Nearly 15 years ago, I found myself stepping onto the platform at Bristol Temple Meads, my mind buzzing with anticipation for my first proper software service delivery project at a customer site. As a young professional, the prospect of weekdays away from home was both exciting and daunting. However, one thing quickly became clear: I needed a way to unwind and keep active in this new city. Running had always been my go-to, but in a place where I didn’t know the local routes, I needed a plan.
With a sense of determination, I made my way to the Bristol tourist information center. My request was simple: a recommendation for hikes close to the city center. What I left with was a leaflet detailing the Bristol Triangular City Walk. At first glance, the route seemed a bit more ambitious than I had anticipated—18 miles of trail snaking through the city and its outskirts. But, fueled by youthful enthusiasm and a dash of inexperience, I decided to tackle the route in sections after work. Over the course of several weeks, I established a routine of evening runs, visits to the local bouldering wall, and the occasional night out catching up with old university friends. Bit by bit, I conquered the Bristol Triangle, turning it into my own personal adventure.
Fast forward 15 years, and I found myself back in Bristol—not just as a stopover on the way to the Southwest Coast Path, but with time to really reconnect with the city. This time, I was armed with more than just a leaflet. With a map in hand and a Komoot download of the route on my phone, I was ready to relive the experience. While the digital navigation tools perhaps took some of the spontaneity out of route finding, I wasn’t about to complain. The convenience of having the route at my fingertips was too good to pass up.
After dropping off my bags at the hotel, I set off from the same train station where my journey had begun so many years ago. The familiar buzz of excitement returned as I started the walk, eager to see how both the city and the route had changed.
The Bristol Triangular City Walk remains one of the best ways to experience the diversity of Bristol. The route immediately immerses you in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, guiding you along the river past iconic landmarks like the SS Great Britain. This beautifully preserved ship is a testament to Bristol’s rich maritime history and makes for a stunning sight as you stroll along the waterfront.
Crossing the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the route offers breathtaking views of the Avon Gorge below—a sight that never fails to impress, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. From there, the walk leads you up to Durdham Downs, a vast open space that provides a welcome contrast to the bustling city streets. Here, you can pause to take in the panoramic views over Bristol and beyond, a reminder of the city’s unique blend of urban and natural beauty.
As I continued along the route, I was struck by how seamlessly it weaves through the different neighborhoods of Bristol. From the leafy suburbs to the more industrial areas, the walk showcases the many facets of the city. And of course, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat, adding to the overall experience.
The final stretch of the walk took me back along the waterside, returning full circle to the train station where it all began. As I completed the loop, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much had changed since my first time in Bristol. Not just in the city itself, but in my own life. What started as a way to keep fit during a work project had turned into a meaningful connection with a city that I would revisit time and again.
The Bristol Triangular City Walk may have been a challenge all those years ago, but it’s one that I now see as a rewarding adventure—a way to explore the heart and soul of Bristol, both then and now. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, this route offers something for everyone, making it a perfect way to spend a day discovering (or rediscovering) this vibrant city.
So if you find yourself in Bristol with some time on your hands, I highly recommend lacing up your walking or running shoes and giving the Bristol Triangle a go and maybe create a few new memories along the way.
