Two walks around Bristol’s urban fringe

One of the many great things about Bristol is that you can often catch a glimpse of the green hills of the surrounding countryside from the inner city. Have a look next time you’re coming down Whiteladies Road: an escape to the country really isn’t that far away.

Finding time to get outside into green space is really important for our wellbeing and helps us to relax and recharge our physical and mental batteries. There is increasing scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of being outdoors for both the body and mind, including improved mental focus and creativity as well as physiological changes associated with relaxation and stress reduction.

Luckily, we have a wealth of beautiful natural areas within the city limits to explore, including Ashton Court, Leigh Woods, Snuff Mills and Oldbury Court, Stoke Park and Troopers Hill to mention just a few. A short drive from Bristol takes you out to stunning Areas of Natural Beauty such as the Mendips, Cotswolds and North Wessex Downs, and on the outskirts are some real hidden gems.

Life gets in the way sometimes and it can be hard to find time to get outside, but these two great routes, one north and one south, are accessible by bus or an easy drive so you can take just a couple of hours out from life’s demands to blow away the cobwebs. They also make a good run for anyone feeling adventurous. In wet weather they can get rather muddy so choose your day and your footwear wisely.

Maes Knoll

South Bristol soon gives way to rolling countryside, with views across to Chew Valley Lake

In a nutshell: A walk through open countryside with stunning views over Bristol and Chew Magna, visiting an Iron Age hill fort

Starting point: Whitchurch

Distance: 5-8km

Ascent: 147.8m

Time: Between 1.5 hours and 3 hours, depending on distance

Bus Routes:  2, 376 & 50

This walk can be done with a few different start and finish points, making it easy to vary the length depending on your level of experience. The route takes in the green hills you can see when you look south towards Dundry and gets you right into peace and quiet at the edge of the city.

From the busy A37 in Whitchurch, next to the Toby Carvery, there are only a few minutes of walking before you take the first public footpath, leading out into open fields. The reward for the uphill slog is a beautiful view out across the Chew Valley and reservoirs as well as Bath and the Cotswolds.

The high point is Maes Knoll itself, which is an Iron Age fort believed to date from 250 BC, built by an ancient Celtic tribe. The word ‘Maes’ is thought to come from the Old English ‘maerc’ meaning boundary.

It really is a lovely place to linger for a well-earned snack and some photos. The views stay superb as you descend back to the city, and on a clear day you can see not only the Suspension bridge but both Severn bridges. You’ll return to the A37 and the Toby Carvery if you fancy combining your walk with a Sunday roast.

Spaniorum Hill

This walk offers great views on the Severn Bridges

In a nutshell: An urban start that quickly leads up to great views of the city and Severn Bridges

Starting point: Henbury

Distance: 6.6km

Ascent: 110m

Time: 2-2.5 hours

Bus routes: 1 & 76

This walk starts in suburban Henbury but after a few hundred metres through the houses you emerge into fields. A short ascent of Mount Skitham near the little village of Hallen provides great views back across the city, while once you are on Spanorium Hill itself the views over towards the Second Severn Crossing and the Brecon Beacons beyond are definitely worth soaking up.

The unusual name is thought to mean ‘of the Spaniards’, although its origins are a mystery. The woods around the hill are great for bluebells in the spring and around 40 per cent of the hill is covered with ancient woodland that is at least 400 years old. The open green meadows around Berwick Wood have a lovely calm atmosphere and you can find a real sense of peace even though the M5 and city are a stone’s throw away.

Full route descriptions for these walks, as devised by physiotherapist and outdoor education instructor Fliss Smith, can be found at www.handsonactive.co.uk. Maps and notes for these walks are also available on the ViewRanger app and website: search ‘Maes Knoll Hands On Active’ or ‘Spaniorum Hands On Active’.