Discover Leigh Woods
Find out how to get to Leigh Woods, where to park, the things to see and do and more.
Outdoor activities at Leigh Woods
A selection of running, walking and mountain biking trails traverse through the wildlife-rich Leigh Woods, near to Bristol. With well-marked routes and walking paths suitable for pushchairs, it offers outdoor activities for any kind of explorer. A specially designed orienteering course adds an extra element of adventure.
Mountain biking at Leigh Woods
A purpose-built mountain biking trail weaves its way through Leigh Woods.
The trails pass through the northern area of the woods, which is owned and managed by the Forestry Commission. It’s a car-free cycle ride from Bristol city centre, although the trails can also be accessed from the car park at Leigh Woods.
The Yer Tiz trail
This mostly blue route is a great place to start learning to ride on single tracks and to hone technical skills. It's suitable for relative novices but does require a mountain bike.
There are red route options along the way and a skills loop to tackle too. If you're up for a challenge, the trail splits giving you the option of following the more difficult red grade Gert Lush trail.
Gert Lush Trail
A difficult red grade trail is narrow and technical, offering a more challenging alternative to the main trail. It’s only suitable for experienced off-road cyclists.
Distance: 0.1km
Time: 1 minute
Keener Trail
The main loop of this skills trail is a moderate blue and includes features such as small drops, rock gardens and rollers to progress your riding ability.
Repeated riding of easy features until you’re completely happy is the best way to progress your riding ability. Once you’re confident enough you can choose to divert onto more difficult features along the loop.
Take care
Leigh Woods gives pleasure to a great deal of people on foot and with dogs, as well as those choosing to cycle.
Expect the unexpected – watch out for and respect other visitors, and ride with the ability to stop safely at any time.
For your own and other people’s safety, please always follow warning signs and advice you’re given.
Running at Leigh Woods
RunTogether route at Leigh Woods
RunTogether, created by England Athletics, shares running routes across England that are suitable for all abilities.
The route at Leigh Woods starts at the National Trust hut at the entrance from Valley Road (or from Coronation Avenue) and is marked with painted purple arrows and markers on wooden posts.
It’s a circular route, and is flat and on even paths.
Distance: 2.5km
Walking at Leigh Woods
Leigh Woods is an ideal place to get away from the city for a walk through the beautiful broadleaf woodland on the slopes of the Avon Gorge.
Tailor your journey through Leigh Woods by following the waymarked trails or by making your own adventure along the woodland paths to the trees.
Orienteering at Leigh Woods
Keen to brush up on your navigational skills? Why not have a go at the permanent orienteering course at Leigh Woods?
Ahead of your adventure, download a copy of our orienteering map, produced with funding from The British Orienteering Federation and the Bristol Special Schools Sports Association.
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
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