Promenades and Panoramas
Clifton Downs
Tickets available soon
A brand new story walk for the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Trust.
On this walk we’ll stroll along a tree-lined promenade to find a snuff mill and an iron age fort, a masterpiece of Victorian engineering and a hermit’s cave. We’ll wonder at the flickering images of early photography, marvel at some mighty mansions and we might even encounter the odd runaway monkey as we go.
The walk begins and ends at the old Bristol Zoo (BS8 3HH). The walk is approx 1 hour 45 mins. Expect spectacular views!
This walk has been commissioned by Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project. The first outing of this walk was in May 2026, and there's another opportunity to join the walk in October, date TBC.
'I was surprised at how much the stories engaged and moved me'
'I really enjoyed all of it. Particularly the stories.'
[Walkers, 2026]
'Thank you again for lighting up my life. I look forward to other adventures!'
[walker response to Clifton Gorge Walk, 2024
Pubs and Potatoes, Giants and Geniuses
Irish Story Walk, Central Bristol
This walk explores the hidden histories of the Irish diaspora in Bristol through the centuries, and meets some of the characters who made the city their home. The stories are both moving and uplifting.
'Powerful', 'Captivating', 'Emotive', 'Engaging and informative'. (audience responses)
This walk starts at the Corn Exchange in central Bristol and loops around the harbour in a circular walk lasting about 1 1/2 hours.
This walk was originally created for the West of England Irish Culture Festival, 2023
Saints, Sinners and the Glitter of False Diamonds
Clifton Downs
This walk is about highwaymen, colliers and loo ladies; legionnaires, suffragettes and Cavaliers; gibbets, turnpikes and flying machines.
The walk roams over Clifton Downs. It lasts a touch over 1 3/4 hours. The walk begins and ends at the entrance to Bristol Zoo (BS8 3HH). There is one short steep climb, on the path up to the Downs from the Zoo, and there is some walking over rough grass. Expect spectacular views!
'Clare's stories are wonderfully captivating'
'I enjoyed the whole morning walk. Lots to see and wonderful stories to listen to'
[Walkers, 2025]
'How fantastic this was yesterday. So interesting, different, acted, tailored and the sun too!'
[walker responses 2024]
This walk was originally created for the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project, 2024.
Rubies and Rembrance
Clifton Village
This walk is about jewels and cedar trees, about Major Generals and lady novelists, about conventional and unconventional living.
The walk starts at Clifton Library in Princess Victoria Street, and explores Victorian Clifton - Clifton Arcade, Victoria Square and Birdcage Walk. It lasts about 1 1/2 hours, and is mainly on level ground.
'I was blown away', 'Innovative' 'An absolute joy' (audience responses)
This walk was originally created for Clifton LitFest 2022.
Stars, Stalin and a Couple of Fine Elephants
Clifton Village
On this walk we encounter an overworked waitress and a Golden Age Hollywood star, we get a whiff of the USSR and we savour a view of Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The walk starts at Clifton Library, Princess Victoria Street and loops around the Mall Gardens to Clifton Bridge. The walk takes just under 1 1/2 hours, and is mainly on smooth level ground.
'Superb' 'A tour de force' 'Compelling' (audience responses)
This walk was originally created for Clifton LitFest 2021.
War Memorials, Workshops and a Concrete Cathedral
Clifton Village
This walk is about soldiers and priests, innovators and craftsmen, picnickers and tea.
The walk starts at Clifton Library, Princess Victoria Street. It goes up to Christchurch Green and over to the Catholic Cathedral, passing by Clifton College before returning to the library. The walk lasts 1 3/4 hours. There is a slight slope and uneven ground.
'We loved every moment', 'I was transported', 'You have a magical way of storytelling'
(audience responses)
This walk was originally created for Clifton LitFest, 2023.