People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Georgie Duckworth
Georgie Duckworth is a freelance writer, blogger and author of new book, Wild Swimming Walks Bristol & Bath, a collection of 28 walking routes close to the two cities, all with secret wild swimming spots along the way.
Georgie also runs Go Wild Go West, a popular website and social media account which shares ideas for outdoor adventures, both locally and across the UK.
These are Georgie’s top-five Bristol favourites:
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West Country Water Park sauna
West Country Water Park’s floating sauna is positioned right on the water – photo: West Country Water Park
“There are few greater joys than a cold-water dip followed by a wood-fired sauna. The sauna at West Country Water Park near Bradley Stoke has incredible views over the lake, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the thermal goodness. Once all that hard work is done, head to the cafe for a well-deserved coffee and slice of cake.”
Bird watching in Snuff Mills
Snuff Mills follows the route of the River Frome – photo: Martin Booth
“The walk along the River Frome at Snuff Mills is beautiful at any time of year, but especially in spring when the trees are freshly in leaf and the birds are singing. If you’re lucky, you might see the iconic blue flash of a kingfisher. I like to come here at sunrise to hear the dawn chorus or at dusk when the bats are out.”
Wild swimming at Conham River Park
Conham River Park is Georgie’s favourite place for swimming in Bristol – photo: Conham Bathing Water Group
“There’s a friendly community of wild swimmers at Conham River Park and it’s my favourite place to swim in Bristol. You can follow the path upriver, then swoosh downstream with the current to get out at Beese’s steps. On the opposite bank, Eastwood Farm was once a landfill site but is now a nature reserve with young trees, wild flowers and swallows swooping overhead; great for relaxing on a sunny day.”
Mountain biking in Leigh Woods
“My kids are mountain biking obsessed so we like to hit the trails in Leigh Woods. There are trails for all different abilities, so whilst we were once on the cruisy beginner blues, I now have to keep up with them on the more challenging reds runs! Pedal Progression run great courses here for those wanting to improve their mountain biking skills.”
Hedgers Cider
Hedgers Cider was opened by former stonemason Tom Vowles and former nurse Jo Vowles in 2023 – photo: Hedgers Cider
“Hedgers is my favourite cider farm close to the city. Home brewed cider, weekend live music and a great atmosphere just the other side of Bristol Airport. Sit in the shade of the newly planted orchard and enjoy a tipple of Tom’s apple and blackberry cider – a personal favourite. There are pizzas (with a twist) on offer and a campsite too in case you want to spend the evening.”
Main photo: Belinda Westmacott
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