Wildtracks - walk on the wildside

The wildtracks will lead you through one of our Local Nature Reserves and into the wider countryside within the Forest of Avon. The circular walks have been devised by local people living in the area who walk these routes on a regular basis. The routes have been marked out on maps that you can download from the 'Read more' section on the right-hand side of this page. You can also get information on the walks from local pubs.

We hope you enjoy the walks and have time to take in the friendly atmosphere of one of the many pubs in the area which have helped support the project.

Series 1 – Walks around Wick and neighbouring villages

With the Cotswold Hills as a backdrop to the village, Wick has some beautiful countryside to explore. Four walks have been created that take you through the village into its Local Nature Reserve and then on to local villages in the area. The walks will lead you past woodland, open farmland, rivers and brooks, and a pub or two!

Step off the bus into the reserve

The walks have been created to enable you to use public transport if you want to shorten your walk. Please see Traveline for bus timetables and routes.

Supporting our local businesses

Local pubs are helping to promote the wildtracks by stocking our drinks mats and copies of the routes. You can find their addresses and other information on the NHS Easy Breathing website.

Pubs in Wick

• The Carpenters Arms
• The Rose and Crown

Pubs in Bridge Yate

• The Holly Bush Inn
• The Griffin
• The White Hart

Pubs in Doynton

• The Cross House

Pubs in Pucklechurch

• The Star Inn
• The Rose and Crown
• The Fleur De Lys

Pubs in and near Upton Cheyney/Swineford

• The Upton Inn
• The Swan Inn
• The White Hart

Wildtracks - the project

The idea for the project came about when the former ochre works site in Wick was being developed into a Local Nature Reserve. Local people were asked to help South Gloucestershire set up the reserve, in partnership with the landowners, Cemex.

One of the projects was to encourage people to explore the local countryside. At a consultation meeting residents were asked to draw the routes they walk onto large-scale maps. These were collated and four walks produced taking in neighbouring villages.

With support from the Countryside Agency (now part of Natural England) and Defra's Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, a consultant was employed to undertake a conditional survey. As a result, a number of stiles were replaced with kissing gates. Access points to the reserve were also altered to allow easier access for walkers. Timber kissing gates were installed using oak from local woodlands.

The four walks were then printed on to drinks mats and distributed to local pubs and venues in the locality. The mats help promote the walks and the availability of public transport. A colourful poster was also produced to promote the project and is displayed at local bus stops.