Walks programme November 2016 – February 2017

Supporting you to get active and stay active

If you would like to know more, call our Leisure and Libraries helpdesk on: 01454 868006 You can also find out more or download this programme at: www.southglos.gov.uk/walking-for-health

Please help us to save paper and the planet by only taking this copy if you don’t have access to the internet.

You can find Stepping Forward – our programme of progression walks, at the back of this programme. Welcome to the November 2016 – February 2017 walks programme

This programme is packed with a variety of fantastic walks across South . All our walks are free, led by a welcoming team of trained volunteers, and range between 30 and 90 minutes in length. There’s no need to book. Please have a good look at the grades on page 3 which tell you the approximate time the walks take and the degree of accessibility.

You won’t have to lead, we are always looking for back and middle markers. The training is informal and friendly. Please ring me on 07766 780087. In early September our walks joined the Ramblers National Walking Festival. The happy bunch on the front cover are walkers from our group, who walked along the Dramway and were treated to a fascinating tour of Colliery. Stepping Forward is our programme of walks, designed for people who would Two of our regular walkers have been so like something slightly longer and more inspired by the difference walking has challenging. They tend to be between made to their health, they’ve decided to three and four miles in length and might set up a new walk at take a couple of hours. You will find Rugby Club. Tony Nelson and Chris Stepping Forward at the end of this Withers (photographed) walk every programme. other Tuesday with Bath Railway Path group, the new Sodbury walk will Part of our aim is to encourage everyday be on the alternate Tuesdays. It will be a walking and green travel. To help with Grade 1 walk, setting off at 11am on the this we always include details about hard, flat track around the ground. You bus routes in the programme. The bus can walk at a pace and distance that routes listed are correct at the time of suits you, and join the group at one of going to print but further changes are the local cafes after the walk. planned in November and January so we do recommend you check up-to- All our walks are led by volunteers, date timetables on traveline.com many of the walks are weekly and offer short and long options. We desperately Happy walking and hopefully I’ll see you need new leaders. If you could spare at one of the walks. a couple of hours per month please consider becoming part of the team. Christina 2 How to contact us

Tel: 01454 868006 Email: [email protected] Web: www.southglos.gov.uk/walking Address: South Gloucestershire Council, PO Box 298, Civic Centre, High Street, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 0DQ Facebook: www.southglos.gov.uk/facebook Twitter: @sgloscouncil

Grading Key

Toilets Grade 1 walk Suitable for people who have not walked much before, Refreshments are looking to be more active, or are returning from available injury or illness. They are on flat ground or gentle Uneven ground slopes with mainly firm surfaces and no steps or stiles. Walks last around 30 minutes but can be extended on Steps the day if the walkers wish. Stiles

Grade 2 walk May be muddy if it Suitable for people who are looking to increase their has recently rained activity levels. They are between 30 - 60 minutes and Inclines may include some moderate slopes, steps, uneven surfaces and possibly stiles. Wheelchair friendly

Rest opportunities Grade 3 walk For people looking for more challenging walks and Buggy friendly increasing their level of physical activity. They are generally 60 - 90 minutes and may include steeper No dogs please slopes, steps, uneven surfaces and stiles. Progression walks This symbol indicates that a walk is more Dogs are welcome strenuous and over 90 minutes in length. When it unless otherwise appears within a Walking For Health listing it indicates stated. Please keep that there is a progression walk available alongside the them on a lead. shorter walk.

3 Meet our groups

Each of our groups offers something slightly different. This tells you a little more about them. Look out for their initials at the head of each listing.

BBRP FC F Bristol and Bath Frampton Cotterell – Nutfield House Railway Path This group of walkers See the regular walks See the regular walks sets out twice a month section for dates. for various scenic walks section for dates. Fortnightly walks, ideal around rural Frampton Every other Tuesday at for people who are new Cotterell and Coalpit 11am. The starting points or returning after a long Heath. The walks are on alternate between absence. The walk starts Tuesdays or Wednesdays Station and and finishes at Nutfield and start at 10.30am. Station. The beauty House, Nutfield Grove in Long and short walks are of this walk is that it is Filton. The walk is at 2pm usually offered. (Walks ‘there and back again’ every other Thursday over three miles are listed on the flat Railway Path and is up to one mile in in the Stepping Forward so walkers can go as far length. Section). as they feel able before returning to one of the FPS cafes. KM Filton// Kingsmeadow Stokes CSRFC – NEW WALK See the regular walks A weekly walk setting Chipping Sodbury section for dates and off at 11am lasting Rugby Club Walk directions. approximately 45 See the regular walks Ideal for people who minutes. Usually the section for dates. are new or returning starting places alternate to walking. Sets out between Alternate Tuesdays to the from Kingsmeadow and Filton. Railway Path walk. Set Community Flats on the off at 11am. Gentle, flat first Wednesday of the walk on the hard surface SYD month at 10.30am. Sodbury and around the rugby ground. Dodington Walk once around the This group meets every track which is just over a KC Kingschase Friday at 10.30am. mile, or twice if you feel This group meets weekly Walks are often around like it! on either a Wednesday or three miles in length, but Thursday at 2pm. Walks sometimes slightly longer, usually last around an so you will find these hour around the Kings listed in the Stepping Chase area. Long and Forward section. short walks often offered.

4 Regular Walks

The following walks always start at the same time and place. They don’t appear in the listings so if you would like to join in please take a note of the dates.

Every other Tuesday Every other Tuesday Bristol Bath Railway Path Walk NEW WALK Set off at 11am Chipping Sodbury RFC Walk (Opposite weeks to the BBRP Walk Warmley Station Waiting Rooms, left) 1 London Road, , BS30 5JB Set off 11am Small car park by station or park in Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club, nearby residential streets Road, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6BH 19, 35, 43, 634 47, X47, 84, 85, 202 November 8 November 1, 15, 29 December 6 December 13 January 3 & 31 January 10, 24 February 28 February 7, 21 Valley Railway. Bitton Station, This gentle grade 1 walk is ideal for Bath Road, Bitton, BS30 6HD people who are new or returning to exercise. Walk for as long as you like, 17, 19, 37, 42, (5 min walk), 684 at your own pace, along the flat, easy November 22 access hard track around the rugby December 20 (at least one field. The route is 1.5km and takes piece of tinsel must be worn!) around 30 minutes at an easy pace. Walk around the field once or twice January 17 and then to one of the cafes nearby to February 14 enjoy a cuppa and a chat. This walk is ideal for people who are new or returning to exercise. Walk for as long as you like, (anything between Please note: ten minutes and an hour) at your own Warmley Café is currently closed pace, along the flat, easy access – all walks will set off from Bitton Railway Path. After the walk enjoy a Station until end of February. cuppa and a chat at the café.

5 Every other Thursday Every 1st Wednesday Filton Nutfield House of the month Up to 1 mile approx. 20 – 30 minutes Kingsmeadow Community Flats 2pm Up to 2 miles / 1 hour November 3, 17 10.30am December 1, 15, 29 November 2 January 12, 19, 26 December 7 February 9, 23 January 11 Nutfield House, Nutfield Grove, Filton, February 1 BS34 7LJ Kingsmeadow Community Flats, Buses 70, 71, 72, 73 Barrington Close, Kingswood, Enjoying calm and quiet streets in BS15 4QD Filton. All on pavements. These are 7, 86 plus 5 min walk ideal walks for people who are new to A gentle monthly walk designed to walking or returning to exercise. accommodate any walker’s needs – allowing people to walk the distance they feel comfortable with. Walks Join us for a free buggy walk vary taking in Common, the Get some fresh air, meet new Railway Path and quiet streets around friends and explore area. These Kingswood. walks are perfect for parents and Direction from New Road grandparents. After the walk, relax – drive up Lees Hill, passing the Royal with a cuppa and a chat. No need to Archer pub on left. Turn right into book. Just turn up Tyndale Road. Go over several speed Yate Library bumps. Park where possible. On the 44 West Walk BS37 4AX right hand side take the concrete slope/ set off at 10am. steps leading to a green. At the bottom 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. of the slope turn left and follow the path. Kingsmeadow Community Flat is Kingsmeadow Community Flats halfway along on the left with two large 19 Barrington Close BS15 4QD noticeboards outside. set off at 10am. 2nd Wednesday of every month. Bitton Station, (outside the café) Bath Road, Bitton, BS30 6HD set off at 10am. 1st Monday of the month.

6 FPS SYD

Thursday 3 Nov Friday 4 November BBP & UWE Dodington / bushes 2.2 miles / 1 hour 2.5 miles 11am 10.30am Opposite side of car park to store Shire Way Community Centre, Shire entrance, Sainsbury's, Fox Den Road, Way, Yate, BS37 8YS. Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8SS Centre has its own car park X5, 16, 18, 18A, 19, 73, 77, 625 47, X47 A surprisingly pleasant wander around Exploring the surprising wide open Bristol Business Park & UWE. spaces and countryside to the south of Yate. Please remove muddy shoes after walk as the hall is carpeted. KC

FC Thursday 3 Nov Wednesday 9 Nov 3 miles / 1 hour (long walk) 2pm Stroll to Chestnut Farm Main Hall, St. Aidan’s Church Hall, Fir 2 miles / 1 hour Tree Lane, St George, BS5 8TZ 10.30am Parking on residential streets Opposite Gingerbread Café, Church Rd, Frampton Cotterell, BS36 2JX 37, 44, 45 Taking in the hidden green spaces 82 including Dundridge Park, Conham Lovely country lanes & farmland views. Vale and Magpie Bottom. - Park in Frampton End Rd.

7 KC SYD

Wednesday 9 Nov Friday 11 Nov Bridge Yate Chipping Sodbury and the 1.5 miles & 3 miles Ridge 30 mins & 1 hour 2.5 miles / 1 hour 2pm 10.30am Warmley Clock Tower, Tower Road The Ridings, Chipping Sodbury RFC, North, BS30 8XU Wickwar Road, BS37 6BH Extremely limited spaces at Clock Tower 47, X47, 84, 85, 202 car park. Please try to park on the This walk heads north towards the nearby streets. quarry before returning along quiet 19, 43 footpaths through Ridge Wood. Cafes Two walks that weave their way around and toilets available nearby in Waitrose Warmley. Include streamside paths or High Street. and the Railway Path.

FPS FPS Thursday 17 Nov Thursday 10 Nov Harry Gifford Through Jubilee Green 2 miles / 45 minutes 1.6 miles / 40 mins 11am 11am Opposite side of car park to store Opposite bus stop outside Domino's, entrance, Sainsbury's, Fox Den Road, The Willow Brook Centre (Tesco), Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8SS Savages Wood Road, , X5, 16, 18, 18A, 19, 73, 77, 625 Bristol, BS32 8BS A pleasant walk around parts of Stoke 73 Gifford and . Wandering through Jubilee Green on to part of Patchway Common. All on sealed paths.

8 KC FC

Thursday 17 Nov Tuesday 22 Nov Bitton Windmill Stroll 3 miles / 1 hour (longer walk) 1.8 miles / 1 hour 2pm 10.30am , Bath Rd, Opposite Gingerbread Cafe Church Rd, BS30 6HD Frampton Cotterell, BS36 2JX Station has its own car park. 82 17, 19, 37, 42, (5 min walk), 684 Interesting lanes with village history. Taking in . Park in Frampton End Rd.

SYD KC

Friday 18 Nov Wednesday 23 Nov Chipping Sodbury Rugby Ground 2.5 miles / 1 mile 3 miles 2pm 10.30am Emersons Green Library, Emerson Way, The Ridings, Chipping Sodbury RFC, BS16 7AP Wickwar Road, BS37 6BH Parking available in retail park. 47, X47, 84, 85, 202 18 (5 min walk) 48, X48, 49, 86 Walk around the rugby ground and Two walks around Emersons Green. along Frome Valley. Cafes and toilets The longer walk visits the Ring Road available nearby in Waitrose or High Earthworks. Surprising countryside Street. views.

9 FPS KC

Thursday 24 Nov Wednesday 30 Nov Down by the Leisure Centre 1.8 miles / 45 mins 3 miles / 1 hour 11am 2pm Opposite bus stop outside Domino's, Methodist Church Hanham Chapel The Willow Brook Centre (Tesco), Road, Bristol, BS15 8SD Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, 16, 17, 37, 44, 45 Bristol, BS32 8BS A flat walk around residential streets, 73 including ‘Panorama walk’ with its Down past the Leisure Centre to Three fantastic views. Brooks Lake. This walk is on some gravel paths. FPS

SYD Thursday 1 Dec Friday 25 Nov Three Stokes Park 2.2 miles / 55 mins Yate Rocks 11am 2.5 miles Car park, the Community Hall, Little 10.30am Stoke Lane, , BS34 6HR The Brimsham Park PH Car Park, Lark 19, 82, 625 Rise, Yate, BS37 7PJ A nice stroll through three of Stoke X46 Gifford's parks some gravel paths and Exploring the pretty Yate Rocks area. crossing grassed areas. (If very wet an Toilet and drinks available at the pub alternative route on sealed pavement after the walk. will be used).

10 SYD FPS

Friday 2 Dec Thursday 8 Dec Yate Common Through the Woods 2.5 miles / 1 hour 1.9 miles / 45 minutes 10.30am 11am Public car park adjacent to Sunnyside Opposite side of car park to store Pavilion, Moorland Road, Yate, entrance, Sainsbury's, Fox Den Road, BS37 4BX Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8SS 46, 47, 82, 84, 85, 86, 202, X47 X5, 16, 18, 18A, 19, 73, 77, 625 Off road walk exploring Yate Common, Walk through wooded paths and roads which takes in the peace and quiet of of UWE and Abbeywood via Splatts this wide open space Wood.

FC KC

Wednesday 7 Dec Thursday 8 Dec Glebe Stroll and Park 1.5 miles / 45 minutes 2.5 miles and 1 mile 10.30am 1 hour and 30 mins St Peter's Church, Church Rd, 2pm Frampton Cotterell, BS36 2AB Oldbury Court Car Park, off of Oldbury Court Road, , BS16 2JH 46, 82, 202 Gentle riverside stroll with grassland. 5 Park in Mill Lane (when full, use pub Shorter route takes in Vassall’s Park. car park). Coffee & Xmas bites - bring Longer route through Snuff Mills. £1.50.

11 SYD FPS

Friday 9 Dec Thursday 15 Dec Brimsham Green/ Millside The Stokes Circuit 3 miles 2.5 miles / 1 hour 10.30am 11am The Brimsham Park PH Car Park, Lark Opposite bus stop outside Domino's, Rise, Yate, BS37 7PJ The Willow Brook Centre (Tesco), Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, X46 Bristol, BS32 8BS A walk that takes in Peg Hill, Brimsham Fields and Tylers Farm Lake 73 Toilet and drinks available at the pub Wander around Bradley Stoke taking after the walk. in part of Little Stoke, and Patchway Common. This walk is on some gravel paths. KC

SYD Wednesday 14 Dec Golden Valley Friday 16 Dec 2.5 miles / 45 mins 2pm Dodington Ramble Wick Village Hall, Manor Road, Wick, 2.5 miles BS30 5RG 10.30am Hall has its own car park Shire Way Community Centre, Shire Way, Yate, BS37 8YS. 35, 620, 634 Centre has its own car park Exploring the Golden Valley – join us for Christmas treats and quiz. 47, X47 Includes Lilliput Park. Please remove muddy shoes after walk as the hall is carpeted.

12 FPS FC

Thursday 22 Dec Wednesday 4 Jan Abbeywood and Splatts Wood Duck Pond & Blackberry Brake 1.9 miles / 45 minutes 2 miles / 1 hour 11am 10.30am Opposite side of car park to store Miners Village Hall, Badminton Rd, entrance, Sainsbury's, Fox Den Road, , BS36 2QB Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8SS 46, 47, 86, 202, X47 X5, 16, 18, 18A, 19, 73, 77, 625 Gentle footpath stroll at village edge. Pleasant stroll around MOD and past Park on right in car park – or side Splatts Wood or if not wet underfoot roads if not using hall. Café stop through the wood. during walk.

FPS KC

Thursday 29 Dec Wednesday 4 Jan Over Primrose Bridge Warmley Forest 1.4 miles / 35 minutes 2.5 miles 11am 1 hour (long) 30 mins (short) Opposite bus stop outside Domino's, 2pm The Willow Brook Centre (Tesco), Warmley Forest Visitors Centre, High St, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, Warmley, BS30 5JL Bristol, BS32 8BS Centre has its own car park 73 19, 35, 43 Stroll around the area taking in part Along . of Patchway Common and crossing Primrose Bridge. This walk is on some gravel paths.

13 FPS KC

Thursday 5 Jan Thursday 12 Jan BBP & UWE Downend Central 2.2 miles / 1 hour 3 miles / 1 hour 11am 2pm Opposite side of car park to store Shopper’s car park, behind Co-op, entrance, Sainsbury's, Fox Den Road, Downend, BS16 5UJ Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8SS 5, 18, 18A, 19, 47, 48 X5, 16, 18, 18A, 19, 73, 77, 625 This walk explores Downend’s King A surprisingly pleasant wander around George V playing fields. Bristol Business Park & UWE.

SYD SYD Friday 13 Jan Friday 6 Jan 10.30am 10.30am For details - please see Stepping For details - please see Stepping Forward section. Forward section.

FC FPS Tuesday 17 Jan Thursday 12 Jan Old Mill and Centenary Field Through Jubilee Green 1.5 miles / 45 minutes 1.6 miles / 40 minutes 10.30am 11am St Peter's Church. Church Rd, Opposite bus stop outside Domino's, Frampton Cotterell, BS36 2AB The Willow Brook Centre (Tesco), 46, 82, 202 Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, Short stroll with historical interest. Bristol, BS32 8BS Park in Mill Lane (when full, use pub 73 car park). Coffee & cake £1.50. Wandering through Jubilee Green on to part of Patchway Common. All on sealed paths.

14 KC FPS

Wednesday 18 Jan Thursday 26 Jan St Annes Down by the Leisure Centre 3 miles / 1 hour 1.8 miles / 45 mins 2pm 11am Scout Hut by Opposite bus stop outside Domino's, Community Centre, Shellards Road, The Willow Brook Centre (Tesco), BS30 9DU Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 8BS 17, 37, 45 (5 min walk) Walk through Willsbridge Valley, onto 73 the Dramway and St Anne's Church at Down past the Leisure Centre to Three . Brooks Lake. This walk is on some gravel paths.

FPS KC Thursday 19 Jan Harry Gifford Thursday 26 Jan 2 miles / 45 minutes Rodway 11am 3 miles / 1 hour Opposite side of car park to store 2pm entrance, Sainsbury's, Fox Den Road, Park on residential streets near Lamb Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8SS Inn, Windsor Place, , BS16 9DD X5, 16, 18, 18A, 19, 73, 77, 625 A pleasant walk around parts of Stoke 7, 18, 18A, 49 Gifford and Harry Stoke. This lovely walk visits Mangotsfield Station and village and Pomphrey Hill.

SYD

Friday 20 Jan 10.30am For details - please see Stepping Forward section.

15 SYD KC

Friday 27 Jan Wednesday 1 Feb Three Lanes/Woods Leap Valley 2.5 miles 3 miles / 1 hour 10.30am 2pm The Fox, Broad Lane, Yate, BS37 7LD Badminton Gardens, Beaufort Rd, Parking available at pub Downend, BS16 6SG Please don’t use BG car park. X46, 622 Use overflow car park on Beaufort Rd A flat walk involving quiet back roads and wooded lanes 48 Exploring the Leap Valley and surrounding footpaths. FC

FPS Wednesday 1 Feb Country Stroll by Half Moon fields Thursday 2 Feb 2 miles / 1 hour Through the Woods 10.30am 1.9 miles / 45 minutes Badminton Arms, Badminton Rd, 11am Coalpit Heath, BS36 2KJ Opposite side of car park to store entrance, Sainsbury's, Fox Den Road, 46, 47, 86, 202, X47 Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8SS Pleasant country views. Park in Woodside Rd if not using pub. X5, 16, 18, 18A, 19, 73, 77, 625 Walk through wooded paths and roads of UWE and Abbeywood via Splatts Wood.

16 SYD FPS

Friday 3 Feb Thursday 9 Feb Chipping Sodbury / The Stokes Circuit Frome Valley 2.5 miles / 1 hour 3 miles 11am 10.30am Opposite bus stop outside Domino's, The Ridings, Chipping Sodbury RFC, The Willow Brook Centre (Tesco), Wickwar Road, BS37 6BH Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 8BS 47, X47, 84, 85, 202 A pleasant walk along the back streets 73 of Chipping Sodbury and a section Wander around Bradley Stoke taking of the . Café in part of Little Stoke, Stoke Lodge and toilets in nearby Waitrose or High and Patchway Common. This walk is Street. on some gravel paths.

KC SYD

Thursday 9 Feb Friday 10 Feb Longwell Green Goose Green/ Ridgewood 1.5 miles / 3 miles 1 hour / 30 mins 3 miles 2pm 10.30am Asda car park Craven Way, Longwell Meet outside the Lawns Inn, Church Green, BS30 7DY Road, BS37 5BG 44, 86 46, X46 Includes Cock Ridge Road and Exploring northern parts of Yate. surrounding area.

17 KC FC

Wednesday 15 Feb Tuesday 21 Feb Oldland Halt Bury Fields and Woods 2.5 miles / 1 hour 1.8 miles / 1 hour 2pm 10.30am The Batch, 8 Park Road, Warmley Golden Heart pub in Down Road, off Bristol, BS30 8EB A432 at , BS36 1AU 19, 43 47, X47 Taking in Warmley Pitch and Putt, Varied scenery in Frome Valley and Siston Brook and the Railway Path. pretty lanes. Park at bottom of pub car park.

FPS FPS Thursday 16 Feb Abbeywood and Splatts Wood Thursday 23 Feb 1.9 miles / 45 minutes Over Primrose Bridge 11am 1.4 miles / 35 minutes Opposite side of car park to store 11am entrance, Sainsbury's, Fox Den Road, Opposite bus stop outside Domino's, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8SS The Willow Brook Centre (Tesco), Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, X5, 16, 18, 18A, 19, 73, 77, 625 Bristol, BS32 8BS Pleasant stroll around MOD and past Splatts Wood or if not wet underfoot 73 through the wood. Stroll around the area taking in part of Patchway Common and crossing Primrose Bridge. This walk is on some SYD gravel paths.

Friday 17 Feb 10.30am For details - please see Stepping Forward section.

18 KC SYD

Thursday 23 Feb Friday 24 Feb Eastville Park 10.30am 2.5 miles / 50 mins For details - please see Stepping 2pm Forward section. Snuff Mills Car Park, River View, off Broomhill Road, Stapleton, BS16 1DL 5, 16, 48A A flat walk on good paths along the River Frome and around Eastville Park lake.

19