
Features / walking
Preview: Bristol Walk Fest 2018
Bristol Walk Fest returns from May 1-31 2018 for its highly anticipated sixth year. The month-long event – the UK’s larges urban celebration of walking – attracts people from across the UK to participate in walks and events right across the city.
Most events are free and are tailored to suit people of all ages and walking abilities. Walks are well mapped out and generally have access to facilities including food and toilets along the route. The festival is coordinated by Active Ageing Bristol, a collaboration between Bristol Sport Foundation, The Anchor Society and St Monica Trust.
To find out more about any of the walks, visit www.bristolwalkfest.com. Here are all of the events that will take place over the month:
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Tuesday May 1
The City Centre: Good for Walking?
A study tour to ask if the city centre works well for walking, starting from City Hall’s Vestibule (Park Street side) at 10.30am.
Exploring the Floating Harbour
A trip around Bristol’s old docklands, starting at the M Shed at 10:30am.
Exploring the Downs Tramway
A two-hour walk from Sea Walls starting at 10am, via the gully with the hope of seeing the goats, then down the 18th-century tramway.
Bishop Knoll’s – Secluded Bristol
Circular walk via Old Sneyd Park, Wicker Whales, Bishop’s Knoll, Sea Mills, returning via Pitch and Pay Lane. Meeting at 6:45pm at Sea Mills Railway Station and finishing at 9pm.
Walk Fest in the Vestibule (a recurring event for the first week of the festival)
Pop in to see a variety of displays, meet others with an interest in walking and pick up a Bristol Walk Fest programme.
Walking Football
A slower paced game so as to include all ages, played at South Bristol Sports Centre. The first session is free however after that it is £4 and kick-off is at 10:30am.
Walking Football
An event for over 50’s at Horfield Leisure Centre from 10.30am. An hour’s kick about costs £3.
Wednesday May 2
Clean Air Walk
A short walk to help you get ‘clean air smart’ and there is also a possibility for you to be involved with a film project about travelling around Bristol, giving your tips on avoiding air pollution. Meet at City Hall on College Green at 11am.
Dementia Friendly Walk
A recurring event that involves a short walk around the promenade for half an hour, meeting at 1pm at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre.
The City Centre: Good for Walking
Repeat of event from May 1. Meeting at 6pm at City Hall, College Green.
Exploring Bristol Street Art
A two-hour walk starting at 10.30am from M Shed that leads you past some of they key sites of Bristol’s graffiti scene.
Greater Avon Valley Way
A linear walk from Bristol Temple Meads to Portishead through the North Somerset countryside, returning by bus; meeting at Temple Meads at 9am and finishing at 6pm. There’s even a pub stop along the way!
Bower Ashton Orienteering
A range of courses set around a one-mile radius for you to test your orienteering skills at Bower Ashton. Starting at 6pm at Ashton Park School, it costs £6.
Women’s Walking Football
For women only, this event takes place at Horfield Leisure Centre at 6pm and is free.
Thursday May 3
Bristol Harbour Walk
Starting from We The Curious on Anchor Square at 10.30, you will see views over the Avon and Clifton Suspension Bridge and return back where you started at 2pm.
Ashton Gatehouse
This history-packed two-and-a-half hour walk highlights the landscape of early 19th century Somerset. Starts from M Shed at 10am.
Sweet History Trail
Join Dr Madge Dresser (UWE) and Pete Insole (Know Your Place, Bristol City Council) as they explore the city through buildings and places that reveal hidden stories connected to the sugar and slave trades. The trail starts at 6pm at The Architecture Centre and costs £9.
Malago Greenway and Crox Bottom
A recurring event starting from The Campus Pool at Whitchurch Road, Bishopsworth at 10am. It will take you through two of south Bristol’s nature havens and is suitable for those able to walk two-and-a-half miles at a steady pace for an hour.
Abbotts Pool – Secretive Splendour
Meeting at the Clifton side of the Suspension Bridge at 6pm, the walk starts from Brunel’s bridge and then skirts Leigh Woods across fields to Abbott Leigh and Abbotts Pool.
Walking Tennis
For over 55s, this hour-long taster session takes place at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex at 10am and it is free.
Daniel Start in conversation
Award winning travel writer and photographer Daniel Start will talk about his new book Wild Guide Wales, the latest addition to the popular Wild Guide series. The event costs £4 and takes place at Stanfords on Corn Street at 6.30pm.
Friday May 4
Explore Stockwood
A gentle, hour-long walk for all ages to explore the area, beginning at Southern Links Children Centre in Stockwood at 10am.
The Eclipse Walk
An 11-mile walk linking Shirehampton and Clifton Down, two stations on the Severn Beach line, taking in Shirehampton Golf Course, the Blaise Estate, Henbury Golf Course, Westbury village and the Downs. Starting at 9am at Shirehampton railway station and finishing at 4pm.
In Search of Gallows Wood
This walk explores the deep history of the countryside northwest of medieval Bristol. There are many steps on the route but there are buses and toilets halfway along this two-and-a-half hour walk. Meet at the White Hart on Lower Maudlin Street at 10am.
Walking Football
An indoor session at 2.30pm for an hour. The event is held at The Park Centre in Knowle and costs £3 to participate.
Saturday May 5
Mindful Walk in the Woods
An hour walk in Badock’s Wood to focus the mind and be more grounded. The walking meditation takes place in silence at 11am.
Downs to Harbourside
A three-hour walk following the River Avon and taking in stunning views of Avon. You will visit the Observatory, Clifton Village, Birdcage Walk, and pass Brandon Tower, Central Library and Bristol Cathedral before arriving at the Harbourside. Start at the Downs water tower at 10am.
Bristol South Skyline Walk
A seven-mile walk that will take four hours, beginning at the entrance of Bristol Temple Meads station at 11am. It has several steep and unpaved pathways so may be unsuitable for some.
Sunday May 6
Bristol’s Burning! 1831 Riots
The Bristol riots in 1831 left hundreds of protesters dead and this guided walk leads you through some of the prominent sites that were the backdrop for the riots. The walk starts at 3pm at M Shed.
Brendon Hills and Coast
A 16-mile walk that starts at 8am and finishes at 6.30pm. The route will cover picturesque Somerset countryside and will offer fine coastal views (weather permitting). Approximately £15 for petrol. See Bristol Walk Fest for more details of where to meet.
Ups and Downs in the Avon Gorge
Meeting at Sea Mills view point at 9.45am, this walk runs through meadows and zig-zag pathways; there are some steep slopes and so good footwear is a necessity.
Monday May 7
Walking the Ghost Roads of the Downs
A walk along the Via Appia, built in 65 AD – the London to Wales road – and then back along an eighteenth century toll road, abandoned in 1750. The walk is two hours long and begins at 10am outside Cafe Retreat.
Tuesday May 8
Freelance Mum
A Harbourside ‘netwalk’ where parents are given focus questions to allow them to network with others, following style tips dished out by guest speaker Becky Barnes. The event costs £9 and starts St Paul’s Church at 10am.
Hengrove Park Promenade
A half-hour walk starting at 2pm from the cafe at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre.
Hengrove Nature Reserve Walk
Meeting at the cafe in Hengrove Leisure Park at 9.50am. You are advised to wear sensible footwear as it may be muddy.
Purdown Views and Stoke Park
Meet at Horfield Leisure Centre at 9.55am to walk over Purdown and take in the views of Bristol and out towards Bath. There is a sculpture trail for you to enjoy and an opportunity for coffee.
Old Bristol Wall
A three-mile walk that takes in different locations around Broadmead and the city centre, with small pit stops and plenty of information to enhance the story of the old city boundary. Meet outside St. Nicholas Church at 10:30am.
South Bristol Parks – Green Lungs of the City
Starting at 6.30pm from the entrance to Temple Meads Train Station, this walk takes you to six different parks around south Bristol.
Walking Football
An event for over 50s at Horfield Leisure Centre; £3 to pay once you’re there.
Walking Football
For all ages, this event starts at 8pm for an hour at Bristol Metropolitan Academy in Fishponds.
Wednesday May 9
Walk/Jog Session
A 45-minute gentle exercise session for those who would like to take up jogging or walking daily. It starts at 11.45am at Shaftsbury Stadium in Frenchay.
Dementia Friendly Walk
Repeating event taking place from 1-1.30pm, starting at the cafe in Hengrove Park Leisure Centre.
Early Years Story Walk
This event takes place at Bishopworth library for half an hour, beginning at 2.15pm. A leisurely stroll along Malago Greenway with stories along the way.
Lamplighters Marsh
For over 55s , the walk goes along the River Avon and ends in The Lamplighters for refreshments. The start location is at Avonmouth Community Centre and the walk lasts an hour and a half.
Brandon Hill Tree Trail
Join the Friends of Brandon Hill tree experts for a guided walk round some of its 500 trees of over 100 different species. The walk is a mile long and starts at 10am, meeting at the Charlotte Street entrance to Brandon Hill.
Bristol Legible City
Just less than two miles, this walk takes you walk along the Brunel Mile while hearing stories about how Bristol created a unique concept to improve people’s understanding and experience of the city. Meeting at the Architecture centre at 6pm, this event costs £9.
Discover Crox Bottom
A walk along Pigeonhouse Stream, which leads into the Malago River. The walk starts at 9.45am at the cafe at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre.
LGBT History and Stories Walk
Discover LGBT history and stories, with the reward of tea, coffee and cake at St. Stephen’s Church at the end of the walk. Meet at Watershed at 10.30am.
A Brisk Stroll to Windmill Hill
Discover how Bedminster evolved from a rural Somerset town to a bustling industrial suburb and the inevitable impact that this had on public health. Experts guide will join you on this three mile walk that starts at 10.30am from M Shed.
Medieval Bells and Spires
Booking is required for this free event that allows you to visit Bristol’s two medieval church towers. The event is an hour long, meeting at Church of St Thomas the Martyr at midday.
Orienteering
Test your map reading skills around Stockwood at 6pm, meeting at South Bristol Sports Centre. The event costs £6.
Walking Football Fest
For over 55s only at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex.
Women’s Walking Football
The event takes place at Horfield Leisure Centre at 6pm for an hour.
Thursday May 10
Bristol Rocks Walk
An over 55s event where you can decorate a rock or maybe buy one for £1 during a walk around the waterfront. The walk begins at Millennium Square by the mirror globe at 10.30am.
Temple Quarter Walking Tour
This hour-long walk takes in some of the key redevelopment sites, present and future. Meet at midday outside Engine Shed.
City Prayer Walk
Stopping at key landmarks, we will use those to stimulate our quiet reflection and prayer for the city’s wellbeing; the prayers will follow the Christian tradition. Meet at the entrance to Bristol Cathedral at 6pm for a two-hour walk.
Malago Greenway and Crox Bottom
Recurring event from May 3. Meet at The Campus Pool in Bishopsworth at 10am.
Redland and Westbury Park Circular
Walk through Redland admiring the beautiful buildings and churches, some listed and many of historical interest. The walk is three miles long and starts at 10.45am at Lawrence Hill railway station – train fare £2.
Blaise Castle and Kings Weston Estates
A four-and-a-half mile walk through woods and open spaces with historical sites, offering a glimpse of a rich and varied past in the Blaise and Kings Weston area.The meeting place is at the car park at Blaise Castle Estate at 6pm.
Friday May 11
Exploring Shirehampton Wood
Start and finish at the site of the Pill Ferry and walk through the forest of Horwood. The walk is five miles long and starts at The Lamplighters at 10am.
Community Routes Walk
A walk from Westbury-on-Trym village centre, with a circuit around Badock’s Wood, ending at the Greenway Community Centre. The route begins at 11am outside the Co-op in Westbury-on-Trym.
Saturday May 12
Walk, Talk and Reminisce
An hour-long walk down memory lane around Bristol Harbour. This walk is open to those living with dementia and is accessible for wheelchair users. The walk begins at 10am at the SS Great Britain car park and is an hour long.
Discovering Plants in Wild Places
Enjoy a walk around one of Bristol’s newest nature reserves, with the experienced guide and botanist, Dr Clive Lovatt. Meeting at Create Centre car park, the walk is £2 per person and starts at 2pm.
And All The Men We Saw today – Guided Audio Walk
A 50-minute guided audio walk tour through Bedminster, listening to a soundtrack composed of local men’s food stories and reflections on the future of the planet. Walks begin at 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm. The walk is free but booking is essential – see Bristol Walk Fest for details.
Brunel Harbourside Walk
Starting and ending at Brunel’s SS Great Britain, you will hear about some of Brunel’s many projects in Bristol and get to know a little more about the engineering icon himself. The walk is two hours long, beginning at 11am.
Unfortunately this event is sold out, however a walking trail for people to take the walk themselves has been produced, with cooperation from Clifton Suspension Bridge and Underfall Yard.
To find out more about this event and the new walking trail, visit: https://www.ssgreatbritain.org/brunel-walking-trails
Wild Food Foraging Walk
A leisurely stroll around Brandon Hill, being introduced to different plants and learning what their uses are. The event is two-and-a-half hours long and costs £30 per person or £25 for those who are unemployed or students. It begins at 11am at the foot of Brandon Hill tower.
Arnos Vale Boundaries Ramble
An expert guide will lead you around the far corners of Bristol’s famous Arnos Vale cemetery. This free event starts at 11am at the West Lodge.
Bristol South Skyline Walk
This path crosses ten of Bristol’s green spaces and will lead you to high places. Start location is the entrance to Temple Meads station at 2pm with the option of doing either a seven-mile or two-mile route.
Women’s Walking Football
10am-11am at St Paul’s Community Sports Academy.
Sunday May 13
Dry Docks and Rope Walk
The priority is to look at the dry docks, especially lime kiln dock at the bottom of Jacob’s Wells Road, while comparing the Bristol you see today to the Bristol in the past. Start at the Grain Barge at 10am.
The Battle of Sedgemoor
A five-hour walk, starting at 10am from Parchey Bridge on the Somerset levels, east of Bridgwater. The walk will explore what was, in 1685, the site of the battle of Sedgemoor.
Badock’s Birds
A walk around Badock’s Woods, monitoring the birds seen in the woods. Donations are welcome and the walk begins at 10am at the northern gateway of Badock’s Wood.
Castell Coch – Welsh Hills and Castles
This strenuous walk covers undulating countryside north of Cardiff. Highlights include the exterior of the ‘fairytale’ Castle Coch, views of a traditional defensive castle from the top of Caerphilly Mountain and views over the Severn estuary. The seven-hour round trip (including travel) begins at 8am at the entrance Temple Meads train station.
Monday May 14
Early Years Story Walk
A half hour walk starting at 2.15pm at Westbury library.
Beating the Bounds of Bishopston
An accessible walk around the northern boundary of Bishopston that picks up several points of interest. Although the meeting point is at Boston Tea Party on Gloucester Road, the route mainly avoids the main road. It starts at 4.30pm.
Maintaining the Initiative
A walk that looks at archaeological remains and asks questions about how such initiatives can be maintained and whether they should be. There will also be time to chat in cafes and pubs on the way.The start location is Neptune’s statue on the centre at 10am.
Exploring Lamplighters Marsh
Exploring the marsh alongside the River Avon, this is a free event but booking is required. It starts at 6.30pm at the car park of The Lamplighters.
Discover the Northern Slopes
A walk across the Northern Slopes Nature Reserve in south Bristol. Discover the variety of flora, trees and birds and enjoy the panoramic views from this two-and-a-half hour walk starting at 9.45am at The Park Centre.
Walk Out Women’s Taster Walk
For over 55s, this event offers a walk around the old Whitchurch airfield with its panoramic views of Dundry Hill leading to Hengrove Mounds Nature Reserve. It begins at 11am at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre.
Goats and the Gully
A two-hour walk down through the gully admiring the goats, and then a look at the northern stormwater interceptor outlet at the bottom, returning home the same way. Meeting point is at Sea Walls view point at 10am.
Walking Rugby
Free event taking place at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre at 9:30am for over 55s only.
Walking Netball
A free event that starts at midday at Keynsham Leisure Centre.
Tuesday May 15
Wild Food Walk
Meeting at Eastville Park (by the lake) at 10am, you will be gathering many plants and then having a salad feast at the end. Tickets cost £15.
A Saintly Stroll
Stroll through St Pauls, St Agnes and St Werburgh’s park for either 20, 40 or 60 minutes with refreshments afterwards. The walk begins at 10:30am at St Paul’s Learning Centre.
Hengrove Park Promenade
A half-hour walk starting at 2pm from Hengrove Park Leisure Centre.
A Walk Around M Shed
Local historian Richard Stableford will show you around the museum with an expert look at all the various displays and exhibits. The event takes place at M Shed from 2.30pm.
Bristol’s Magnificent Medieval Churches
A two-and-a-half mile walk that allows you to discover Bristol’s medieval history by walking its surviving ancient streets, encountering churches and forgotten ecclesiastical buildings along the way. Meeting at 10am at St John on the Wall church.
Natural Dye Plant Walk
An evening walk to learn about the wild plants growing all around us that can be used to create natural dyes for textiles. The walk is two hours long and starts at 6pm at Eastville Park, and costs £25.
Bristol in Books
Exploring Bristol’s literary heritage, from Samuel Taylor Coleridge to Angela Carter. Taking place at Bristol Central Library from 6pm to 9pm, the event costs £3.
Empath
Join Splash and Ripple to test out a new audio work currently in development for the Empath project for Bristol Legible City, and give your feedback to help refine the work. It begins at 6pm at The Architecture Centre.
Harbour Circuit
Meeting at Arnolfini, the circular walk takes you around the harbour for evening stroll, beginning at 6.30pm.
Walking Football
For over 50s only at Horfield Leisure Centre, from 10.30am – 11.30am. The event costs £3.
An evening with Robin Tetlow
Join local author Robin as he gives a talk about his book Beyond Bristol, condensing 30 years’ of exploring into 24 walks around the West Country. Tickets are £4 and the event takes place at Stanfords on Corn Street at 6.30pm.
Wednesday May 16
Wheelchair Walk
The walk will be on paths around the beautiful Blaise Castle Estate grounds, passing Blaise Castle House Museum and the mill. For over 55s only, the event starts at Blaise Castle Estate cafe at 11am.
Dementia-friendly walk
A lovely half-hour stroll from Hengrove Park Leisure Centre at 1pm.
Nature on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path
Count wildflowers and hunt bugs as you walk the old railway line, finishing at Mangotsfield station where you are welcome to stay on for a picnic – bring your own food and rug. The evnt starts at 10am and finishes at 1pm, meeting at the ‘fish on its nose’ statue on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path behind Morrison’s car park in Fishponds.
Whitchurch Village Walk
A three-mile walk around Whitchurch village, starting at 9.45am at the cafe at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre.
Medieval Bells and Spires
Repeating event from May 9. Meeting at Church of St Thomas the Martyr at 12pm.
Walking Rugby
An event for over 55s, this takes place at Westbury Fields at 10am for 90 minutes.
Walking Football
Taking place at Goals on the WISE Campus in Stoke Gifford at 11am.
Walking Badminton
A free event at Sea Mills Community Centre, starting at 1pm.
Women’s Walking Football
A women’s only event at Horfield Leisure Centre at 6pm.
Thursday May 17
The Urban Food Trail
This walk takes an hour-and-a-half and discovers the 14 gardens on the Urban Food Trail which shows how city centre food is growing and the positive impact of it. Tickets are £5 and the start location is Millennium Square at 11.30am.
A Trip to the Old City
Discover a thousand years of history on this walk around the heart of Bristol’s old city. The walk is two miles long and begins at 10.30am at M Shed.
Malago Greenway and Crox Bottom
Leaving at 10am, take a leisurely stroll in the open green spaces for an hour. The meeting place is at The Campus Pool in Bishopsworth.
Ashton Court and Leigh Woods
The walk includes routes both over and under the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a stroll through Leigh Woods that includes Nightingale Valley and Stoke Leigh Camp plus a wander around Ashton Court Estate with its deer park and mansion. It starts Oldfield Place car park at 6.30pm.
Walking Badminton
An event focused on over 55s but open to all ages, taking place at Kingswood Leisure Centre at 11am.
Walking Netball
Specifically for over 55s, this event is happening at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre at 11am for an hour.
Friday May 18
Exploring Ellen’s Wood
Starting outside the Bowl Inn in Almondsbury at 10am, discover Almondbury’s beautiful woodland on this four-mile walk.
Dundry, Maes Knoll and Norton Malreward Circular Walk
Meeting at Downs Road car park in Dundry, enjoy spectacular views over the historic landscapes on the southern edge of Bristol, spreading into the Chew Valley. The distance is eight miles over a four-hour time frame and begins at 1pm.
Walking Badminton
Taking place at 10am at Oatley Hall in Westbury-on-Trym.
Walking Basketball
For over 55s only, this event is at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, starting at 11am.
Saturday May 19
Nordic Walk on Clifton Downs
A walk along Clifton Downs for a taster session to see why Nordic walking is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, starting from Cafe Retreat at 10.15am.
You Walk with Giants on Dundry Hill
A four-and-a-half mile circular walk around Hartcliffe while you enjoy some stunning views of the Mendips, beginning at 10.30am.
Bridging Town and Country Walk
A two-hour walk, beginning and ending at Clifton Suspension Visitor Centre. Take a walk outside of the city for two miles, starting at 11am.
Women’s Walking Football
St Paul’s Community Sports Academy is holding this event at 10am.
Sunday May 20
Dry Docks and Rope Walk
Beginning at the Grain Barge at 10am for a two-hour walk around the Floating Harbour and the waterfront.
Great Dog Walk Together
Taking place on the Downs, you are welcome to come along to this walk with or without a dog and enjoy the company of dogs their owners. The walk is an hour long, starting at 11am at Cafe Retreat.
Shirehampton Story Walk
Join storyteller Fiona Eadie for an amble along the Avon followed by a walk back through Shirehampton with story stops. Booking is essential for this two-mile walk, and it’s suitable for children over the age of six. Meeting place is at The Lamplighters at 1pm.
Hidden Treasures of Badock’s Wood
A walk around Badock’s Wood visiting the woods, meadows and sculptures. The walk begins at the northern gateway to the wood at 2pm.
Mells and Nunney
A 12-mile walk starting at 9am and ending at 5pm, this walk takes you along a pretty route from Mells to Nunney for a picnic lunch and pub stop, returning by different route. Petrol will cost around £6 per person, setting off from at St George’s on Brandon Hill.
Monday May 21
A May Meander
Join regular walkers from inner-city and east Bristol groups on their annual mass meet up – so expect a large crowd. Choose one of three options: the one-mile Netham Stroll, the two-mile Avon Amble or the three-mile Pilgrim’s Way. All walks begin at 11.00am from Netham Pavilion.
From the Bearpit to Horfield Wood
A three-hour walk up Gloucester Road, one of the most vibrant streets in England, looking at the underlying countryside. Starting in the Bearpit at 11am.
Beating the Bounds of Bishopston
A walk around the southern boundary of Bishopston. Includes a stroll through St Andrews Park and picks up various points of interest. Meeting at Boston Tea Party on Glocuester Road at 4.30pm.
Get to Know Your Camera Taster Walk
An event for over 55s only, this is a free two-mile walk while learning the basics of how to work your camera. Meet at Snuff Mills car park at 10.30am.
Tuesday May 22
The Cumberland Basin
A tour starting at The Cottage Inn and then continuing through the Underfall Yard and into the Cumberland Basin, explaining how building the locks and the New Cut allowed Bristol to deal with the huge local tides.It is a little off-road so sensible footwear is advised. £2.
Exploring Hengrove Park
A 45-minute walk around the old Whitchurch Airfield that is now Hengrove Park.Meeting at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre at 2pm.
Stoke Bishop
Skirting the southern fringes of Blaise Castle Estate to Stoke Bishop using little-used footpaths and concluding at Stoke Lodge, this is a four-mile walk that begins at The Millhouse on Shirehampton Road at 6.45pm.
Happy Shoesday
Primary schools across Bristol will be wearing their favourite shoes, making shoes, or jazzing up their shoes for their walk to school across the city.
Walking Football
For over 50s only at Horfield Leisure Centre at 10.30am. The event costs £3.
Walking Cricket
For over 55s only, a free event at the Brightside Ground in Bishopston at 11.30am.
Jane and Sim Benson in conversation
Join Jen and Sim Benson as they talk about their new book The Adventurer’s Guide to Britain. Stanfords on Corn Street, 6pm, £4.
Wednesday May 23
Bradford-on-Avon Walk
Take the train from Temple Meads for a three-and-a-half mile scenic circular guided walk from Bradford-on-Avon station, using complimentary return rail travel. It begins at 10.50am, meeting inside the entrance of Temple Meads train station.
Wheelchair Walk
For over 55s, starting at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre at 11am.
Dementia-friendly Walk
At Hengrove Park Leisure Centre at 1pm.
Walking Netball
For over 50s, at Lawrence Weston Youth Centre. It starts at 10.30am and finishes at 12.30pm.
Walking Football
For over 55s at Sea Mills Community Centre, starting at 1pm.
Thursday May 24
Early Years Story Walk
A half-hour walk starting at 10.15am at St George’s Library.
Southmead Self-Care Walk
Enjoy an hour-long leisurely walk around Southmead’s green spaces, talk with walk leaders about what’s going on locally and receive a free self-care pack. The event starts midday, meeting at The Greenway Centre.
Bristol Through Maps
A meandering walk through the city centre using a range of maps from 1480 to today. The event starts from St John’s Arch on Broad Street at 10.30am. The walk lasts two hours and costs £2.
Bristol Statues
A walk around the centre of Bristol and Broadmead, looking at Bristol’s famous statues. This free event starts at 10.30am from Bristol Cathedral on College Green.
Malago Greenway and Crox Bottom
The event is an hour long, beginning at 10am and meeting at The Campus Pool.
Purdown and Stoke Park
Circular walk via St Werburgh’s, Purdown and Stoke Park, passing under the M32 to Eastville Park and returning by the river. The event begins at 6.30pm at Montpelier railway station.
Friday May 25
Exploring Temple and Redcliffe
This walk takes in some of the most impressive remains of historical Bristol: landmarks such as St Mary Redcliffe Church. The group will meet at M Shed at 1pm for a three-mile walk.
Six Bridges
A family-friendly walk exploring six of central Bristol’s bridges, through the Floating Harbour. Meet at Cascade Steps at 6pm. The walk is an hour long.
In Search of Hottom Wood
A three-hour walk from Horfield Common to Purdown beginning at 10am at The Crafty Cow opposite Horfield Leisure Centre.
Sea Mills to Shirehampton
A woodland walk following the River Avon, taking in steep steps and wild flowers before returning to Temple Meads on the 10.26pm train. The event is free and starts at 6.45pm.
Saturday May 26
Bristol through Maps
Repeat of an event from May 24, starting at 10.30am at St John’s Arch on Broad Street and costing £2.
Arnos Vale Wildlife and Plants Walk
Talk a wander with our expert guide and find out about the wildlife and plants in Arnos Vale Cemetery. Starting point is the West Lodge at 11am.
Sunday May 27
Avon Valley Walk
Stroll around the Avon Valley visiting some lesser-known green spaces and finishing with a climb up Troopers Hill. Either cross the river (25p) to have lunch at Beese’s Tea Gardens or bring a picnic. The walk begins at 10.30am from the top of Troopers Hill.
Bugs and Butterflies at Badock’s Wood
An opportunity to explore what bugs and butterflies can be found on the meadows. Meet at northern gateway to Badock’s Wood at 2pm.
Llangynidr – Exploring the Usk Valley
A 16-mile walk, starting at Crickhowell and following the Beacons Way to Cwmdu, Bwlch, and across the historic Llangynidr Bridge. Petrol money is needed and the walk starts at 8am from St George’s Bristol.
Monday May 28
Trees of the Downs
Explore some of the most interesting tree species’ on the Downs, starting from Proctor’s drinking fountain near the junction of Clifton Down and Bridge Valley Raod from 10am until midday.
Story Walk around Avonmouth
Join storyteller Fiona Eadie for this free walk around Avonmouth. The short walk is aimed at families and booking is essential. The event starts at 2pm at Avonmouth Community Centre.
Exploring the Life and Times of John Cabot
Join an expert guide, Steve Spear, and learn about Cabot’s Bristol, his life up to his audience with Henry VII, his three voyages and, finally, the theories and evidence relating to his disappearance. The walk is two-and-a-half miles long and starts at M Shed at 10.30am.
Tuesday May 29
Exploring Hengrove Park
This event takes place at 2pm for a 45 minute walk around Hengrove Park, meeting at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre.
Westbury-on-Trym – Ancient and Modern Sites
Meeting at Cranford Park, this is a varied walk exploring Westbury-on-Trym and its environs. A stroll suitable for all, it starts at 6.45pm and ends at 9pm.
Walking Football
For over 50s only, this event takes place Horfield Leisure Centre at 10.30am and costs £3.
Walking Cricket
For over 55s only, this takes places at The Park Centre in Knowle at 11.30am. It is a free event.
Wednesday May 30
Multi Faith Trail
A four-hour walk in which you can meet four different faith leaders on this trail that takes in the Hindu Temple, Bahai Centre, Bristol Central Mosque and Bristol and West Progressive Synagogue. It begins at the Hindu Temple at 9.30am.
Dementia Friendly Walk
A half-hour walk around Hengrove Park, meeting at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre at 1pm.
Pensford – Pastoral Somerset
A circular three-hour walk from Pensford in the picturesque Chew Valley with pastoral views, returning via Lord’s Wood. Meet at Pensford Bridge bus stop at 10.12am.
Walk Out Women Taster Walk
A spring walk for over 55s only, along the River Frome at Snuff Mills with a cafe and the relics of a working stone sawmill. An hour-long walk starting at 11am at Snuff Mills car park.
Thursday May 31
Withywood Photo Walk Challenge
Meet at Hartcliffe Roundhouse with your phone or camera, then follow a way-marked route including stunning views of Dundry’s hills, taking photos in response to different open-ended themes as you go. This begins at 10.30am and ends at 1pm, costing £2 per person.
Backwell – A Secret History
A short section of footpath leads to a steep yet well maintained woodland path, to the rim of the unused Backwell quarry and onto the remains of a secret wartime GPO radio research facility. A two-and-a-half hour evening walk starting at 6.30pm at Backwell Recycling Centre.
Find out more about all the Walk Fest events at www.bristolwalkfest.com