Easy hikes and walks around Stanton Drew
4.4
(1502)
12,782
hikers
619
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Stanton Drew are set within the gently rolling countryside of the Chew Valley, shaped by the River Chew. The landscape features tranquil river paths, views towards the Mendip Hills, and the expansive Chew Valley Lake. Hikers can explore wooded areas like Lord's Wood and Common Woods, with some routes offering elevated perspectives from hills under 200m. The terrain is generally smooth, making it suitable for easy walks.
Best easy hiking trails around Stanton Drew
- The most popular easy hiking route is River Chew – The Gift Box Café loop from Pensford, a 3.8 miles (6.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 36 minutes to complete. This route follows the tranquil River Chew, offering pleasant waterside scenery.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Druid's Arms pub – Pensford Viaduct loop from Stanton Drew, an easy 3.7 miles (6.0 km) path. This trail provides views of the historic Pensford Viaduct and passes by the local Druid's Arms pub.
- Local hikers also love the Pond in Lord's Wood – Woodland Pond loop from Pensford, a 4.2 miles (6.7 km) trail leading through wooded areas, often completed in about 1 hour 48 minutes.
- Hiking around Stanton Drew is defined by river valleys, ancient stone circles, and diverse woodlands. The network offers options primarily for easy walks, suitable for various fitness levels.
- The routes in Stanton Drew are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,300 reviews. More than 12,700 hikers have used komoot to explore Stanton Drew's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 17, 2026
4.9
(50)
197
hikers
5.84km
01:30
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(49)
204
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(11)
42
hikers
6.74km
01:49
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(7)
49
hikers
2.49km
00:38
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
36
hikers
6.04km
01:35
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The concrete outlet tower serves as the central control point for the reservoir's water supply. Connected by a bridge to the main dam, the tower houses sluice gates and valves that regulate the flow and distribution of water to the River Chew and the local water supply.
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I wouldn't go out of your way to come here... But, if you happen to be in / near here on a walk, then you may as well add it on! • Also, this pond is very deep in the woodland. There is a path all around it, and it is very pretty; it's mostly obscured from view (which is great) because this means that you can peek through the foliage and see birds who aren't aware you're there! Of course, they will be as soon as you move on! I have only been once, it was very muddy after & during rain, so I can't advise on other seasons.
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WELL! When I walked here, it was (genuinely) the muddiest hike I had ever been on! So, if you're planning to go & it's been raining a lot recently, be prepared for actual flooded fields! It is a really stunning place, so it is worth it, and usually, of course, it won't be flooded! But because it is low-laying, rainwater does accumulate in the fields around, just something to bear in mind if it is/has been very wet.
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It is not so common for a Christian place of worship – which encompasses the whole of heaven – to be dedicated to “ALL SAINTS”. Usually it is one (or occasionally two) named saints who hold the patronage of a church – and thus usually also of the parish or town in which it is located. But to find the origin of such a dedication, one has to go far back in history, because the model for this practice of dedication to ALL SAINTS can be seen as a pagan custom, according to which there were already central temples in pre-Christian times that were dedicated to all deities (PANTHEON). The probably most famous Pantheon, formerly a pagan temple and now a Christian place of worship, is located in the Italian capital.
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As with many stories of stone circles, legends explained the stones were a petrified party of people. Aubrey wrote that The Cove were the parson, bridegroom, and bride. Another group of stones was the band, while the circles comprised the dancing guests later, the story evolved, as the wedding took place on a Saturday. As the evening wore on, one musician player (either a piper or a harper) had simply refused to play beyond the point of midnight since it would mean playing on into the Sunday. The furious bride claimed she would find another player even if it meant travelling to hell to fetch one. Then Hell came to her in the form of the Devil, dressed in a disguise of that as an old man. He played and played as the company endlessly danced, but soon to find that they couldn’t stop dancing, no matter how much they tried or badly wanted to, and they had became to turn into stone by in the Sunday morning
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Pensford Viaduct is a disused railway bridge. It was built in 1874 to carry the Bristol and North Somerset railway over the River Chew. It was closed in 1968 and is now preserved as a historic building. Great views of the viaduct can be had from Stanton Lane.
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Gorgeous Woodland. Really stunning villages nearby, too. The fields in the vicinity can become *very* waterlogged after a lot of rain!!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Stanton Drew?
There are over 340 easy hiking trails around Stanton Drew, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and fitness levels within the scenic Chew Valley.
What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes in Stanton Drew?
Easy hikes in Stanton Drew generally feature smoothly sculptured, gently rolling countryside. You'll find tranquil river paths along the River Chew, open farmland, and some wooded areas like Lord's Wood. While mostly smooth, some paths can be muddy after rain, and you might encounter kissing gates and stiles.
Are there any circular easy walks in Stanton Drew?
Yes, many easy routes in Stanton Drew are circular. For example, the River Chew – The Gift Box Café loop from Pensford is a popular circular trail following the river. Another option is the Pond in Lord's Wood – Woodland Pond loop from Pensford, which takes you through diverse woodlands.
What interesting landmarks can I see on an easy hike near Stanton Drew?
Easy hikes in the area often pass by significant landmarks. You can explore the ancient Stanton Drew Stone Circles and Cove, a major prehistoric monument. Many routes also offer views of the impressive Pensford Viaduct, a Grade II-listed Victorian railway bridge. The expansive Chew Valley Lake is also a prominent natural feature visible from several trails.
Are the easy trails around Stanton Drew suitable for families?
Yes, the easy trails are generally suitable for families. The gently rolling terrain and well-maintained public footpaths make them accessible. Routes like the View of Pensford Viaduct – Pensford Viaduct loop from Pensford are shorter and offer engaging sights for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails?
Many of the public footpaths around Stanton Drew are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through farmland with livestock. Be mindful of local signage and respect private property.
How long do easy walks around Stanton Drew typically take?
Easy walks around Stanton Drew vary in length, but many can be completed within 1.5 to 2 hours. For example, the Druid's Arms pub – Pensford Viaduct loop from Stanton Drew is about 6 km and takes approximately 1 hour 33 minutes.
Where can I find parking for easy hikes in Stanton Drew?
Parking is generally available in or near the villages that serve as starting points for many trails, such as Stanton Drew and Pensford. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route descriptions.
Are there pubs or cafes near the easy hiking routes?
Yes, the area offers options for refreshments. The local Druid's Arms pub in Stanton Drew is a popular spot, often serving as a starting or ending point for walks. The River Chew – The Gift Box Café loop from Pensford specifically mentions a café along its route.
What is the best time of year for easy hiking in Stanton Drew?
Stanton Drew is enjoyable for easy hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant weather, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. Be aware that paths can be muddy after rain, particularly in wetter seasons.
What do other hikers enjoy most about easy trails in Stanton Drew?
The easy trails in Stanton Drew are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the tranquil river paths, the historical significance of the stone circles, and the picturesque views across the Chew Valley and towards the Mendip Hills.
Can I reach the easy hiking trails by public transport?
While public transport options exist to reach villages like Stanton Drew and Pensford, it's advisable to check local bus schedules as services can be less frequent in rural areas. Planning your route in advance with public transport in mind is recommended.
Are there any viewpoints on the easy trails around Stanton Drew?
While the terrain is generally gentle, some easy trails offer elevated perspectives. You can enjoy views towards the Mendip Hills in the distance, and the expansive Chew Valley Lake provides stunning vistas, especially from its dam. Some paths also offer clear views of the Pensford Viaduct.
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