Robin Tetlow Beyond Bristol: 24 Country Walks Book

Bristolians are blessed with beautiful countryside on their doorstep. Deep-cut coombes, hidden valleys, woodlands, uplands and stately landscapes are within easy reach of the weary and the restless.

A little further, and you’re on the ups and downs of the Mendip Hills, the deceptively tough topography of the Cotswolds and the glowering skies of the Somerset Levels and Severn Estuary; the peace and poetic beauty of the Wye Valley is a short hop away. And everywhere man has made his mark: in pre-historic forts, Roman leadworks, grand houses, busy farms, time-worn churches, monuments, villages, and their pubs, and even a mock airfield to fool enemy bombers.

In Beyond Bristol, Robin Tetlow has condensed a life-time’s exploring the country around his adoptive city to create 24 easy-to-follow walks. All are circular, most are 25 to 30 miles from Bristol and some are much closer. The shortest is 6 miles and the longest 11 miles. Some are easier than others, some are demanding and there is something for all weathers, all moods and a modest measure of fitness. Each walk is described with distances and estimated times, detailed directions and a map, and advice on cafés, pubs, and picnic stops. So whatever the weather, pull on your boots, pop this book in your pocket and get walking.

Robin Tetlow was born and brought up in the Midlands, eventually moving to Bristol in 1986. He is a chartered surveyor and town planner specialising in housing, and co-founder of Tetlow King Planning. Robin has had a life-long interest in walking, travel and the natural environment. These 24 walks are simply his favourites, based on more than 30 years of exploring the country around Bristol.