Brown's Folly

Other pages

Take a Virtual Tour

Clapton Circuit

Weston Big Wood

Last update:

Brown's Folly

for bat caves and Bath asparagus

Standing high above the river Avon with commanding views towards Bath, Brown's Folly has flower-rich grasslands and ancient woodland on the remains of old Bath stone quarries.

What to look out for

The extensive remains of Bath stone quarries provide a rich variety of wildlife habitats. A delightful downland flora has covered the spoilheaps where wild thyme, harebell and nine species of orchid - including the rare fly orchid - are found. The old mines offer a safe sanctuary for the threatened greater horseshoe bat, while damp cliff faces support a fascinating variety of ferns, fungi and spiders.

Pockets of ancient woodland on the lower slopes are home to woodpeckers, and unusual plants such as Bath asparagus.

Further information

The Bath stone quarries show good geological features and are a valuable insight into the area's industrial past.

Access

Some paths are muddy in winter. Take extreme caution when approaching rock faces. Mines must not be entered.

Downloads

A podcast providing information about the history of the Folly, its management and about the bats that reside on the Brown's Folly reserve.

Getting there by

Bike

View a location map of the reserve on the National Cycle Network website.

Public transport

Go to www.traveline.org.uk

Car

From the A363 Bradford Road, turn onto Bathford Hill (by the Crown pub). Follow the road for roughly 1000m, passing the Bathford Cooperative Shop and The Clothes Horse. Then turn right onto Prospect Place which leads up a steep, narrow road to Monkton Farleigh. The car park is near the brow of the hill on your right. Please be aware that there is a 2.2m height restriction barrier.