Bookings Open 25 August 8:30am

Cumberland Basin and Bristol's Floating Harbour

Inland Water
Walk Leader
Neil Purcell
Co-Leader
Steve Hartley
Capacity
10
An illustrated map of Cumberland Basin and the Floating Harbour

Overlooking Clifton Suspension Bridge and the River Avon as it flows west towards the Bristol Channel, Cumberland Basin comprises of a series of locks, roads and bridges and forms the entrance to Bristol’s Floating Harbour. It will also be the starting point of our walk.

The River Avon looking west
The River Avon looking west

The attached map gives an idea of the area and the different kinds of locations along the way. It is not my intention for the group to walk around together in one large group, as I would expect everyone may want to follow their own particular interests, but I am more than happy to suggest places of interest.

Under the swing bridge
Under the swing bridge

There is an excellent choice of hostelries all along the route where one can stop for a proper lunch, or just a coffee and a snack, and where the group can have a chance to socialise.

Hotwells overlooking the Marina
Hotwells overlooking the Marina

The suggested walk will travel along the banks of the Floating Harbour, passing by Underfall Yard, the SS Great Britain, the Matthew, Wapping Wharf, the M Shed, Bathurst Basin, Redcliffe Back and Castle Park. There are opportunities, for example at the SS Great Britain, to take a small ferry (£1.30) across to the opposite bank at Brunel Quay to take in a different views across the water. Or, there are the Bristol Ferries, which ply their trade from the Cottage pub near Underfall Yard all the way along the Harbour to Temple Meads Station. At the time of identifying the walk there was an all day Ferry ticket for £10, however I believe the prices have gone up since then and I’m not sure the all day ticket applies any more. Single journeys, say from the M shed to Castle Park, for instance can cost up to £6.

Boardwalk birdlife
Boardwalk birdlife

There is ample parking nearby, £4 for 4 hours at Brunel Lock Car Park, which will be our meeting point, or free if you are a Blue Badge holder. As the walk will gradually move east away from the parking adjacent to Cumberland Basin, towards the city centre, you may wish to consider parking further along the route, perhaps near the SS Great Britain on Gasferry Road, where the cost is £5.60 for 5 hours. I anticipate spending approx 2-3 hours in and around Cumberland Basin and perhaps another 3+ hours exploring the Floating Harbour. Timings are only advisory, you are free to spend more or less time in any of the locations along the route.

The Fairbairn Steam Crane
Fairbairn Steam Crane

Obviously, this Inland Water is in an urban setting, but I think the vast range and variety of photographic opportunities on hand should make for very enjoyable day. And, if you get a bit tired pacing the pavements, why not let a ferry take the load and go for a wee ride?

Walk Location

51.447596833393, -2.6193088273697

Walk Directions

The meeting point will be at 9.30 am at Brunel Lock Car Park, Brunel Lock Road BS1 6XL, see attached map, with plenty of parking in the immediate vicinity. Up to 4 hours costs £4.40 and Blue Badge holders are free.

Accessibility

The terrain is pretty flat throughout the walk, all on paths, pavements and walkways so not difficult at all. And there are plenty of WC's along the way too. I would also say the vast majority of the walk would be possible by wheelchair too. The distance of the walk would depend entirely on how far along the harbour you want to walk. As a rough guide, I would say a minimum of 6-8k, with potential for more if required.

Feedback Meeting Type
In Person
Feedback Talk Date and Time
Feedback Talk Directions

tbc