We dared to go down Bristol’s legendary rock slide - the city’s ‘best free activity’

I’ve lived and worked in Bristol for most my life - yet there was one activity enjoyed by hundreds of people each year which I’d never tried, or even heard of. So shocked were my colleagues that there was even a gasp in the office when I revealed my ignorance of this ‘legendary city attraction.

And so with my tail tucked between my legs I decided to discover this ‘thrilling’ attraction called The Clifton Rock Slide. Also known as slidey rock, it can be found between Clifton Observatory and Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Easily accessed over railings by the observatory, it is simply a steep slab of rock face with a shiny streak running down it centre made smooth by generations of people sliding down it.

On the beautiful sunny Friday morning visited we just caught one visitor who was staying at a hotel nearby and had also gone to search out the slide. Confident, he slid down with his arms out wide clearly enjoying the moment.

I was less confident.

Approaching the top of the slide I was surprised just how steep it was and then, after a deep breath, I pushed myself down wearing perhaps the most unsuitable clothing; a pair of work trousers and shoes.

I was quite surprised how fast it was and as I approached the bottom I had my hands down either side slowing me down before I awkwardly fell to the ground at the end.

Was it fun? Yes. Was it safe? It didn’t feel it! Should other people try it? Only at their own risk.

After two goes, the slide, named as the city’s best free activity, was another box ticked off on my Bristol bucket list - but I think I’ll be fine not to have another go!

Watch the video above to see me go down the slide.