We love Ashton Court, Dyrham Park and other green spaces in and around Bristol but we fancied a new adventure so we headed to Ashton Hill Wood. Originally part of Tyntesfield Estate and just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, here we found 148 acres of leafy canopy, twisting pathways and big surprises.

From the car park there are a couple of trails to choose from, each taking you on a roundabout route of the grounds. On this autumnal day the colours between the evergreens were bright and fiery and the sunlight peaked through the trees creating magical lightscapes throughout the woods ahead.

Saying we ‘stumbled’ upon the open grove of sequoias might sound strange; they are, after all, some of the largest trees in the world! But as we rambled along the downhill path, it seemed as though the redwoods hid amongst the rest of the foliage trying to be inconspicuous.

We wandered towards the wood’s giants in awe. The largest living things in the world really are a magnificent sight. Stand in the grove, encircled by the towering trees and you’ll feel the demanding power of your surroundings.

As we meandered through the rest of the wood (which offers plenty of trailblazing opportunities too!) we saw only a few people; some walking dogs, some on a similar adventure; all pleased to return our friendly hellos. The final path we took led us alongside a field of horses and back to the car park where we began. We left, captured by the tranquillity and security of the woods, amazed to have discovered such stillness so close to the city.

Images by Nicola Dellard-Lyle