Autumn Leaves: Ancient Woodland Walking Tour

Experience the magic of autumn with a deep dive into Leigh Woods: 500 acres of enchanted ancient woodland. With James as your guide, you’ll adventure through over 2,000 years of history and legend, and discover the secrets in these extraordinary woods.

Autumn is the best time to enjoy this Site of Special Scientific Interest: the wide variety of trees makes a vibrant display of warm colours all around. There are hundreds of ancient trees over 500 years old, and Bristol’s very own species of whitebeam that grow nowhere else in the world. An important site for biodiversity, there are over 300 species of fungi, as well as rare plants and plenty of animals - including peregrine falcons!

You’ll discover the unique stories of these wild woods throughout the ages. Explore the hillfort home of a nature-worshipping Celtic tribe, and the secret communities who still lived in the deep woods 50 years ago. Beneath the forest lies a vast treasure trove of celestite crystals - could that explain the mysterious tales of spirits and ghosts roaming the trees? No two walks are ever the same; who knows what we’ll find?

This guided walk blends history, folklore and forest bathing techniques to help you enjoy the Great Outdoors like never before. Through stories and sensory exploration, you’ll learn about the local landscape while getting all the benefits of being in nature: lowered stress, improved mood, increased energy, boosted immune system, and many more. It’s fun, it’s fascinating, and you’ll feel amazing afterwards. Win win!

This walk is suitable for young ones seeking adventure; those that want to discover Bristol’s best bits; or anyone that loves nature. All ages and experience levels are welcome, but a minimum level of mobility is required for gentle walking and possible muddy sections.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• A walking tour around Leigh Woods, a 500 acre ancient woodland on the edge of Bristol city centre
• Guided by James; storyteller, historian and naturalist
• Explore famous sites as well as hidden sanctuaries deep in the woods
• Hear stories, facts and legends from over 2,000 years of history
• Practice take-home forest bathing techniques to deeply connect with nature and feel the full benefits of the environment
• A refreshing break from phone screens, email notifications and the anxieties of modern life