Clifton Camp ST5655 7330
This large pre-Roman fortified camp is one of three that were probably built to control the strategic crossing of the Avon at the bottom of Nightingale Valley in Leigh Woods, on the opposite side of the Gorge. It is protected to the north and east by massive earthworks, which until five years ago were largely invisible because of scrub growth, and to the west by the sheer cliff. In winter there are extensive views in all directions. In 1845, in an early attempt at providing a clean water supply to Bristol, a large oval reservoir was dug in the centre whose outline is visible from above in dry weather. The construction of the reservoir largely destroyed archaeological evidence. For more information read the panel by the Observatory.
This large pre-Roman fortified camp is one of three that were probably built to control the strategic crossing of the Avon at the bottom of Nightingale Valley in Leigh Woods, on the opposite side of the Gorge. It is protected to the north and east by massive earthworks, which until five years ago were largely invisible because of scrub growth, and to the west by the sheer cliff. In winter there are extensive views in all directions. In 1845, in an early attempt at providing a clean water supply to Bristol, a large oval reservoir was dug in the centre whose outline is visible from above in dry weather. The construction of the reservoir largely destroyed archaeological evidence. For more information read the panel by the Observatory.