Neil Manners 2013
This revised guide is a useful update of a popular 26-mile walk which lies between the Bristol Channel and the city of Bristol. The guide contains an excellent route description with maps, photographs and commentary on the various historic places passed by the route. In addition it provides text on geological aspects, environmental description, backed up with some excellent photography.
Whilst the route description commences at Portishead, the walk can easily be started at Clevedon, or nearer to Bristol at Abbots Leigh. The M5 motorway passes through the route thereby allowing access from further afield using the Portbury Interchange just south of the River Avon.
From Portishead the Gordano Round follows the coastal path for 6 miles to Clevedon providing excellent views of the estuary and the Welsh hills beyond. At Clevedon, famous for its beautiful pier the route turns northwards across the Gordano Valley up to the wooded Tickenham Ridge where it passes through the Celtic fortress of Cadbury Camp.
Passing the Blackhorse Inn at Clapton the route climbs up to Failand, past Abbots Leigh pond where it turns westward across fields and along tracks to return to Portishead.
If you feel a 26 mile walk is too daunting, the route is split into smaller circular walks still using the main route as the basis. Not only does the booklet describe the walk but gives an explanation of the history, natural history and geology of the area.
The Gordano Round formed much of the Bristol and West LDWA inaugural walk in 1977 which was recently walked by the group in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the LDWA.
This updated guide is small and lightweight but very comprehensive and at GBP6 plus GBP1 postage makes a very useful addition to a walkers library. For further details see www.gordano-footpath-group.org.uk
