Winbri two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

This is a way from Winford to Bristol but it's not easy to follow. Winford is tricky to get to by public transport but there is a pub at the starting point. It was muddy in Feb despite it being a clear and sunny day.

However! It was a beautiful route though giving spectacular views over Bristol's reservoirs and the rolling Mendip hills.

The route follows a segment of the Monarch's Way which was a surprise as that and some later segments were quite tricky to follow. For example there is a footpath across some farm fields near Dundry and the only marker is a small stone and the footsteps of previous walkers. There are a couple of A roads to cross as you close in on Bristol but try and avoid the mistake we made beside the A4174, keep left, hold your nerve and then cross in the foot tunnel and take the delightful path towards Ashton Court.

2 stars, a beautiful walk but not very user friendly.

This route is mostly off road, offering great alternatives to walking on the busy roads with some lovely surprises that you would never normally know were there when you are driving or on public transport. This was a real insight of what you miss when you are in a car.
We started this route with a lovely lunch at a pub in Winford -a great way to start the walk.

The route go through the village of Winford for a short time and the passes through the church yard and out into open countryside. The pathway through the fields is up up and more up so be prepared for some steep walking.

The route follows the Monarchs way for much of this part of the the walk so there are signs to follow but I didn't find it that easy to navigate.

After walking through a couple of fields you pass through a farm yard and then pass by a newly planted vineyard!

What goes up must come down. The route begins it's descent through fields and what is labelled community forest but looked just like other fields. We walked on a dry Feb day but I would definitely recommend wearing waterproof boots , it was muddy and slippery at quite a few points, especially the footpath that lead to the road.

After a short road walk the route then brings you out to the A38 which you have to cross which is the only hairy bit but you have to wait for safe crossing and the cars are speedy so be careful. There was an island further up the road which could be used if the traffic was busier.

We passed by some lovely, very fluffy sheep in another field. There was a lovely surprising woodland that went alongside the busy road which I had no idea existed.

Stomping through towards Bristol city centre via Ashton court was a highlight and where the number of people you see really changes. We followed the cycle route right into Bristol and walked alongside the river Avon before arriving in the hustle and bustle of Bristol. A very enjoyable walk.

This is a great route, easy to follow and avoiding most of the big busy roads. When we reached the river Avon we diverted from the route in order to enter Bristol over the Suspension Bridge. Highly recommended.

This is suggested as an alternative to Winbri One to avoid walking along main roads and the two dangerous road crossings that mar that route.

It uses the same lovely path as far as Barrow Common, climbing and descending through farmland over the shoulder of Dundry Hill, with extensive views to either side, mostly using the signed Monarch’s Way.

This version then diverts through more fields along the Community Forest Path (lots of horses in this area) to avoid walking along the A38. Where the path meets the A38 there is a bar and eatery at the newly done up motel.

Be very careful crossing the A38 here. This bit is pretty busy and in the middle of the day on a weekday I had to wait a few minutes for a safe crossing. The sight lines are good at least.

The route continues towards the busy A4174 bypass and takes a permissive (signed) route on the west side of the road to the safe underpass where Colliers Brook passes under it. It then follows a reasonably pleasant off-road course on paths and footways to the east of the road through woods and under the railway, eventually reaching and crossing the A370 on a safe footbridge (which is sometimes also used by a herd of dairy cows).

From here the safe, enjoyable, scenic and well-signed Festival Way cycle path leads to the edge of Bristol vis Ashton Court park. The route is, I think, wheelable all the way from this point and a nice way into Bristol.

Elsewhere the access includes gates, kissing gates, footbridges and the odd stile, some not in great condition, but not too bad overall. There is some rough, and perhaps slippery or wet and muddy ground after rain on short sections in the rural areas.

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