Skip to content
Bristol whitebeam with the Clifton suspension bridge behind
From Leigh Woods there are fantastic views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge | © National Trust
Bath & Bristol

Leigh Woods woodland wander

This walk passes our natural play area and runs through beautiful woodland with rare and veteran trees as well as grassland. Stokeleigh Camp hillfort is perched on the edge of the Avon Gorge, with dramatic views along the river.

Total steps: 13

Total steps: 13

Start point

Leigh Woods North Road entrance, grid ref: ST555730

Step 1

There's a site map at the North Road entrance. Go through the kissing gate and up the sunken track straight ahead.

Step 2

This brings you out onto an open grassy area. Cross this, sticking to the right-hand side. You'll walk past a line of rare whitebeam trees.

Wilmotts whitebeam in Leigh Woods
National Trust / Alex Allen | © One of the rare whitebeams which grows in Leigh Woods

Step 3

Just past these trees take the small path that runs along the top of the valley and straight on to another grassy area.

Step 4

Ahead of you are the ramparts of Stokeleigh Camp, an Iron Age hillfort. Follow the narrow rocky path through these; take care if wet as it may be slippery.

Step 5

Once through the rampart, follow the grassy path straight ahead for 200m to the viewpoint.

Step 6

Turn left and follow the path along the gorge side for 300m, back through the ramparts and past a fenced pond.

Step 7

Turn left on to the Purple Trail, where you can see the dramatic sweep of the ramparts and Centenary bench on your left.

Step 8

Turn right and follow the Purple Trail to the stone wall.

Step 9

When you reach the parish wall leave the Purple Trail and turn left following the stone wall. Go straight through the gate after 200m and join the Blue Trail.

Step 10

Follow the Blue Trail straight ahead. Once you reach the ancient yew that grows in the line of the wall, the path should curve away from the wall.

Step 11

After 60m you'll pass the entrance to the natural play area on your right.

Step 12

Carry on past a single storey wooden building to the National Trust office, where you can pick up a site leaflet. Follow the gravel road and look out for the blue-topped waymarker on the left after 70m.

The centenary bench in Leigh Woods
Enjoy the view of Stokeleigh camp from our Centenary bench | © National Trust / Alex Allen

Step 13

Follow the Blue Trail back downhill to the start.

End point

Leigh Woods North Road entrance, grid ref: ST555730

Trail map

Map route for Leigh Woods woodland wander
Map route for Leigh Woods woodland wander | © Hand Made Maps Ltd

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

A veteran oak pollard
Trail
Trail

Leigh Woods veteran tree walk 

A gentle mile-long stroll through some of the wonderful veteran trees at Leigh Woods.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Get in touch

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

View of the city on a sunny day in autumn from Bath Skyline, Bath

Walking in Bath and Bristol 

From peaceful strolls through woodland at Leigh Woods to rambles through a historic estate at Tyntesfield, these are some of the best walks in Bath and Bristol.

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A group of people in a hiking group are being guided on a hike by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.