On a beautifully sunny morning, nine of us took the Portway Park and Ride bus to Sea Mills where we first explored the site of the Roman Harbour and the Roman ferry station, called Portus Abonae.

We then walk along the footpath beside the River Trym, passing through a small wooded valley. We then took a series of gradually climbing footpaths until we emerged on Durham Downs where we headed for a welcome cup of coffee at the Water Tower cafe.

The walk continued to the area of The Downs known as Sea Walls where the view overlooking the gorge, and as far as the mountains of Wales, was amazing on this wonderfully clear day.

The second half of the walk took us gradually down hill again, passing some grand houses and through a nature reserve until we were once again on The Portway. The footpath which then took us along the edge of the River Avon, adjacent to The Portway, was the muddiest part of walk, but very interesting as none of us had ever walk this path before.

The walk ended back at the Roman Harbour where we then made our way back to the bus stop. Luckily the bus driver allowed us back on his bus, despite the muddy state of our boots! The walk ended with a very welcome meal in Portishead.

Report by Helen Bussell
Photos by Jeff Eastmond and Carol Wood