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Living in Bristol, you might not expect world-class trail running — yet the city is crammed with hidden routes that twist through woodland, skirt rivers, and climb steep hills with views over the Avon Gorge. Within a few kilometres of the city centre, you can find yourself running through ancient forests, scrambling up technical descents, or jogging past open meadows that feel miles from civilisation.
This page highlights the trails I run most often — from the riverside paths of the Frome Valley Walkway to the rolling parkland of Ashton Court and the steep climbs of Stoke Park. Most routes link together easily, and although a little road running is sometimes needed to connect them, that just adds to the sense of adventure.
Many of these trails can be reached straight from the city by foot or bike, making them ideal for post-work runs or weekend long efforts. Whether you’re chasing elevation, seeking quiet green space, or just exploring Bristol’s outdoors, there’s a route here to suit.
🗺️ Trail Directory
1️⃣ Frome Valley Walkway
Trails: Up to 30 km (Bristol City Centre → Cotswolds)
Terrain: Riverside paths, woodlands, steep banks, occasional mud
Highlights: Eastville Park • Snuff Mills • Oldbury Court • Frenchay • Winterbourne Down
Why run it: Classic Bristol trail with a real out-of-the-city feel. The canopy and sound of the river completely mask the urban bustle.
Trails along the River Frome are my most regular haunts. Being tucked in a valley, I find it so peaceful as you cannot hear the busy M32 nearby. As the majority of the trails are following the river, they’re not very steep in nature but you can find little off shoots and connecting trails to get a few climbs in. The trails can get very mucky after heavy rain so make sure you are wearing the right shoes or else you might feel like Bambie on ice!!
2️⃣ Stoke Park Estate
Trails: 5–8 km loop options
Terrain: Open grassland, woodland, singletrack, one steep hill
Highlights: Climb to the BT Tower • woodland paths behind Purdown • great hill-rep potential
Why run it: Ideal for hill training and linking with the Frome Valley trails.
Stoke Park Estate is sat right next to the M32 and is home to the eye catching yellow house. In recent years a lot of money has been poured into the estate which has resulted in large paths being laid down between UWE to the Purdown Anti Aircraft Battery. In 1939, the site house a number of mobile guns for the anti-aircraft defence of Bristol. Now their remains a handful of derelict small building/shelters. The trails in estate can be made as difficult or easy as you desire. There are plenty of steep climbs, especially up to the communication tower, to sink your teeth into. Some of the less popular paths can get really muddy but if you know where to look there are apple and cherry trees which fruit each year.
3️⃣ Clifton Down & The Avon Gorge
Trails: 5–10 km
Terrain: Flat grassland with optional road/path extensions, plus interesting trails if you know where to look
Highlights: Views of the Suspension Bridge • fast surfaces for tempo runs
Why run it: Easy access from the city, beautiful views, and plenty of space for intervals.
Clifton Down is the most iconic green space in the city. It is understandably very popular with runners looking for a space with flat trails and paths to enjoy. However, if you are not looking for flat running, there are countless paths which take you down to the river at the bottom of the gorge, such as Goat Gully, or up to the the observatory. If you know where to look, there is a lot of opportunity to find fun trails which keep you away from the crowds on the down…
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4️⃣ Ashton Court Estate
Trails: 5–15 km
Terrain: Woodland trails, grassy slopes, shared MTB paths
Highlights: Balloon Festival grounds • rolling trails • city skyline views
Why run it: Excellent mix of climbs and fast runnable tracks — perfect for longer sessions.
Ashton Court is home to the world famed balloon fiesta but it is also home to a large Estate abundant with trails. In the woodland trails there is also the Nova Mountain Bike trail which is very popular with local riders. The estate is very well maintained with plenty of steep climbs, wooded paths and open space as well as a herd of reindeer. It is also home to a 1000 year old Oak tree!!
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5️⃣ Leigh Woods
Trails: 5–20 km
Terrain: Forest singletrack, MTB routes, steep climbs
Highlights: River Avon Trail • under the Suspension Bridge • tough hill to the top
Why run it: Quiet forest atmosphere with some of Bristol’s best technical ascents.
Leigh Woods is the holy grail of trails in Bristol. A long stretch of wild woodlands with steep technical ascents and descents to and from the river. A classic climb is up the nightingale path but there are countless mountain bike/climbers trails which if you know where to look can deliver exciting and punishing work. Leigh Woods is the largest space in Bristol to run trails without having to cross a road or encounter traffic (accept the occasional Forestry Commission truck).
6️⃣ Blaise Castle Estate
Trails: 5 – 10 km
Terrain: Woodland, parkland, steep trails
Highlights: Blaise Castle House • viewpoint trails • castle built in 1766
Why run it: A full-day trail adventure or destination long run from central Bristol.
A little further away from the centre of Bristol is Blaise Castle. As with many of the other trails in Bristol, they can get really mucky in bad weather but still there is enough here to keep a trail runner interested for some time and there is a nice Café behind the museum to refuel after a run.
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🏃 Example Loops
These are some of my local trails that I run regularly — routes that link Bristol’s best green spaces into rewarding circuits. They’re perfect for after-work runs, weekend outings, or when you want to explore a bit more of the city’s hidden trail
👉 Frome Valley & Stoke Park 10 Miler
Distance: ~16 km Ascent: ~200 m Difficulty: Moderate
Starting from Portland Square (good parking nearby), this circular route heads out alongside the M32 — not the prettiest start, but it quickly delivers you to Eastville Park, where the real fun begins. From here, follow the River Frome upstream through Snuff Mills and Oldbury Court, before climbing gently towards Frenchay.
Cut through sections of the UWE campus to reach Stoke Park, where a climb up to the BT Tower offers wide views across Bristol. The route then loops back towards the city, passing through St Werburgh’s and the Narroways Nature Reserve, before returning to Portland Square.
Highlights: Riverside woodland, urban-to-rural feel, steep Stoke Park hill, city skyline views on the return.
Tips: Expect mud after rain; take trail shoes with decent grip.
Download the River Frome Loop GPS below.
👉 Leigh Woods Loop
Distance: ~15 km Ascent: ~350 m Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
Starting from the Harbourside, this route packs in some of the steepest climbs Bristol has to offer. Follow the River Avon Trail beneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge, then tackle the Nightingale Valley climb — a sharp ascent that leads onto the wooded trails of Leigh Woods.
Flowing singletrack takes you down to Paradise Bottom, before looping back along the canal path and through more woodland. To finish, cross the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge for sweeping views of the Avon Gorge, then cruise through a short road section back to the start at the Harbourside.
Highlights: Nightingale Valley climb, forest singletrack, bridge crossing, panoramic city views.
Tips: Expect steep sections; best tackled in trail shoes with good grip.
Download the Leigh Woods Loop GPS file below.
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🌄 More Trails to Explore
These are just a few of the areas that make Bristol a trail runner’s playground. While the city might not have the long, gruelling ascents of the mountains, its rolling hills, river valleys, and steep woodland paths offer more than enough elevation to keep the legs honest.
Here are three more classic trails in and around Bristol to keep you busy:
🌿 Gordano Round 27 km Loop
Distance: ~27 km Ascent: ~600 m Difficulty: Hard
The Gordano Round is one of the best longer trail runs within easy reach of Bristol — a full-day circuit that links coastal paths, woodland trails, and rolling farmland. Starting from Portishead, the route climbs immediately onto the Gordano Valley Ridge, offering wide views across the Severn Estuary and Wales.
From here, the trail winds through Weston-in-Gordano, Clapton-in-Gordano, and sections of Abbots Pool woodland before looping back towards the coast. Expect a real mix of terrain: everything from quiet country lanes to steep muddy climbs and grassy ridge running above the valley.
Highlights: Coastal estuary views, quiet villages, varied terrain, and a real sense of being away from the city.
Tips: The route can be overgrown in summer — long socks help! Be prepared for mud after rain and take enough water; resupply points are limited.
Blog Post: You can read about when I ran the Gordano Round here.
Download the Gordano Round GPS below
🌉 Bristol Bridges Marathon
Distance: ~42 km Ascent: ~300 m Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
The Bristol Bridges Marathon is a classic urban trail challenge that crosses every bridge over the River Avon and River Frome within the city — more than 40 in total! Starting and finishing at the Harbourside, the route weaves through Bristol’s network of footbridges, river paths, and cycleways, linking both sides of the city in a single grand circuit.
The run takes in Bristol’s most famous landmarks — the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Castle Park, Cumberland Basin, and the Harbour Loop — but also uncovers hidden green spaces and lesser-known cut-throughs. It’s the ultimate way to explore Bristol on foot.
Highlights: All major Bristol bridges, harbour views, hidden riverside paths, constantly changing scenery.
Tips: Ideal for a long training run or city ultra; go early to avoid crowds. Trail or hybrid road shoes recommended depending on conditions.
Blog Post: You can read about when I ran the Bristol Bridges Marathon here.
Download the Bristol Bridges GPS below
⛰️ Bristol Three Peaks Challenge
Distance: ~33 km Ascent: ~900 m Difficulty: Hard
The Bristol Three Peaks route links together the three prominent hills that overlook the city: Dundry Hill, Kelston Round Hill, and Lansdown Hill. Starting from the outskirts of Bristol, this is a long, hilly trail that feels surprisingly wild for being so close to the city.
The route begins with a climb up Dundry Hill, offering sweeping views over the city and the Severn Estuary. It then drops into Chew Valley, follows a mix of quiet lanes and farm tracks to reach Kelston Round Hill, where you’re rewarded with a panoramic view of Bath and the surrounding countryside. The final ascent to Lansdown Hill completes the trio before the route loops back through rolling farmland and quiet villages.
Highlights: Three major summits, far-reaching views, rural trails just outside the city.
Tips: A serious day out — carry food and water, expect mud after rain, and plan for some navigation. Trail shoes or lightweight fell shoes are ideal.
Blog Post: You can read about when I ran the Bristol Three Peaks here
Download the Bristol Three Peaks GPS Below
If you have any questions about the trails, how to reach them, or possible route combinations — feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to chat about good routes, muddy shoes, and the best post-run coffee spots!
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