Paul Wood will be leading a walk to trailblaze a possible new route along the Avon Gorge

Meeting point: Top of New Zig-Zag path – the grassy area on the Downs side of the top of Bridge Valley Road. There will be a bright pennant marking the spot.

There are currently six routes for walkers between Clifton or the Downs and Portway: the Zig Zag, Bridge Valley Path, pavement of Bridge Valley Road, New Zig Zag, Tramway Incline and the Gully.

Crossing Portway is dangerous at most times of day.  That being so, the New Zig Zag, Tramway Incline and Gully path are cul-de-sacs, while the Zig Zag can be only used to access Hotwells.

It would be great if a low-level path could be created, which would link most of the six together without crossing Portway.   Part of this path would be on the flat bottom of the Great Quarry, while an old railway tunnel beneath the lower end of Bridge Valley Road might be reopened. What other works would be required? Which links are feasible?

In the walk we will descend the Zig Zag and then walk northwards along Portway. In the Great Quarry, we can discuss the Tramway link proposals in a Portway Sunday Park leaflet. Those who enjoy a scramble can access the foot of the Tramway, while others wait a few minutes. If members of Avon Wildlife Trust are present, we will go as far as their new nature reserve (Bennett’s Patch and White’s Paddock). Otherwise we will stop at The Gully, and either turn back or ascend.