The Clifton Downs Grand Circular

Your walk begins with a gentle climb up through the Ashton Court Estate following the woodland path which skirts the Fallow Deer park. Once you emerge from the woods there are some far reaching views to the south of the city before you head out under the imposing Clifton Lodge gatehouse and on to the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.

The Suspension Bridge is a hallmark of Bristol’s landscape. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864, it spans the deep Avon Gorge and there are expansive views on either side and over Clifton Village. After crossing the bridge the route takes you through Clifton and past the impressive buildings of Clifton College, an independent school founded in 1862, before heading up onto the Downs.

The Downs comprises over 400 acres of protected parkland on the edge of Bristol and is a popular place for walking, running and all sorts of other outdoor activities. Walking out to the viewpoint will provide you with panoramic views down either side of the Avon Gorge and a picture-perfect view of the Suspension Bridge.

From here you head away from Downs towards the Promenade, a wide beech-lined avenue which is particularly stunning during autumn when the trees are just beginning to turn. The opposite side of the road is lined with grand houses and a number of listed buildings. The Promenade leads up to the Clifton Observatory (another brilliant viewpoint) and then back across the Suspension Bridge into Ashton Court and to the Festival hub.

It's an easy-to follow self-guided walk. Take it at your own pace, walk with family or friends and stop as often as you want. 

How it works:

Buy your ticket in advance: Buy your ticket here in advance – you can buy for friends and family too. We’ll email your tickets plus send you more information closer to the day including what to bring and travel arrangements.

Register at the hub on the day anytime between 9 and 11am: We’ll have a registration area at our Festival hub in Ashton Court for you to sign in before you start your walk. It’ll be on the front lawn beside the beautiful Ashton Court Mansion House. There’ll be a marquee and music, street food and hot drinks, plus toilets and a first aid presence. All the walks start and finish here so it’s a great place to meet up with friends and fellow walkers and enjoy the vibe. 

Self-navigation: This trail is self-guided and easy to follow. It means you can take it at your own pace, walk with family or friends and stop as often as you want. We will give you easy to follow route directions when you register and you will also be able to download a free app and follow the route on your phone. The route is on good tracks and pavements and if you get into difficulties there’s an emergency phone to call and a first aid team on hand to help you out.


Distance: 8 miles
Time: Registration from 9.00am
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: Registration from 9.00am
Meet: Festival Hub, Ashton Court
Cost: £8

Book
Venue
Festival Hub, Ashton Court
Ashton Court Mansion Estate
Church Lodge Car Park, Long Ashton
Bristol
BS41 9JN