At the end of May 26 the Sparke Evans Footbridge reopened after a long period of being closed for repairs. As well as the bridge being in better condition, there is a new more accessible slope to the bridge from Sparke Evans Park. This means that the Long and Short routes are open as shown in the booklet and A4 sheet without diversions.

There is an opportunity to go on a guided Skyline walk – either the long or short version on Saturday 23rd May 2026. It starts at the main entrance of Bristol Temple Meads station at 10.30am. It is free to attend, but you need to book to secure a place.

Visit the Walk Fest website for further details and how to book: https://www.bristolwalkfest.com/event/bristol-south-skyline-walk/?er=WyIyMDI2LTA1LTIzIDEwOjMwOjAwIiwiMjAyNi0wNS0yMyAxNToxNTowMCJd

The long route takes about 4hrs 45 minutes; the the short route around an hour and a half, to two hours.

We are really pleased to announce that the Skyline Walk is featured on this map.

The map itself is a treasure trove of places to visit and things to do in Bristol and the surrounding areas.

Following repairs and maintenance of one side of the Bath Road bridge which started in July 2025 and were completed in December – the short route is now back without diversions. Both the app and the booklet are again correct in this location.

“Amazing so much fascinating history/social political info from guest speakers and
organisers.
I never get to enjoy South Bristol and this has given me more confidence to explore.
Thanks Len, Shaun and Christine!!”

“Absolutely one of the best walks to places I would never have known about. Shaun
and Len were very engaging during the walk”

Since the end of July, the previously closed bridge (Langton Street/Banana) on the long route has reopened; but now until further notice the Bath Road Roundabout bridge on the Short Route further to the east is closed for repairs. Please follow diversion signs or use the long route across the Langton Street/Banana bridge to get to Temple Meads. Not in the same location, but the bridge at Spark Evans Park on the long route which already has a diversion detailed in a previous news post remains closed.

Langton St Bridge near the end of the Skyline Walk, also known as the Banana Bridge because of its shape and colour, has been closed for repairs since May 2024. It is likely to remain closed until May 2025, and possibly longer. The alternative route which is sign-posted uses the Short Route which turns right at the bridge along York Road; and then left over Bath Bridge back to Temple Meads. From 1st September 2024 for 12 weeks, the part of York Road to the right of bridge is also closed for repairs to the riverside wall, but pedestrian access will be maintained.

On Saturday 28th May at 10.30am from the front of Bristol Temple Station there is an opportunity to experience the Skyline walks – both long and short. The walks are guided and all are welcome – for further details and to book a place go to https://www.bristolwalkfest.com/event/bristol-south-skyline-walk-2/?er=WyIyMDIyLTA1LTI4IDEwOjMwOjAwIiwiMjAyMi0wNS0yOCAxNTowMDowMCJd

A big thank you to those who walked the Routes during the various lockdowns in 2020 and early 2021. The people that look after the route have been working behind the scenes – but with an improvement in the way people can move around we are pleased to announce that:

There are no diversions to the Routes in place at the moment

There have been improvements to path at Arnos Court Park; and between Redcatch Park and Bayham Road, which make the Long Route safer and easier to use. Local groups are bidding for improvements to other parts of the Routes. We will keep you updated on what happens.

As part of Bristol Walkfest 2021 our walks are included on the Go Jaunty app, which means you can follow them (and other walks) independently https://www.bristolwalkfest.com/go-jauntly-finally-lands-in-bristol/; and

Also as part of the Fest we are leading small groups of people all socially distance around both the Long and Short routes on Saturday 29th May at 10.30am. To book a space please use this link. https://www.bristolwalkfest.com/provider/bristol-south-skyline-walk/