The Backwoods Trail

Backwoods Trail

This circular walk follows the old tracks through the upper woodlands, and takes you up almost onto the ancient Norwood Common – a site of historical and botanical importance.  The trail then follows the remnants of the Yew Grove and Beech Avenue that once stretched from Claverton Hill.

Bounded by dry stonewalls, the trail looks out over the field that is reputed to have been the site of Sir Winston Churchill’s first political speech.

The Backwoods Trail starts from the far end of the Staff Car Park, beyond the Gallery Exhibition building.

Lewis and Clark Trail

The Lewis and Clark Trail was planted in 2004, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the first expedition across the Western States of the US in 1805.

It contains a unique mixture of the varied botanical discoveries from St. Louis to the western seaboard, such as Snowberry, Mahonia, Prairie Sage and Osage Orange tree.

The trail provides a spectacular vista along Claverton Park, the original parklands still owned by the museum, where fine examples of trees, such as the Cedar of Lebanon and London Plane, still thrive.