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South West England
Bath and North East Somerset

Chew Valley Lake

The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Chew Valley Lake

4.5

(1636)

9,831

hikers

132

hikes

Dog friendly hiking trails around Chew Valley Lake offer a diverse landscape centered around the fifth largest artificial lake in the UK. The region features expansive lake views, rolling hills, and sheltered farmed landscapes, bordering the Mendip Hills National Landscape. This area provides varied terrain for walks, from accessible paths near the water to routes through surrounding countryside.

Best dog friendly hiking trails around Chew Valley Lake

  • The most popular dog friendly hiking route is Chew Valley Lake, Knowle Hill…

Last updated: June 29, 2026

4.6

(44)

262

hikers

#1.

Chew Valley Lake, Knowle Hill & Chew Magna loop — Mendip Hills

7.04km

01:52

70m

70m

The Chew Valley Lake, Knowle Hill & Chew Magna loop offers a diverse and scenic hiking experience at the northern edge of the Mendip Hills. You will find a mix…

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

4.6

(14)

70

hikers

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Popular around Chew Valley Lake

The best family-friendly bike rides in and around Bath and Bristol

Other adventures around Chew Valley Lake

The best family-friendly bike rides in and around Bath and Bristol

Cycling Collection by

Cycle Sprog- the family cycling experts

Tips from the Community

Phil O'Gara
August 25, 2025, Knowle Hill

This hill, while lower than the surrounding ridges, provides great views from the top. Fern covered with several tracks crossing the slopes.

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Lords Woods, just south of Woollard is really worth. visit! Beautiful woodland, and it is quite large! It can easily be accessed by hiking from Woollard & surroundings, but I parked up here on the western side. There is a small area for parking, and you can explore the woodland from here. Plenty of paths to get lost in!

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Holly
March 17, 2025, Woodland Pond

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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The Stanton Drew stone circles are located just outside the village of Stanton Drew in the English county of Somerset. The largest stone circle is the Great Circle, standing in a 113 metres in diameter and is in-fact the second largest stone circle to be discovered in Britain. After Avebury and It’s considered to be one of the largest Neolithic monuments to have ever been built. The date of the construction is not actually accurately known of, but it’s thought to have been built between 3000 and 2000 BCE. These standing stone circles of which have been studied since John Aubrey's visit in 1664. It was only made a scheduled monument of it is today in 1982. Please be aware that an entrance fee is charged by the landowner for any entry in among the grounds of the Stone Circles and any public access is at his discretion only. NO DOGS ALLOWED! As the land is used for agriculture purposes and usually has cattle grazing on the fields where the standing stones are. Please be aware that the English Heritage sites do not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, by any circumstances except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions only. Just having experienced this ourselves before.

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51m
September 23, 2024, Pensford Viaduct

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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Beautiful Landscape & Walking Route Along River Chew Accesible From Pensford Bridge. Some initial parts of the path gets quite muddy after prior days of rain but can still walk through with boots. Best to walk after few days of dry weather.

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This is the third-largest complex of pre-historic standing stones in England. The 26 remaining standing stones are all that remains of the probably ceremonial stone circle constructed in the Neolithic period around 2500 BCE. Today the area is looked after by English Heritage and free to enter.

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Chew Valley Lake was created in the early 1950s to provide drinking water to Bristol and the surrounding area. It also controls the flow rate of the River Chew. This picnic area is a nice place to start a walk or stop for a lunch break. The views are lovely and it's easily accessible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog-friendly hiking trails are available around Chew Valley Lake?

There are over 130 dog-friendly hiking trails around Chew Valley Lake, offering a wide variety of options for you and your canine companion. These range from easy strolls to more challenging routes.

What kind of terrain can I expect on dog-friendly walks around Chew Valley Lake?

The terrain around Chew Valley Lake is quite varied. You'll find well-maintained paths, some tarmac sections like the Chew Valley Lake Picnic Area – Hedgerow Path loop, and unpaved, potentially muddy sections, especially on trails like the Bittern Trail. The broader Chew Valley features rolling hills, open countryside, and sheltered farmed landscapes, providing a mix of surfaces from flat lakeside paths to gentle ascents into the surrounding hills.

Are there any easy, short walks suitable for dogs and families around Chew Valley Lake?

Yes, there are many easy and short options perfect for families and dogs. The Grebe Trail, for example, is a 1.2 km winding tarmac path suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, offering glimpses of the lake. For a slightly longer, easy loop, consider the View of Chew Valley Lake – Chew Magna village loop, which is about 6 km long with minimal elevation.

Can I find circular routes for dog walks around Chew Valley Lake?

Many of the dog-friendly trails around Chew Valley Lake are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. An example is the Chew Valley Lake, Knowle Hill & Chew Magna loop, which offers a varied circular experience.

What natural features or viewpoints can I enjoy with my dog?

Chew Valley Lake itself is the primary natural feature, offering expansive views of the water and surrounding countryside. You can find excellent viewpoints at various points around the lake, such as Chew Valley Lake and Salt & Malt, Chew Valley Lake. The area is also on the northern edge of the Mendip Hills National Landscape, providing contrasting scenery with more open, windswept plateaus.

Are there specific areas around Chew Valley Lake that are particularly good for birdwatching with a dog?

Chew Valley Lake is an internationally important habitat for birds, making it excellent for birdwatching. While dogs are generally welcome, it's crucial to keep them on a lead, especially near reed beds and designated bird-watching areas like Bird Watching at Chew Valley Lake, to avoid disturbing the wildlife. The causeway car parks are popular spots for observing birds.

Are there facilities like picnic areas or cafes that welcome dogs near the trails?

Yes, there are several picnic areas around the lake, some with play areas, which are great starting points for walks or for taking a break. The Chew Valley Lake Picnic Area is a notable spot. The visitor centre also has a cafe, and many local pubs in nearby villages like Chew Magna are dog-friendly.

Where can I park when bringing my dog for a hike around Chew Valley Lake?

There are several car parks conveniently located around Chew Valley Lake, particularly along the causeway, providing easy access to trails and viewpoints. These are good starting points for your dog-friendly walks.

What is the best time of year to hike with my dog around Chew Valley Lake?

Chew Valley Lake offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and warmer weather, ideal for longer strolls. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, though some unpaved paths may be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Are there any specific rules or considerations for dogs when hiking around Chew Valley Lake?

To protect the abundant wildlife, especially birds, and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors, it is generally recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly around the lake shore, reed beds, and in areas where livestock may be present. Always clean up after your dog.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the dog-friendly trails around Chew Valley Lake?

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the beautiful lake views, the variety of paths suitable for different abilities, and the peaceful atmosphere that makes it perfect for walks with dogs. The accessibility of many trails and the presence of facilities like picnic areas are also frequently highlighted.

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