It’s amazing what you find in your own city with the help of a guide book and two walking feet. Our city, Bristol, is certainly well-trodden and explored but, as we found it, there are still parts - natural and historic - which lie undiscovered to most people.
Like our walk around Frampton Cotterell last week, we again decided to use a South Gloucestershire Council-printed guide (click here) to find out more about an area of east Bristol we knew very little about.
The starting point is on the steep Cock Lane, just off the new Wraxall Road junction on the A4174 Ring Road in Oldland Common, and it begins with a cut-through to the Cock Road Ridge Open Space - a tucked-away nature researve with wonderful views over Bristol toward Bath.
We then pass Kingswood Remembrance Park and Grimsbury Community Farm before heading under the ring road and into Warmley, taking a long straight footpath which follows Warmley Brook (me neither!).
At Digitech Studio School, you turn right, then right again to head into the former estate of William Champion who was the first commercial producer of zinc - and boy can you see the riches he once sat on.
But before reaching his house, we discovered an amazing find - a massive sculpture of Neptune which now strangely sits in a static caravan park just off the path. It was a 30ft-high reminder of the wealth Mr Champion generated - along with the huge house and brassworks.
Back on the main road, Tower Lane, we took shelter from the rain to visit the wonderful Kingswood Heritage Museum where the cafe served a welcome cup of tea is 50p. The reception was lovely too. It was then back across the A4174 to the starting point.
Here’s a selection of pictures from the walk:
1. Hidden nature reserve
The walk begins on the tucked-away nature reserve called Cock Road Ridge, which runs between Cock Road and the A4174 Ring Road. It takes you down toward Wraxall Road along a pathway through fields and woodland with views looking over to Bath.
2. Stone tribute
But before getting to Wraxall Road we took a cut through the hedge onto Belsher Drive and down Cock Lane. The cut-through passes a stone memorial to one of the early ministers of Cock Road Church, Rev Belsher. Cock Road Methodist Day School was founded at the site in 1812, but moved to Cadbury Heath in 1892.
3. Kingswood Remembrance Park
At the bottom of Cock Road, take a left turn on to Grimsbury Road and you will pass Kingswood Remembrance Park on your righthand side. The large cemetery is managed by South Gloucestershire Council.
4. Grimsbury Park
We didn’t have time to call in Grimsbury Farm - but if you, do go in to see animals and a large play area for children. At the farm turn right onto Baden Road and toward the A4174 Ring Road.