Bristol Walks
Steps in Stone walks reveal the role of geology in our landscapes and histories.
We explore the journey of the land beneath our feet since the early days of our planet, delving into our imagination and connecting with the world around us.
These walks are for you if:
you are interested in the history of our places, both ancient and more recent
you want to connect with the wild within the urban
you want to spend time outdoors with others in new ways
you want to learn about the story of our incredible planet and how we can care for it
Any questions?
Bristol from the Bridge walk
Clifton & Harbourside
During this two hour walk, come and explore Bristol’s deep time history: connecting the city we live in with the land beneath our feet.
Circular route from the Clifton Suspension Bridge taking in some of the city’s iconic views and monuments whilst discovering the rocky history of Bristol’s past and the links between the geology and the City’s human history through its stories, architecture and industry.
Gain a new understanding of the City’s landscape and history, and leave with a fresh perspective on the rocks which are part of our everyday life in the city.
Route details: Starting at the Clifton Suspension Bridge, winding down the Avon Gorge through Hotwells, the Docks and back up to Clifton.
Duration: 2 hours / Distance: 2.5 km / Accessibility: steep paths and steps
Price: £26 *
Sat Jun 15th 14:00-16:00pm
Sat Sep 21st 14:00-16:00pm
Sat Oct 12th 14:00-16:00pm
Sat Nov 16th 14:00-16:00pm
“The depth of Mathilde’s knowledge is impressive, and her delivery very accessible. It will be great spotting the different types of rocks in the buildings of the city!”
Any questions about the walk? Read our FAQs or get in touch.
* We’re keen to include everyone. If the ticket price is too high for you, some reduced fare tickets are available on request. Please get in touch.
Rivers Old and New walk
Eastville / Stapleton / Fishponds
A meditative walk through the green Frome valley. Travel back through its deep history and connect the rocks in the cliffs to the river we see today. A reflection on time and the Earth’s cycles.
Join us on this walk and listen out for the echoes of the past. We explore the history of the rocks that make up this beautiful rewilded valley and place them in the context of the human history of the Snuff Mills area, its industry and inhabitants of old.
This walk is slow paced giving you a chance to breathe and pause in a beautiful wild part of the city. We engage in light meditation and mindful writing exercises to help us connect with the concept of deep time - optional if you don’t feel comfortable with this.
Route details: Circular route starting at the Snuff Mills carpark, Bristol BS16 1DL
Duration: 2 hours / Distance: 2.5 km / Accessibility: some muddy paths and steps
Price: £26 *
Sat June 15th 10:30am-12:30pm
Sat Sep 21st 10:30am-12:30pm
Sat Oct 12th 14:00-16:00pm
Sat Nov 16th 14:00-16:00pm
Any questions about the walk? Read our FAQs or get in touch.
“The mindfulness moments helped me visualise the vast expanses of time over which our environment was formed, and connect better with the surroundings on the day and beyond.”
* We’re keen to include everyone. If the ticket price is too high for you, some reduced fare tickets are available on request. Please get in touch.
Deep Time Walk
St Werburgh’s / Horfield / Purdown
Join us on a Deep Time Walk and time-travel through the incredible geological and evolutionary history of the Earth.
© Aron Visuals on Unsplash
© Dan Meyers on Unsplash
This conceptual 4.6 kilometre walk takes you on a journey through the Earth’s deep history from its beginnings, 4.6 billion years ago, to the present day. At a pace of 1 million years per metre, we journey through the Earth’s rich history, stopping off at key moments to discover the evolution of the Earth’s landscapes and lifeforms through stories, poetry, conversation and reflection.
By participating in a Deep Time Walk, you will:
learn about the Earth's history through a creative walking experience
connect to a deep sense of gratitude for our planet
reflect on humans’ impact on our fragile ecosystems
Route details: Circular route starting at Narroways Nature Reserve/The Mound in St Werburgh's. We will stop about halfway round the walk for a break and some lunch.
Duration: 4 hours / Distance: 4.6km / Accessibility: varied terrain (pavements, grassland, possibly muddy paths)
Price: Standard price £35. If you feel able to Pay it Forward, paying £40 will enable others to join for a reduced fee of £10.*
© Shaun Low on Unsplash
Saturday 13th July, 11-4pm
Saturday 5th October, 11-4pm
Ashton Court, Bristol
Discounted tickets £12.50
Any questions about the walk? Read our FAQs or get in touch.
* We’re keen to include everyone. If the ticket price is too high for you, some reduced fare tickets are available on request. Please get in touch.
This walk is adaptable. If you would like to run a Deep Time Walk in your area, get in touch!
The concept of the walk was created at the Schumacher College and all material shared during the walk is property of the Deep Time Walk Project under a creative commons licence. 10% of the walk fee goes to the DTWP in support of their work.