Leigh Woods

Leigh Woods is a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest on the plateau above the Avon Gorge, facing Clifton across the river. Oak, small-leaved lime and ash cover the slopes, with bluebells in spring, fungi in autumn, limestone grassland around old quarries and a whitebeam found nowhere else in the world. Waymarked trails take in veteran oak pollards, the ramparts of Stokeleigh Camp Iron Age hillfort and views of Brunel's suspension bridge, and there is an orienteering course, a family adventure trail and the Yer Tiz mountain bike track. Dogs are welcome on leads. Reviewers rate the circular walks, especially combined with the riverside path at the base of the gorge. Tips from regulars: there is no National Trust car park, so use Forestry England's pay and display or the X4 bus to North Road, and the paths down to the river are steep and muddy after rain.