Stunning countryside walk near Bristol with a National Trust hill fort and cosy pub

Bristolians are accustomed to hills. But I challenge anyone to take on the near-vertical climb up the Iron Age hill fort of Cadbury Camp from the village of Tickenham. It’s a tough one to overcome, but the views from the top of the Mendip Hills and The Bristol Channel make it all worth it.

And don’t worry, for anyone sensibly wanting to avoid the steep climb, a windy route at a lower gradient is an easier way to get to the top of this historic hill.

It is the start of a three-mile countryside walk from Tickenham Village Hall, on the Clevedon Road between Clevedon and Nailsea, to the charming 14th Century The Black Horse in Clapton-in-Gordano.

Taking a footpath off the main road, you climb up to the National Trust hill fort where defensive ditches are still clearly visible from the camp constructed by the local Dobunni tribe more than 2,500 years ago. Interestingly, it was last used for a searchlight during the Second World War to spot German planes.

Leaving the fort, you head down into woodland and briefly join Cadbury Camp Lane, also known as Millionaires’ Row, before turning left and crossing the M5 via a narrow footbridge. Once over, you turn right toward Clapton-in-Gordano and head through several paddocks where horses can be seen grazing.

The 13th Century St Michael’s Church offers another historical pit-stop before you arrive in Clapton-in-Gordano and finish at The Black Horse pub. The popular pub serves up a delicious ploughman’s, while pints of ale are poured from the barrel.

Have a scroll through the gallery below for images along the walk

5. Millionaires’ row

The walk takes you briefly along Cadbury Camp Lane. It is a private road lined with huge homes, most of them walled off from sight. Here’s a new house being developed. | Alex Ross