Walk in Bristol
with Richie
Abbots Pool Nature Reserve
5 Nearest Attraction
1. St Mary the Virgin - Leigh Woods
(1,9 mile - 37 min walking)
2. Suspension Bridge Visitor Center
(2,2 mile - 43 min walking)
(2,2 mile - 44 min walking)
(2,4 mile - 48 min walking)
(2,6 mile - 52 min walking)
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Click to the postcode to check the map .
Nearest Toilet
by Ashton Court House and the golf course
Accessible
Ashton Court Park, Long Ashton, BS41 9JN
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Official website:
https://www.abbotsleigh.org.uk/village-features/abbots-pool/
A large pool, which is the central feature of the woodland, was part of a series of pools used by medieval monks developed for the medieval practice of farming for fish.
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Richie's opinion :
" Another Hidden Gem of Bristol, and if I don't realize, it is in the Bs8 area, maybe I never visit it and I make a big mistake, because it is fantastic place.
I walked to this place from my home, it was a little bit far, but it wasn't problem, because in my walkway I visited Pill's Harbour, and follow the cycle path I had a great walk in the Nature, until I arrived to Abbots Leigh, which is a really lovely and beautiful village, I can't stop to make photos every second minute, and it is true to the Abbots Leigh Pool Nature Reserve too.
It was clean, ( thx to the NSC and the Abbots Pool Management - and the people, who can use the bins or take back their trash to their backpack), picturesqe and very peaceful.
I loved it and I hope, if everyone pay attention its rules, I can love it for long-long time.. "
About Abbots Pool
Surrounding the pool is idyllic mature woodland containing some massive oak and beech trees.
An abundance of wildlife can be found here and most of the area has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
Parking
There is a small car park off Manor Road, it is free, but space is limited.
The Abbots Pool woodland has a public bridleway running through it which links Manor Road and Sandy Lane.
This bridleway forms part of the National Cycle Network Route 334.
The top of the woodland can be accessed on foot only by a public footpath off Manor Lane.
Facilities
This is a great place to visit any time of year as the woodland paths lead you around the central large pool.
There are established paths throughout – a mixed variety of flat, hilly or paved.
There are also picnic areas dotted about for lunch in a gorgeous setting.
There aren’t any public toilets on site.
NSC and the Abbots Pool Management committee have drawn up a code of conduct which is now enforceab le through a Public Space Protection Order for the reserve. Breach of the code may lead to a fine.
Abbots Pool Woodland Local Nature Reserve: Code of Conduct
In order to protect the sensitive local wildlife and to preserve this special site please be note:
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No Swimming
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No Overnight Camping
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No Fires Or Barbecues
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No Dogs In The Main Pool
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Cycling On Bridleway Only
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Licensed Fishing Only
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Use The Litter Bins Provided
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This lovely woodland suffered in 2020, as visitors did not look after it and it was forced to close, so we really encourage visitors to follow the countryside code and look after Abbots Pool for the wildlife and everyone else.
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History
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The large pool, which is the central feature of the woodland, was part of a series of pools used by medieval monks developed for the medieval practice of farming for fish.
It was landscaped, using Pulhamite, an artificial type of rock of historic importance in the 1920s by the Wills family who owned the area until just after the Second World War.
People living nearby and from a wide catchment area have long known Abbots Pool as a beauty spot.
North Somerset Council (NSC) owns the majority of the woodland surrounding the Pool; the rest is leased to the Forestry Commission. NSC is responsible for the maintenance of their area which they carry out with the help of the Abbots Pool Volunteers – a group which has been carrying out various jobs for over fifteen years such as removal of laurel bushes, clearing of paths and the cascade, ensuring steps are safe and making sure the area is kept clear of litter.
In recent years a Management Committee has been overseeing the responsibilities of NSC and the volunteers.
The work of NSC and the volunteers has been recognised by the Green Flag judges and Abbots Pool received its fourteenth successive Green Flag in 2020.
Working parties are typically held on the second Sunday of each Month between 10am and 12 Noon.
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