Green coastal walks

Best for a tiny carbon footprint

Bristol's Floating Harbour testifies to the engineering genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel with his steamship SS Great Britain, the sluice system he designed and his Clifton Suspension Bridge. The kids (and you) will love exploring the Create Centre.

Difficulty  ● ● ●

Duration 3 miles

Route From SS Great Britain, walk clockwise around Floating Harbour.

How long? Allow half a day with extra time to explore

Green credentials You can reduce your transport footprint by arriving at Floating Harbour by train or even water taxi, then after your walk you can cycle round (Bristol Bike Hire, Cumberland Basin, 0117 965 5192).

Look out for... the Create Centre in its former warehouse on Smeaton Road above Cumberland Basin (0117 925 0505, www.bristol.gov.uk/create), a powerhouse of hands-on green ideas, exploration and fun for children and adults.

Where to stay Hotel Du Vin, The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead (0117 925 5577, www.hotelduvin.com). Very friendly, stylish, comfortable and central. Double dinner, B&B from £145. Ask for deals. Floating Harbour, Bristol, North Somerset

How to get there By rail to Bristol Temple Meads; water taxi to Floating Harbour and around (0117 927 3416, www.bristolferry.co.uk); 500 bus route (www.visitbristol.co.uk).

OS Maps OS Explorer 155; Landranger 172. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online.

For more info Bristol TIC (0906 711 2191 - calls cost 50p per minute, www.visitbristol.co.uk).