(S/E) From starting point at the Kings Arms PH in the centre of Easton-in-Gordano, cross over to Rectory Road and follow it uphill to the A369 (Martcombe Road). Turn left to follow the A369 along the footpath to the Rudgleigh Inn PH.
(1) Cross the A369 at the Rudgleigh Inn, walk past Tynings Close street and almost immediately turn half right and take the metalled lane between two sets of cottages. After approximately 100 metres enter a field via the pedestrian gate and follow the footpath diagonally across the field in a southeasterly direction. Exit the field via another pedestrian gate reaching Common Lane then continue left until you get to Happerton Lane.
(2) Follow the lane straight through Happerton Farm for 400 metres looking for a well-made farm track on the right towards Upper Happerton Farm. The public right of way passes through the middle of the farmyard just to the left of the imposing farmhouse and through the garden area to the south of the house.
A more practical route is to deviate right just before the farmyard to leave all of the farm buildings to your left, passing through a gas between a large barn and the hedge then crossing a small field in a southwesterly direction to a gateway at the junction with another field boundary.
(3) Pass through the gateway and head south over gently rising ground to the junction between the hedge on your right and the hedge crossing your path straight ahead. Continue through the gap and bear slightly right to follow the hedge line, still climbing.
When you reach the high point, at about 90 metres elevation take the time to look back to the north. On a clear day it is possible to see the River Severn crossings, with the western suburbs of the City of Bristol to the right, while the hills of Wales lie ahead and the Port of Bristol to the left.
Continue ahead, in a southerly direction through a narrowing field and pass through a pedestrian gate onto a narrow road (Sandy Lane). Follow the lane downhill on your left-hand side for about 500 metres, ignoring the road to the right after about 200 metres, until you reach Mulberry Farm located just to the north of West Tanpit Wood.
(4) Leave the road here and follow the footpath at the edge of the field, on your right-hand side initially with the wood and Markham Brook stream close by on your left. After about 200 metres the path enters West Tanpit wood. Continue to follow the path beside the stream for another 300 metres.
You are looking for a sidetrack to your right that cuts back fairly steeply uphill on the right. (If you miss the turn, the path will shortly afterwards cross the stream and join a track before turning right. If this happens, turn around and look for the path branching left shortly after re-crossing the stream). Follow the path up the hill looking out in the trees just off to your left for a boundary stone covered in moss with the inscription "Hathway" and dated 1775.
Exit the woods and continue straight following a wire fence through open ground past a magnificent stand of fir trees on your right. At this point, you are 125 metres above sea level with a superb view to the north once again. Follow the path straight ahead through some woodland to reach a minor road (Oxhouse Lane).
(5) Cross the Oxhouse Lane diagonally (North-West) to a gate with a footpath sign and continue northwest towards Lower Failand until you reach the junction between Sandy lane and Failand Lane.
The impressive spire of Lower Failand church is off to your right and there are glimpses of Royal Portbury and Avonmouth Docks.
Turn left on Sandy lane. When the road becomes Horse Race Lane bending on your left, turn right toward New Holm Farm. Take a North-West direction in between the buildings.
Follow this path through three large fields towards the left edge of the wood ahead on Windmill Hill with the highest ground remaining to your right. At the boundary of the wood, the path joins the Gordano Round long-range footpath.
(6) Our route takes a sharp right turn uphill following the fence. If however, you should continue straight ahead on the Gordano Round there is a small reservoir just off to the right in the trees beyond this turning - beware, the water is deep.
Follow the path uphill beside the wood to the top of the hill. The path enters the wood here and follows a pleasant trail through the trees emerging onto a steep open hillside after 200 metres. This provides another excellent vantage point with views of the rolling countryside, the River Severn and the port area.
Follow the path downhill, aiming diagonally to the right for the left end of a row of trees. Enter the trees and follow the path down to a minor road (Failand Lane).
(7) Cross the lane and over a stile opposite, heading diagonally to the left to the junction with Coombe Lane.
Alternatively, turn down Failand Lane and after 100 metres take the first turning on the right to enter Coombe Lane.
Coombe Lane is a metalled road until it passes the isolated Coombe Cottage after which it becomes a green lane until it meets a small stream at the boundary of Hails Wood.
(8) At the end of the lane a pedestrian gate gives access to a steeply sloping meadow. Follow the path to the left alongside the stream and after about 150 metres enter Hails Wood via a stile. The narrow path winds alongside the stream for 500 metres all the way to the A369 road.
This section is delightful, especially when dappled with sunlight, and the woods are often alive with birdsong.
Instead of following the path all the way to the main road, it is recommended to take the path that climbs steeply up to the right after about 250 metres following Gordano Round. This path is not particularly distinct and can be slippery after rain.
If you miss the turn, you will shortly afterwards come across some remains of stone buildings on the opposite side of the stream. These can be explored with care. However, having followed the path uphill you will emerge through a pedestrian gate into a meadow with views to the north once again. Follow the footpath gently downhill beside the hedge and after passing through another gate just beyond the water trough turn half left, continuing to follow the hedge line down to a narrow, metalled track.
(9) Turn left along the track and then the narrow footpath past Brandon House to the A369.
A369 road is very busy at times with fast-moving traffic so take care when crossing. Cross over to the narrow opening in the hedge straight opposite.
This leads to St Georges Close. Walk downhill to the junction with St Georges Hill, turn right and follow the road for 100 metres back to the starting point at the Kings Arms.
If you are returning to the Rudgleigh Inn, cross over the track leading to Brandon House, past the small barn and then turn right at the field boundary beside the A369 towards the left edge of the long white house about 150 metres away There is a gap in the hedge just before the house that gives access to the A369 directly opposite the pub car park. (S/E)
