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Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel who was just 24-years-old when he won the commission to build the bridge.
The bridge spans 214 metres between its two 26-metre high towers and stands 76 metres above the river Avon. Avon comes from the Celtic word ‘Afon’ meaning river, so the River Avon actually means ‘River river’.
Modern computer analysis has revealed that in his design of the crucial joints between the 4,200 wrought-iron links that make up the bridge’s chain, Brunel had made an almost perfect calculation of the minimal weight required to maintain maximum strength.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge, as it is now known, has been hailed as one of the most important structures to be built during the Victorian era. It is seen as an icon of engineering ambition and achievement.
It is one of Bristol’s cultural icons and provides an easily recognised visual image of the city.
Fun fact: Did you know that Bristol has its very own currency? – the Bristol Pound! Launched in 2012 and still going strong, you can exchange your cash into Bristol Pounds at points around the city, including the Tourist Information Centre.
After Bristol, you’ll go through King’s Wood in Mendip Hills AONB, which formed part of a medieval ‘royal hunting forest’, or land used specifically for hunting. King’s Wood has a medieval ditch and bank to protect it and is bordered by part of an older Saxon manorial boundary. The wood is part of the Crook Peak to Shute Shelve Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is rich in wildlife, with varied and interesting ground flora that indicate continuous woodland cover over a long period.
You can then stop at The Merry Harriers to rehydrate with a pint!
Next up: Exeter! Birthplace of a few famous people like; singer, songwriter and actress Joss Stone, the creator of Harry Potter JK Rowling and Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin
