A stunning series of walks developed by the Bristol Group of the Ramblers Association. The central and south walks are a great way to discover the city and it's history, and there's a series of equally lovely walks for the and northern and eastern parts of the city. Each walk is packed with interesting sights, information, stories and is illustrated with lovely modern and historic pictures.

The walks are derived from the Bristol Ramblers' publication 'Bristol Backs' and have now been republished with Bristol City Council.

Walks in Central and South Bristol

Walk 1 - The Plaques of Central Bristol - a 3.2km (2 mile) walk starting at St Micheals Hill.

A short, steep walk, taking in the 'blue plaques' and history around the centre. Up St Micheals Hill and the Christmas Steps, many of the older parts of the city are on show. Ideal for visitors.

Walk 2 - Sculpture Trail - a 4km (2.5 mile) circular walk starting at the Statue of Neptune on The Centre

A fantastic walk giving a fascinating tour of some 30 public statues and sculptures, many of them hidden from public gaze. The walk starts on the City Centre through Queen Square to Castle Park, along the harbour to Millennium Square and on to College Green returning to the City Centre.

Walk 3 - Brunel’s Footsteps - a 6km (3.5 mile) linear walk from Temple Meads to Clifton Suspension Bridge

This City Centre Walk explores some of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's engineering projects in Bristol from 1829 to 1850, following a linear route from Temple Meads to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, including the docks and the cross harbour ferry to the SS Great Britain. Ideal for visitors.

Walk 4 - Clifton Squares - a 6km (3.5 mile) linear walk from Hotwells to Queen Square

This walk covers the squares of Hotwells, Clifton and Central Bristol, referring to the major and minor celebrities who have lived in them.

Walk 5 - Bedminster & Southville - an 8km (5 mile) linear walk from Bedminster Library to Hotwells via Ashton Court, or a (6 mile) circular walk

Whilst traditionally outside the city boundary, this 'city within a city' is well worth exploring.

Walk 6 - South Bristol Parks - a 9km (5.5 mile) circular walk from Temple Meads, but as with any of these walks, you can start anywhere on the route.

A bit longer than the other walks, this is a circular walk covering 6 parks, taking up to 6 hours to complete. It is all on a hard surface with one lengthy climb and one flight of steps.

Walks in North and East Bristol

Walk 1 - Gas Lamps and Cut Throats - an 8km (5 mile) walk starting at St Werburgh's Church.

A circular walk from St Werburgh's to Stapleton and back, taking in some of the areas of the areas past and living history. Complemented by Narroways Nature Reserve, Purdown Panoramic views and some gaslight thrown on the darker side of St Werburgh's and Stapleton's murky past.

Walk 2 - Durdham Down - an 8km (5 mile) walk starting at either Sea Mills Railway Station or The Water Tower on Durdham Downs

This walk starts from Sea Mills Railway Station, follows a series of footpaths along the River Trym, climbs up to Durdham Down along little used paths and returns along a footpath by the River Avon.

Walk 3 - Royate Hill - a 9km (6 mile) walk starting at Cobden Street, Lawrence Hill, Bristol

Two urban cemeteries (open on weekdays between 9:00am and 7:00pm from February to October, from 9:00am to 4:30pm for the rest of the year), an elegant park, ancient hedged paths, a hummocky hill and a panoramic view of South Bristol enhance this walk.

Walk 4 - Montpelier to Purdown - a 9km (6 mile) walk starting at Montpelier Railway Station

This walk commences in inner Bristol, but soon leads along urban paths that beckon the rambler into open countryside with fine views of Bristol and distant countryside banishing the experiences of traffic jams and fumes.

Walk 5 - Penpole - an 11-13 km (7-8 mile) walk starting at Blaise Castle House

The walk follows a series of footpaths along the River Trym and through the delightful Penpole Wood, Kings Weston Down and Blaise Castle Estate with supurb views over Bristol and Shirehampton. For convenience, the walk is presumed to start at Blaise Castle House.