Portishead

Portishead dates back to Roman times. Its name derives from the "port at the head of the river".

It was built at the mouth of a small tributary; indeed the High Street once met the water at the top of the river. Iron rings, evidence of where the old fishing boats used to moor can still be seen today on the street’s stone walls.

The dominant architecture is early Victorian.

Around 1836 a deep-water dock was built to facilitate the large ships that brought valuable cargoes from across the globe and exported local products overseas.

Industrial activities ceased in the dock with the closure of the nearby Power Station in 1980.

The dock has however been well preserved and is now the centre of a new and exciting marina development.

The Trail starts and ends on the Esplanade near to the lakeland leisure grounds, parking is free in Esplanade Road.

Unfortunately the Trail is unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs as there are a few sets of steps along the way.

The Trail is approximately 3 3/4 miles long and should take about 2 1/2 hours to complete.

You will see the Esplanade and lakeland leisure area, the Town centre and the new marina complex.