Into Leigh Woods: A Man About Country Story Walk (Bristol WalkFest)

Welcome to Leigh Woods: 500 acres of enchanted ancient woodland. With James as your guide, you’ll adventure through over 2,000 years of history and legend, and discover the secrets in these extraordinary woods.

In this Site of Special Scientific Interest, there are hundreds of ancient trees over 500 years old, including Bristol’s very own species of whitebeam that grow nowhere else in the world. An important site for biodiversity, there are over 300 species of fungi, as well as rare plants and plenty of animals - including peregrine falcons!

You’ll discover the unique stories of these wild woods throughout the ages. Explore the hillfort home of a nature-worshipping Celtic tribe, and the secret communities who still lived in the deep woods 50 years ago. Beneath the forest lies a vast treasure trove of celestite crystals - could that explain the mysterious tales of spirits and ghosts roaming the trees? No two walks are ever the same; who knows what we’ll find?

This guided walk blends history, folklore and forest bathing techniques to help you enjoy the Great Outdoors like never before. Through stories and sensory exploration, you’ll learn about the local landscape while getting all the benefits of being in nature: lowered stress, improved mood, increased energy, boosted immune system, and many more. It’s fun, it’s fascinating, and you’ll feel amazing afterwards. Win win!

This walk is suitable for nature lovers of all ages, or those wanting to discover Bristol’s best bits. All ages and experience levels are welcome, but a minimum level of fitness is required for gentle walking, uneven ground and possible muddy sections.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• A walking tour around Leigh Woods, a 500 acre ancient woodland on the edge of Bristol city centre
• Guided by James; storyteller, historian and naturalist
• Explore famous sites as well as hidden sanctuaries deep in the woods
• Hear stories, facts and legends from over 2,000 years of history
• Forest bathing techniques to deeply connect with nature and feel the full benefits of the environment
• A refreshing break from phone screens, email notifications and the anxieties of modern life

Walk Details

• Start time: 1pm
• Start and finish point: Leigh Woods South Entrance, BS8 3PL
• Parking : By the start point (paid)
• Public Transport : 5 min walk from bus stop with regular service, or 20 min walk from Clifton Suspension Bridge
• Distance : 4km
• Duration : 2.5 hours
• Terrain : Woodland trails, grass and dirt paths, some uneven ground
• Dogs : Permitted
• Questions : james@manaboutcountry.co.uk