Visitor information

A very popular wood on the outskirts of Bristol consisting of mixed broadleaves and open coppice areas

The variety of woods, glades and wide sunny paths encourage a richness of wildlife and special plants including Bristol rock cress and Bristol onion. There are spectacular views over the Avon gorge.

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 also a number of picnic tables throughout the woodland.

At a glance

Don't miss the bluebells and wild garlic displays in the forest. We recommend Paradise Bottom for beautiful scenery.
25/05/2023 08:59
Help us prevent wildfire. Never light a BBQ, fire, or camp stove in the forest.
02/03/2022 09:00
Please keep dogs in sight and on main paths to help protect sensitive wildlife.
31/10/2022 09:00

Food and drink

tea and coffee enjoyed at a forest cafe

Grab a coffee

The Leigh Woods Coffee Co. are on site every weekend and during school holidays, serving a range of delicious hot drinks and snacks.

Things to do

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at one of our beautiful picnic areas, just bring along good food and company!

There are a number of picnic tables throughout the wood.

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

Escape the city centre with a walk at Leigh Woods. The trails will take you into the heart of the forest, where you will even be rewarded with stunning views over the Avon gorge.

Hoping to inspire, excite and develop mountain biking, 'Pedal Progression' have a purpose built coaching area within Leigh woods.

From here, they are able to design the perfect session for you, your group or family. Their expert coaches have years of experience in teaching a range of skills for all ages and abilities.

For more information or to book, please visit their website or find them on facebook.

The trail features berms (banked corners), rollers (bumps) and drops and climbs, requiring a mountain bike, suitable for both families and more experienced riders.

The trail crosses walking paths at various points, with large stones marking these exits. Please ride cautiously across, respecting and giving way to other woodland users.  Expect to meet other people enjoying the woods, including walkers, dog walkers and children.

In places the trail splits for a short distance, giving an option of a more difficult challenge in the form of the ‘difficult’ Red grade Gert Lush Trail. Narrow and technical, it is only suitable for experienced off-road cyclists. A great ‘taster’ of a Red grade trail.

The Keener Skills Loop is graded ‘moderate’ Blue along its main route and includes features such as small drops, rock gardens and rollers to progress your riding ability. Along the loop you can divert onto more difficult features once you are confident.

Develop your riding by building up to riding new features once you are ready.

Nearby forests

Chimney reflected in pond

Visit East Harptree to see the historical Smitham Chimney, a relic of Mendip's industrial past. The Cornish-style chimney survived when the site closed in 1875 and was saved from complete destruction in 1973 by The Mendip Society and Somerset County Council.

In front of the Chimney there is a pond where you can see dragonflies in the summer months. There are also fine views of the Chew Valley from the grassland area nearby.

Generic autumnal tree

Ashton Hill offers 148 acres of mixed woodland for you to explore, including a magnificent stand of Californian Redwoods (Sequoia).

Formally part of the nearby Tyntesfield Estate in Wraxall, many of the larger trees in the woodland date back to the 19th century.

 

A path running between autumnal trees

Renowned for its nightjar and long-eared owl populations, there is no shortage of wildlife to see if you enjoy bird watching.

There is a medium sized car park, a small number of picnic benches and a circular easy access trail.

Conifer tree trunks looking up

Located on the outskirts of Bristol, escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre with a visit to Wraxall Piece. 

Enjoy a pleasant woodland stroll or leisurely dog walk in this peaceful woodland. 

 

 

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