Any runner in Bristol must run Clifton Downs at some point. The Downs is Bristol’s largest park, with expansive green fields offering panoramic of the Avon Valley. Note, it’s hilly! For a great ~6 mile run, do the Downs, the Observatory, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Creative Commons: Gothick
The Downs is criss-crossed by a series of paths. Running the perimeter loop roads is a 5k. There’s also a measured 5k. There are great views from the Sea Walls at the western end off Circular Rd. To make this a 5-miler, we suggest crossing Bridge Valley Rd. at the southern end of the Downs and continuing on the paths to the Clifton Observatory. For an optional extra 1 mile out and back, run across the historic Clifton Suspension Bridge, a historic Victorian-era bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. which is most easily accessed from the Clifton side. It’s very high, offering great but vertigo-inducing views of the gorge below. There’s a dedicated pedestrian sidewalk, though it’s narrow.
Add-Ons: Once across the Clifton Bridge, can add with our other routes: River Avon Path, Ashton Court, or trails in Leigh Woods.
Any runner in Bristol must run Clifton Downs at some point. The Downs is Bristol’s largest park, with expansive green fields offering panoramic of the Avon Valley. Note, it’s hilly! For a great ~6 mile run, do the Downs, the Observatory, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Creative Commons: Gothick
The Downs is criss-crossed by a series of paths. Running the perimeter loop roads is a 5k. There’s also a measured 5k. There are great views from the Sea Walls at the western end off Circular Rd. To make this a 5-miler, we suggest crossing Bridge Valley Rd. at the southern end of the Downs and continuing on the paths to the Clifton Observatory. For an optional extra 1 mile out and back, run across the historic Clifton Suspension Bridge, a historic Victorian-era bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. which is most easily accessed from the Clifton side. It’s very high, offering great but vertigo-inducing views of the gorge below. There’s a dedicated pedestrian sidewalk, though it’s narrow.
Add-Ons: Once across the Clifton Bridge, can add with our other routes: River Avon Path, Ashton Court, or trails in Leigh Woods.
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Essentials
Various options: A loop of the Downs is ~3.1 miles (5k), adding the Observatory makes is ~5 miles, adding the Bridge makes it ~6 miles
Hilly! Downs & Observatory loop is 451 feet (137m)
A route that hits all the central Bristol highlights. Shorter option is the 3.5 mile Harbourside loop. Longer option adds Castle Park, Brandon Hill Park, & other major sites.
Run for up to 5.4 miles along the River Avon. Starts in the center of Bristol at the marina, then north for 4 miles as a dirt path with some water views. Also good access to other good Bristol running spots.
The 850-acre Ashton Court estate is among the running highlights in Bristol. There are lovely paths around rolling meadows and woodland. Good add-on options. Also home to a parkrun.
Several waymarked loops at this National Trust property, with a mixture of open grassy glades, broadleaf woodland and veteran oak pollards. Great views of the gorge below. Good add-on options.
For a long off-road run, this former railway is now a paved multi-use path connecting Bristol and Bath. Numerous parks, historic bridges & tunnels over its 15-mile distance. Runs along the River Avon closer to Bath.
A short but pleasant route in eastern Bristol, featuring a section along the River Avon, the Victorian St. George Park, Avonview Cemetery, and the fields of Netham Park. Option to add Troppers Hill.
A nice 10k, entirely off-road run in the northeast part of Bristol, featuring Eastville Park, the Frome Valley Walkway along the River Frome, and Oldbury Court Estate.
National Trust property is a Gothic Revival home featuring beautiful grounds: gardens, vast woodland, heritage trees, and rolling parkland. Run on a marked 5k route or several other marked loops.
Pleasant, scenic running on a series of footpaths around the Blaise Castle Estate and Kings Weston House. Landscaped grounds, parkland, meadows, & woods. Also a 1.2 mile path along the River Tym.
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Essentials
Various options: A loop of the Downs is ~3.1 miles (5k), adding the Observatory makes is ~5 miles, adding the Bridge makes it ~6 miles
Hilly! Downs & Observatory loop is 451 feet (137m)
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!