The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Blaisdon Wood
4.6
(320)
2,062
hikers
14
hikes
Dog friendly hiking trails around Blaisdon Wood traverse a landscape characterized by mixed deciduous and coniferous woodlands, offering tranquil forest paths and open clearings. The area features rolling hills and gentle slopes, with May Hill standing as a distinctive landmark providing expansive views towards the Welsh border and across the River Severn. These woodlands form a wildlife corridor connecting to the larger Forest of Dean, enhancing the natural experience. The terrain is accessible for various fitness levels, with engaging ascents…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
5.0
(2)
10
hikers
13.1km
03:30
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
18
hikers
9.61km
02:36
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
hikers
8.31km
02:14
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
8.63km
02:19
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
7
hikers
12.8km
03:26
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The final mile. You can push hard as its downhill, to get that PB. The last sign (&cow bell ringer) says 200 metres to go. 50m up & a right hand curve, just empty the tank as it's shorter than it appears. Great course, volunteer's, café, setting. Unsure if raining?
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Great route, with fun blue sections, cafe stops and Cannop Ponds and Mallards Pike, making great stops on the way
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A nice much quieter track to transit to the top end of Mallards. On to Staple Edge or to form a loop back towards Mallards Pike or even back to the family trail.
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Nice stop off or meeting point just off the family trail, plenty of outside seating next to the pond.
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Echo was commissioned to commemorate the untimely death of one of the founders of the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, Jeremy Rees, also founding director of the Arnolfini, Bristol. The intricate sculpture is sited in a small quarry, replicating the exposed rocks of the quarry wall in fibreglass. Echo was funded by the Arnolfini Collections Trust and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. Thanks also to Bombay Sapphire and the Speech House Hotel for their generous sponsorship.
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Gathering’, is an interactive and colourful artwork that encourages physical engagement from visitors who encounter it. Created by artist Julian Wild, the sculpture consists of 12 coloured metal vertical forms grouped together in a clearing to represent natural structures found in the woodland, recalling shoots growing out of the ground. Joined to these structures are several mirror-polished stainless-steel elements that resemble the shape of woodland fungi. Julian worked with local school children at Heart of the Forest School, and included their ideas for incorporating tactile touch points, reflective surfaces and colours into the final piece. Alongside the smooth surfaces of the fungi, texture panels are hidden on some of the sculptures for people to find, which enhances the experience of the artwork for visually impaired visitors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many dog-friendly hiking trails are available around Blaisdon Wood?
There are over 15 dog-friendly hiking trails around Blaisdon Wood, offering a variety of distances and difficulties for you and your canine companion. These routes are well-loved by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars.
Are there any easy dog-friendly walks suitable for all fitness levels in Blaisdon Wood?
Yes, Blaisdon Wood offers several easy dog-friendly walks perfect for a relaxed outing. For instance, the Forest Path – Woodland Pond with Lily Pads loop from Huntley is an easy 6.4 km trail that takes you through pleasant woodlands, ideal for a leisurely stroll with your dog.
What kind of terrain can I expect on dog-friendly hikes in Blaisdon Wood?
The terrain around Blaisdon Wood is characterized by rolling hills and gentle slopes, making it accessible for a range of fitness levels. You'll find a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests, with tranquil forest paths and open clearings. The area is known for its diverse arboreal collection, including impressive Coast Redwoods.
Are there any circular dog-friendly routes in Blaisdon Wood?
Many of the dog-friendly routes in Blaisdon Wood are circular, allowing for convenient exploration without retracing your steps. An example is the May Hill Summit – Forest Path loop from Huntley, a moderate 9 km circular path that offers rewarding views.
What should I consider regarding wildlife when hiking with my dog in Blaisdon Wood?
Blaisdon Wood and its connected areas like Mistle Wood and Ley Park form an extensive wildlife corridor, supporting various mammals and birds. To protect local wildlife and ensure your dog's safety, it's advisable to keep your dog on a leash, especially in areas where wildlife is known to be active or during nesting seasons.
Are there any notable viewpoints or landmarks to discover with my dog in Blaisdon Wood?
Absolutely! A prominent landmark is May Hill Summit, which offers expansive views towards the Welsh border and across the River Severn. You can reach it via routes like the Forest Bakehouse Longhope – May Hill Summit loop from Huntley. Additionally, you can explore historic Iron Age hillforts such as Welshbury Hillfort on shorter, easy hikes.
Can I find trails that pass by unique natural features in Blaisdon Wood?
Yes, the woodlands around Blaisdon Wood are rich in natural features. Ley Park, for instance, hosts over 1,000 Coast Redwoods, some planted as early as 1937, providing a unique botanical experience. You might also encounter areas with vibrant forest floors featuring bluebells and foxgloves in season.
Is parking available for dog walkers near the trails in Blaisdon Wood?
Yes, parking is generally available at common starting points for trails around Blaisdon Wood. Many routes, such as those starting from Huntley or Blaisdon, have designated parking areas nearby, making it convenient to access the dog-friendly paths.
What is the best time of year to hike with my dog in Blaisdon Wood?
Blaisdon Wood is beautiful year-round. Spring brings vibrant bluebells and foxgloves, while autumn offers stunning foliage. The mixed woodlands provide good shade in summer, and winter walks can be serene. Always check local conditions, especially after heavy rain, as some paths might become muddy.
Are there any longer, more challenging dog-friendly hikes for experienced walkers?
For those seeking a longer challenge, the Forest Bakehouse Longhope – May Hill Summit loop from Huntley is a moderate 14.4 km hike with significant elevation gain, offering a more strenuous workout for you and your dog while still being incredibly scenic.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking with their dogs in Blaisdon Wood?
The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in Blaisdon Wood, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil forest paths, the diverse woodlands, and the rewarding views from May Hill Summit. The variety of routes, from easy strolls to more challenging ascents, is also frequently highlighted as a positive aspect.
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