On the border where Brislington meets St Anne’s, Nightingale Valley and St Anne’s Wood showcase a variety of terrains, from small fields and woodland to steep valley slopes and a river.
The steep sides of Nightingale Valley were caused by water during the last age which, over time, carved away the rock and soil, allowing small streams to flow through the deep valley. Brislington Brook now runs through the valley and the nearby St Anne’s Woods.
St Anne’s Woods were considered sacred in the Middle Ages and the site of pilgrimages. A shrine and well can be found on the bend of the River Avon.
In 1486, King Henry VII visited the site on pilgrimage shortly after winning the Wars of the Roses.
St Anne’s Well was associated with the chapel of St Anne, which dated from about 1392 and stood 300 yards to the northwest. The chapel was destroyed in 1539 by Henry VIII alongside Keynsham Abbey.
A circular walk can be done through Nightingale Valley and St. Anne’s Wood. It runs for around 4.3km and takes an average of 1 hour and 5 minutes to be completed.
Be warned, however, that part of the routes can become slippery and muddy during and after rainy days.
There is parking available at Newbridge Road and at St Anne’s Park Car Park (BS4 4DS).
Here are 17 photos from our visit to Nightingale Valley and St Anne's Woods:
1. Packhorse bridge
2. Benches
Visitors are spoiled with a range of benches scattered across Nightingale Valley and St Anne’s Woods, with some benches overlooking the forests and some overlooking the river.
3. Bridges in St Anne’s Woods
Multiple picturesque bridges can be found in the woods, overlooking Brislington Brook.
4. Connected
There’s a circular path connecting St Anne’s Woods and Nightingale Valley.