On a dry, mild, partly sunny day 8 of us took the bus to Ashton Court . We entered the estate to be greeted by the delightful sound of a Mistle Thrush singing. We headed north across the estate seeing many red deer in the enclosure.

Exiting the estate we walked through the residential area of Leigh Woods passing the old water tower built in 1868 which was rescued from demolition in 1976 by Harry West a wartime hurricane fighter pilot . He had it converted into a house retaining many of the original features.

Proceeding along North Road we enjoyed good views of Avon Gorge and across to the Clifton Observatory. Having crossed the Clifton Suspension Bridge our route took us past Clifton Rocks Railway which had linked Clifton to Hotwells from 1893 till its closure in 1934. During WW2 it was used as a secret transmission base by the BBC . We then paused to look at the distinctive Grade 2 listed Georgian houses in the Paragon. Built with Bath stone between 1809-1814 each front door being curved and of a different colour to the others.

Our route took us via the peaceful traffic free area of Clifton - the Polygon and then down to Hotwells. Criss crossing roads and the river we reached the paintings under the flyover of 6 famous Hotwells and Cliftonwood ladies.

Our route took us back to Ashton Court estate via Greville Smyth Park . We enjoyed a welcome lunch at The Angel Pub which conveniently has a bus stop very close by for our return to Clevedon.

A 6 mile walk full of interest.

Report by Julia Jordan
Photos by Julia, and Carol Wood