When it comes to great river walks in Bristol, you really are spoilt for choice. The city sits on the River Avon and River Frome so you’ve got lots of options for waterside strolls. While walking the harbour may be popular, you’ll often find river walks to be much quieter and less touristy.
In this article – we share five of our favourite river walks in Bristol, that are dog-friendly and circular loops in some cases.
When we lived in Bristol, we’d often walk our dog by the river. Even though we were in the middle of the city, the river always felt like a tranquil spot. We spent many lunchtimes, evenings, and weekends exploring Bristol on foot. Here are our top picks…
- Bristol River Avon Walk
- Castle Park & Harbour Loop
- Hanham River Walk
- Riverside Park St. Judes
- Snuff Mills
Let’s dive into each of them in more detail…
Bristol River Avon Walk
This is a convenient urban river walk that takes in the river and city centre sights. It starts from Bristol Temple Meads train station – turn left out of the car park and walk southeast to the traffic lights. Cross over diagonally and you’ll be on the bank of the River Avon.
Follow the path southwest alongside the river in the direction of the Banana Bridge. Continue along this route and you’ll eventually reach another bridge that takes you to Wapping Wharf. This area is sandwiched between the river and harbour so you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes with waterside views here.
Travel tip – If you fancy a longer walk around Bristol harbour, then this is the ideal point to switch routes and wander around the docks and harbourside instead.
Continue along the river and you’ll reach Spike Island where Bristol Marina and Brunel’s SS Great Britain are located. Head along any of the paths on your right to visit those or continue straight to the Vauxhall footbridge. Here you can cross over to the other side and head back to your starting point (but taking in different views along the way).
This circular river walk is 2.8km (1.7 miles) long and takes 60 minutes.
Castle Park & Harbour Loop
Castle Park is located in the city centre and overlooks the river. You can walk from here all the way to the harbour by following the river, taking in the historic architecture and industrial buildings along the way. It’s another convenient option if you’re coming into Bristol from Temple Meads train station since it’s only 10 mins walk from there.
From Castle Park, walk west along the river and cross the road at the traffic lights. Continue alongside the river (along the Welsh Back road left of Brewdog) where you’ll find a number of restaurant barges and boat tours. On the right you’ll pass King Street, home to lively pubs and a great drinks spot in the summer.
Follow the river around to the right and you’ll reach the Arnolfini art gallery. Turn right after this building and then head left over Pero’s footbridge. Head left again along the waterfront and you’ll eventually find yourself back in the city centre. From the pedestrianised square, take the path just past Baldwin Street onto Corn Street, and follow that back to your Castle Park starting point.
This circular river walk is 2.5km (1.6 miles) long and takes around 30 minutes.
Conham River Walk
If you’re looking for a tranquil river walk in Bristol, then Conham River Park near Hanham is a dream. Bristolians will know it as the site of legendary pub Beeses, which is accessed by boat across the river. But there’s also a lovely riverside walk where you can get away from it all and enjoy some nature.
Start at the car park and follow the trail alongside the river. If you just fancy a quick stroll, then you can take the left fork about 15 mins in and it’ll take you back to the carpark.
But if you’re up for something a bit longer, then continue following the river bank for another 30 minutes after the fork. Stop at the Chequers Inn for a break and then double back on yourself to get back to the carpark. The whole thing is around 8km (5 miles) and will take about 90 minutes there and back.
Travel tip – this river walk continues all the way to Swineford via Keynsham, so if you’re up for the 4.5 hour expedition (21km/13.6 miles) then fill your boots!
Riverside Park St. Judes
When we lived in St. Pauls, Riverside Park was a frequent Bristol dog walking route. Despite being in the middle of the city, it was a green and peaceful haven (with lots of space for the pooch to run about).
From Cabot Circus car park, follow Wellington Road alongside the River Frome. It opens up into Riverside Park, which is an ideal area for picnics, feeding the pigeons, or relaxing under the trees.
Continue along the riverside path towards the other end of the park. On your left you’ll see loads of graffiti murals which change on a daily basis. Head left through the tunnel and cross the M32 motorway via the overpass. Exit through the left tunnel on the other side and you’ll find yourself in St. Paul’s.
Head left parallel with the motorway and then right up Badminton Road. This will bring you to St. Agnes Park, another green picnic spot with more street art murals on the sides of local houses. Do a loop of the park and then exit via any of the streets on the south side. You’ll eventually find yourself back next to the motorway, where you can cross back over to Riverside Park via a footbridge.
This circular river walk takes 30 minutes and is 2.3km (1.4 miles) long.
Snuff Mills
Snuff Mills is another tranquil Bristol river walk set amongst woodland. It’s 10 mins drive from Bristol city centre but feels like the countryside.
Start from the car park and follow the trail east alongside the river. Cross at the Halfpenny Bridge and continue along the opposite side of the river. Turn right into the Oldbury Court Estate, a spacious green area with a number of different paths. From here you can head back along the river to your starting point.
This circular river walk takes 40 minutes and is 3.2km (2 miles) long.
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Best Bristol River Walks
We hope you enjoy these waterside walks as much as we have. Do you know of any hidden gems that we should check out? Let us know over on Instagram.
