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Explore Leigh Woods
(Average user rating: 3 unrated 2.8/5)

Walkers using the Leigh Woods purple trail. Forest of Dean

A very popular wood on the outskirts of Bristol consisting of mixed broadleaves and open coppice areas. There are views over the Avon gorge from parts of Leigh Woods.

Accessed via an avenue of copper beech trees, planted to commemorate the Queen's Coronation in 1953, the medium sized car park is the ideal place for starting off on a walk in these woods. There are a number of picnic tables here and 2 forest trails that leave from this point.  There is also a singletrack mountain biking trail (the Yer Tiz) set within the Woods.

The variety of woods, glades and wide sunny paths encourage a richness of wildlife and special plants including Bristol rock cress and Bristol onion.

Stokeleigh Camp, an Iron Age hill-fort, was built around 300BC. Finds of Neolithic arrow-heads and axe-heads show that hunting existed here long before the Iron Age. Some of these arrow-heads are on display at the Ashton Court Visitor Centre.

Downloadable a pdf leaflet of Leigh Woods. The National Trust own part of the Woodland.

What do other visitors say?

5 Stars 5 Stars

Blown away by the ability of the FC to manage such a mixed habitat (& timber forest!) alongside huge impact from recreational users like mountain biking and walkers. Good job! Its a gorgeous place right next to a massive city and I reckon you've got the balance just right!

H, 22/Nov/2012

The trails have been built taking walkers into consideration. Crossing points have been designed to slow down the cyclists.

FC Ranger, 7/Aug/2012

Dogs are allowed in the woods but should be kept under control.

FC Ranger, 7/Aug/2012
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What's Here?

  • Parking
  • Picnic
  • Cycling
  • Family cycling and some singletrack.
  • Walking
  • Waymarked walking trails in Leigh Woods.
More about what's here

Location

OS Grid ref: ST553741

Get directions

Contact

West England District
-
01594 833057
westengland@­forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification certifiedForest Stewardship Council certified