BEYOND BRISTOL AGAIN - ANOTHER 24 COUNTRY WALKS
Volume 3. First published August 2023.
EXTRACT FROM WALK NO.15 (PAGES 88 - 89)
GALLERY FROM WALK NO.15
These photographs were all taken by the author.
Further photographs encompassing all 72 walks across all three books can be viewed on the regularly updated Instagram @beyondbristolwalks account – with over 650 posts and over 1450 followers! Follow the link at the foot of this page.
WALK UPDATES
Before embarking upon any of the walks, it is recommended that you read the introductory sections of the books, which include a wealth of practical information and advice. Whilst most walks should proceed entirely to plan, you need to be prepared for the unexpected! The author regularly checks the routes, mainly to ensure that they remain passable and free from obstruction but also to identify any material changes.
Carrying a pair of secateurs in your rucksack will prove invaluable in clearing overgrown vegatation, particularly by gates and stiles.
Fortunately, the most obvious change the author has found is the routes of walks becoming more clearly defined than when first devised – by reason of both more frequent use and improved signage! Other changes are likely to be minor and/or temporary. The most common is the simple substitution of gates in place of stiles, which should rarely cause confusion.
Very occasionally, significant changes do arise – some only temporary, others more permanent. Obstructions or damage can be reported to the relevant Highway Authority for their action, which the author has done successfully on several occasions. Minor diversions can result.
The author aims to keep the information on each of the walks as current as possible. Each of the updates listed below remains relevant to the author’s knowledge.
July 2026 – Walk 3 – Re-opened Pub at Purton Added
The Berkeley Arms, situated about 200 metres from the commencement of the walk, has now re-opened after extensive refurbishment. This is now recommended as a welcome addition. It is described in the original text as being ‘derelict’, having been out of use for several years previous to 2023.
March 2026 – Walk 1 – Badminton Horse Trials – Temporary Diversion
Preparations for the Horse Trials started earlier than usual in 2026, with a formal footpath diversion triggered during March and continuing on through April/ May (as per the warning in the book). The diversion around outer edge of the deer park is clearly marked and does not greatly detract from the total walk. However, still better to wait until June to enjoy this walk at its best.
July 2026 – Walk 2 – Coast Path issues near to the start + Re-opened Pub at Weston-in-Gordano Added
Author re-checked on 05.05.26. Since early 2024 there has been some confusion about the status of a 100 metre section of the coastal path between points A and B. The King Charles III England Coastal Path was formally opened on 19.03.26. Embarrassingly, however, a post-dated notice has recently appeared indicating the formal closure of this short section until October 2027 – with little explanation and no mention of actual or intended remediation! Recent reports from walkers who have proceeded around/ through the wooden barriers indicate that the ground conditions remain typical of the total Clevedon-Portishead length, along which considerable care is needed anyway. The nature and extent of any risks along this particular section may not of course be fully evident and the Council notice explains the legal ramifications of proceeding!
The above issue can be avoided with little detriment to the total walk by starting the route in reverse. Proceed up the driveway through the golf course. At the top of the hill, turn left towards the clubhouse. Keep ahead through the gate at the end, and continue along the track until reaching the coastline. Turn right to pick up the main route. Alternatively, to ensure you do not miss out on some of the best views, turn left and continue down the steps. At the bottom turn right along the coast path, eventually re-connecting with the main route.
It has been reported to the author on 17.07.26 that the junction to the path leading uphill from the coast path at B is now very overgrown – making it more challenging to identify when you reach it. In particular, the ‘waymark’ sign seems to have disappeared entirely and the ‘back garden gate’ overrun by vegetation.
For refreshments, an additional pub is now available near point F. The White Hart, Weston-in-Gordano has been fully refurbished and re-opened – having been empty and under threat of permanent closure for several years previously.
April 2026 – Walk 21 – Water main installation around Lacock now complete
Author checked on 21.04.26 and is pleased to report that the there is no longer any disruption round the village of Lacock, caused by the installation of a new water main. This issue, first reported back in July 2025, had effectively precluded completion of the total walk. In particular, subject to the caveat about ground conditions after heavy rainfall / flooding, the final section along the riverbank (H to A) can now be fully accessed.
BUYING THE BOOKS
Through local shops – The first two volumes of Beyond Bristol Walks retail at £15.00 and the third volume at £16.00. All are published by renowned local publishers Redcliffe Press Ltd and are for sale at a wide range of shops in and around Bristol, including:
Inca; Iota; Waterstones – the Galleries, Clifton, Cribbs Causeway, Bath, Chippenham, Trowbridge, Wells, Weston-super-Mare; Storysmith; Taunton Leisure; Bookmarked (Max Minerva’s); Hartmanns – Portishead; Bookhaus; National Trust – Dyrham Park and Tyntesfield; Bristol Museum; Bristol Dockyards (SS Great Britain); MShed; Riverside Garden Centre; Topping and Company – Bath; Ellis Brigham; Gloucester Road Books; Chepstow Books – Chepstow; Books on the Hill – Clevedon; Heron Books; The Book Cellar; The Small City Bookshop; We Make Bristol; Shambles Bookshop; Giggsy’s Barbershop; Sherlock & Pages – Frome; The Cotswold Book Room – Wotton-under-Edge.
Amazon – use the order button above.
Bookshop.org – benefitting a nominated local independent bookshop, including perhaps one of those listed above.
On–line also at: AbeBooks; Alibris; Awesome Books; Blackwell’s; Foyles; Hive; JustBooks; TG Jones; Waterstones; Stanfords.
Direct from the author – available direct from the author (free p&p). Subject to any current special offer – Book 1 = £15.00; Book 2 = £15.00; Book 3 = £16.00. Use the contact form to order – copies can be signed on request.
Redcliffe Press Ltd – http://redcliffepress.co.uk (free p&p).