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River Avon Trail

24.85 miles (40 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Travel along the River Avon from Pill to Bath via Bristol on this delightful trail
You start off in the village of Pill, near the mouth of the river, and head to Bristol through the stunning Avon Gorge. You will pass through the lovely Leigh Woods with its woodland, plant life and wildlife on this section. There's also fine views over the Grade I listed Clifton Suspension Bridge which was built in 1864.
The path then continues through the interesting city of Bristol and then on towards Keynsham where the river is particularly picturesque.
You will then pass through the splendid Avon Valley Country Park which has a number of attractions for children.
The final stretch then takes you into the historic city of Bath where you finish on the iconic Pulteney Bridge.

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River Avon Trail OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

River Avon Trail Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

On the route we recommend stopping at the Clifton Observatory on the eastern side of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Here you can enjoy refreshments in the 360 cafe which offers fine views over the Avon Gorge and the city of Bristol. There's also an interesting museum and one of only three of the UK's working camera obscuras.
In Saltford you could stop at The Riverside Inn. Located near the marina the inn is in a great spot. You can sit outside in the garden area and watch the boats go by along this canalized section of the river near Keynsham. They also have a good menu and an attractive modern interior. You can find them at the Shallows with a postcode of BS31 3EZ for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

At Eastville Park in Bristol you can pick up another popular riverside trail in the shape of the Frome Valley Walkway. This will take you along the River Frome to Old Sodbury in the Cotswolds, passing the historic Snuff Mills and the historic village of Winterbourne on the way.
On the outskirts of Bristol you will pass close to the museum at Willsbridge Mill. The photogenic 18th century mill has an interesting history and nice trails along the Siston Brook which feeds into the river.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Gloucestershire Walks and Somerset Walks pages.

Photos

River Avon Trail - geograph.org.uk - 1754740

 River Avon Trail Walkway, Cycle track from Bristol to Pill, beside the river Avon, going under the Clifton suspension bridge.

Clifton Suspension Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 3166

Clifton Suspension Bridge. Looking south-east along the Avon Gorge to Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol. The bridge, with a 702 foot span, 245 feet above the River Avon, was opened in 1864.

Saltford Marina - geograph.org.uk - 547659

Saltford Marina

River Avon above Keynsham Lock - geograph.org.uk - 181280

River Avon above Keynsham Lock. Houseboats moored above the lock

Hanham Woods (6248127)

Hanham Woods. A pleasant area of riverside woodland in the south eastern part of Bristol.

GWR arches, below Conham Ferry - geograph.org.uk - 181452

GWR arches, below Conham Ferry in the Conham River Park. There's a nice surfaced path and picnic benches in this popular Bristol based park.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

River Avon Trail.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

River Avon Trail.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)