If you go down
to the woods today
You're sure of a big
Surprise
Could it be a teddybears picnic?
 via illustration by Molly Brett |
No, its a bridge that is exactly 150 years old   
Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-1859)
|
 |
| via |
Whilst travelling along the road that runs beneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge that links the Avon Gorge, I have often thought how lovely it would be to visit it and see the view. Usually we are on our way to catch a plane or travelling down to the West Country for a holiday. Looking in my National Trust membership handbook I discovered that a walk through the forest seen on the left gives access to the bridge. So, on the last day of August, clutching our picnic basket, off we trekked through the woods,
and at the end of the trail this is what we found
The River Avon is a fast flowing river with a great tidal range - at low tide, as seen here, the water recedes almost completely to sandy mud. To navigate it is essential to have daily up to date charts and tide tables.
When we crossed the bridge to the Bristol side people were relaxing and enjoying the late August sunshine.
via
Brunel's SS Great Britain which sits alongside the Brunel Institute. The institute houses one of the world's finest maritime collections.
It was from the Port of Bristol that Cabot sailed in 1497 in the 'Matthew' to land in Newfoundland. It is possible to visit a sea-going replica berthed in the floating harbour at Bristol, and you can also visit
 |
| via |
