Chew Valley Lake enough. It is flat, accessible, and incredibly peaceful. There is something about being near the water that is instant therapy for me. I usually park up, walk the perimeter trail, and then inevitably end up at one of the local farm shops for a sausage roll afterwards. Seriously, if you go, do not skip the treats—you have earned them by then. A little local tip from me: always, and I mean always, check the weather before you head out toward the Mendips. The wind can whip up out of nowhere, and there is nothing worse than being stuck halfway up a hill in a downpour without a proper rain jacket. And if you are walking with a dog, keep an eye out for livestock; the local farmers are lovely, but they appreciate you keeping your four-legged friend on a lead when passing through grazing fields. There is a specific kind of magic to the Somerset countryside that keeps me here. It is not just about the exercise; it is about the pace. Out there, the clock stops ticking so loudly. Whether you are after a challenging hike or just a gentle stroll to watch the sunset, we are spoiled for choice. So, lace up those boots, leave the phone in your pocket for a bit, and get out there. I promise the view is better than whatever is happening on your social media feed today.