****WARNING--Do not ever pay to do this hike. It is a free hike****…read more There is this ridiculous business called, Jacob's Ladder that charges £5 for what looks like is supposed to be the Cheddar Gorge trail. It's very, very misleading. I think it's exceptionally dishonest and demonstrates very poor business ethics. If you want to do the hike for free, just take one of the other several entrances. One entrance lies across the street from Gorge Cafe. Alternatively, you can just drive past that ridiculous tourist town, continue a bit into the mountain, and about a mile up there's also free parking and two other (free) entrances for the hike. Again, the fact that Jacob's Ladder is there to appear that there is a mandatory charge for the hike is ridiculous. My girlfriend and I were so pissed that we wasted pounds to do a hike that should've been free. The hike is so beautiful! It's very long if you choose to stop and enjoy the scenery a couple times, perhaps play with some goats. Just kidding, they're scared of everything and if your corner them they will probably charge are you. Still fun to watch though. I would recommend bringing a small backpack with at least a couple liters of water. There's also blackberry brambles everywhere. Enjoy the hike.

Two areas which are part of the Forest of Avon. The Combe is the lower part which has a gentle path…read morewith access to climbing the rocks. The Wood is a trail through, well, woods above it. It takes a sharp climb either on a path or some steps depending on where you go up. There is an environmental centre here which hosts school camps and wilderness days for local school children so you may suddenly encounter large groups of small people on the paths. The whole area is just beautiful for dog walking - lots of space and not many other people walking here. You can sometimes walk for an hour or so and not come across anyone else.

I used to use this fairly regularly when I worked in Bath and the odd soaking aside, it was a…read morepretty decent way to travel to work. That and the fact that the first half is almost horseshoe shaped, which adds a couple of extra miles to your journey, though this shouldn't matter too much if you're cycling for fun. The payoff for taking a slightly meandering route is that it's pretty much flat for the whole journey, which means most people, even those who aren't particularly fit, shouldn't find it too challenging. There's also plenty to see on the way besides the greenery, with the particular highlight being when you pass the Avon Valley Railway before encountering a couple of very nice looking pubs. And the best bit is you're almost at Bath by this point, so you can always nip in for a few pints and catch a train back. One point: the Lawrence Hill end has gotten a bit of a reputation for being patrolled by muggers who target cyclists. I never encountered any problems bar the odd water bomb thrown from a bridge, but you may wish to bear this in mind.

The route (if you choose to walk all of it! make sure it's good weather) is a 13 mile off road…read moreroute between the cities of Bristol and Bath. The path is easily accessable for walkers and cyclists and access is provided for disabled users. The journey of the path could either be on some people commuting route, it could be a short cut, it's a widlife spotting point for some enthusiasts, or if your like me, it could just provide a nice little walk, to get some fresh air. The website is very helpful for providing history behind the path and what you can hope to see on your travels, and of course maps! Because everyone loves a good map!

History hats on. Underneath a terrace of houses these are artificial caves carved out of the red…read morecliffs that the houses stand on (and from where the area takes its name). The product of eighteenth century mining, various historical finds have been made here, and visiting is a good way to find out a bit more about Bristol's long history. They're dry and completely safe, with the possibility of arranging tours or visiting on one of Bristol's 'Doors open days' (held one day of the year when various old buildings and things like Redcliffe caves are opened). Also, they're easier to get round than some other caves I've visited, so you can take along kids. Intensive (pub based) research by myself has uncovered various local stories about the caves that may or may not have been made up on the spot by the bar man. Various sailors, miners, and slaves are said to haunt the caves (so the stories are at least vaguely historically accurate) and bewitch all those who enter caves. Don't let that put you off though. Redcliffe caves are a curious and exciting way to uncover a bit of Bristol's history.

This is a very concealed park, despite it being quite large, and having a beautiful tower at the…read moretop of it! Seemingly only known by the locals, I feel there should be more signs towards it so the tourists can find it easier, as it really is a park not to be missed when visiting Bristol. The park is a big hill that gets higher and higher till you get to the top, which is where Cabot Tower is. Perfect for summer barbeques, leisurely walks, or sitting on one of the benches staring out into the amazing view. You can see for miles out, on a clear day. It is a wonderful park that everyone should visit at least once, and after that once, I'm pretty sure you'll keep coming back!

Brandon Hill is a patch of greenery between Jacobs Wells Road and Park Street. A blessing for…read moreBristol it has got a little bit of everything. At the peak is Cabot Tower, for your dose of history. This is free to enter and well worth the climb for the incredible views of Bristol. Although you only have to get half way up the hill to see South Bristol spread out before you like a tablecloth - an doable climb even if you're not the fittest of people. As well as getting an education, you can have some fun and experience a bit of a nature. There's a children's play area and a basketball hoop (which are few and far between in Bristol). There's usually someone on the basketball court and I've had a few good games, mostly with students. The only downside is that the courts very small, and you'll often find yourself losing your ball in the buses down the side. Nature comes courtesy of various little reserves that have been set up. They've got a little pond that's chock-a-block with frogs spawn in the spring. I think it's a sight of special scientific interest for something or other too, but I'm afraid exactly what escapes me at the moment. Either way, it's nice to have something really wild right in the centre of the city.

This ancient National Trust woodland covers 180 hectares (440 acres) - so it's big enough to escape…read moreto, enjoy the peace and quiet of the woods, and explore woodland sculptures and some unusual trees. Not only is it a beautiful parkland with views of the Avon Gorge, but it's also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Site of Nature Conservation Interest and a National Nature Reserve. The network of hard-surfaced paths means it's fairly accessible, too. Look out for the timber framed barn, which was constructed fairly recently but using the same techniques as were employed in medieval times.

Up yonder past suspension bridge lies Bristol's emerald mystery. Swoop with rare peregrine falcons,…read morestroll with the kids or blow the cobwebs off your mountain bike like I did (it didn't even feel like exercise!) The woods are National Trust owned, crammed with wildlife and only a 15 minute saunter from Clifton. Pack a picnic and make for this site of Scientific Interest (and no, that doesn't mean UFO sightings!). Each avenue you find yourself on is lined with conifers, well-located benches and dizzying views over the Avon gorge. Great for an afternoon's game of good ol' fashioned hide'n'seek. I grabbed my coat and scarf and unleashed my inner child! How often can you say that?!

Even though this is situated within the stunning Brecon Beacons, which is roughly an hour away from…read moreCardiff I would recommend it be a valid tourist spot to take a walk in the wild woods too... It is full of peace and tranquillity and it's an amazing sight for sore eyes I can tell you. This place has a large man-made lake that is surrounded by lush; green mountains, tall trees and forests, and a few, long windy roads. You can hear the bird's twerp and flutter about. Winter is the best light and sight to see this place in, for you see the Ice laid over the water and freezing it up making the water become still so turns into ice. I would say that this is a very ideal for photographers and families or young couples romantically in love to come out walking too. Oh and wear some kind of walking boots or wellies.

The great thing about Bristol is that it's a thriving city with cosmopolitan restaurants and…read morenightlife, but you're still only a stone's throw from beautiful scenery and greenery. And nowhere is this more evident than the Downs, where you can walk up the hustle and bustle of Whiteladies Road and straight onto over 400 acres of rolling grassland. It says much about the place in our hearts that the Downs holds that as soon as the sun comes out, the first reaction of pretty much everyone I know is to head straight up there. A vibrant place, it's always filled with people playing games, enjoying barbecues, having a drink or just relaxing. There's plenty to see and do, too, with a huge football league held there on Saturday afternoons, the observatory, the rockslides and a café to name a few, plus the stunning views across the Suspension Bridge. A beautiful place and a big reason why I'm proud to be a Bristolian.

The Downs are a lovely area where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of Bristol city. Its…read morea good 30 minute hike uphill if you are planning on walking from the centre so it may be best to grab the bus. The number 9 bus goes from Temple Meads and the centre and drops you off right at the heart of the Downs which is helpful. I would recommend walking right to the furthest point where there is a viewing area. The views over Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge are stunning. There are many other little paths to explore which will take you to the river and other areas, but you will probably need a map to find them. Definitely worth a trip up here for the amazing views and a breath of fresh air.

In Ashton Court Estate you will find this pitch and put course on a hillside. It takes a bit of…read morefinding. At the main entrance (that is, where the gatehouse is, not down in the hill around Bedminster) go straight along the road and then take the first right, going up the hill. You'll come to a little car park and a slightly desolate looking hut. The hut is where you can hire clubs and balls (remember not to smack it into the bushes...) and get putting. It's run by the council, which means its a) cheap and b) not full of stuffy old men, the two usual vices of a golf course. Give your ball a thwack and follow it round the course, nobodies going to judge you. The only downside I can think of is that things can get a bit congested, especially if the weather is even vaguely nice. You may have to wait a little while, or have people queueing up behind you, to use one of the holes. Making golf a bit less of the pursuit of old men at country clubs, the pitch and put golf course is a great way for those of us that think golf looks like a lark to give it a try.

I used to hate golf until two of my mates practically dragged me across the bridge to Ashton Court…read morefor some pitch and putt. What can I say? I was almost instantly seduced by the satisfying feeling of smacking a little ball as hard as you can with a massive piece of metal, and the faraway sound of ball on deer. It's great value - £6.50 gets you 18 holes and a great view across the whole of Brizzle and beyond on a fine day. The only problem is that, when the sun's out, it can get pretty busy, and there's nothing guaranteed to give an amateur the yips more than a queue of people staring and tutting as you continually swing and miss at the ball off the tee. One tip: the course on the Bristol side of AC offers more variation, and there's even one par five hole where you can get your wood out and give it a real thrashing.

Dunsford Wood is owned by the National Trust. This stunning wood combines beautiful old oak…read morewoodland with hazel dotted about. We visited in mid April and were lucky enough to catch the last glory of a sea of daffodils covering the glade. There are 2 paths, a bridle path through the woods, but I recommend taking the lovely path along the River Teign. Some of the oak trees look ancient and wise and are covered in a thick fur like moss, I couldn't help stroking the trees like a dog! We were lucky that the day we went was a glorious sunny day which displayed the River Teign at its best with sunlight dappling off the water and the trees reflected brightly on the water. In places there are sandy river banks making little 'beaches' - perfect picnic-ing spot! Sadly we didn't see any fish which we were were surprised about as the water looked so clean. We did spy a couple of deer that were well disguised by the trees, you won't spot them unless they are moving and you are actively looking for them. We walked for 2 hours, to and back from our car, I'm not sure how long it would take to walk the whole route, we were most definitely ambling however as there was so much to see and do. The bluebells should be in bloom in May and I would love to go back and see them. Dunsford wood is a magical place, I imagine it would be special to visit at any time of the year.