4.5
(438)
5,648
hikers
44
hikes
Hikes around Publow explore the landscape of the Chew Valley in Somerset. The region is characterized by gently rolling hills, the meandering River Chew, and pockets of woodland. Many routes feature views of historical structures, including the Pensford Viaduct and the ancient Stanton Drew Stone Circles.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
4.9
(48)
198
hikers
6.18km
01:36
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(21)
73
hikers
7.21km
01:58
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7
(11)
43
hikers
6.74km
01:49
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(6)
42
hikers
4.07km
01:06
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(7)
45
hikers
2.49km
00:38
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Publow
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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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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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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This footpath between Woollard and Compton Dando is part of the 45 mile (72 km) Community Forest Path which circles Bristol. This section crosses fields above the River Chew.
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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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Yes, many trails in the Chew Valley are dog-friendly. However, be aware that routes often pass through fields with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead in these areas. The paths along the River Chew are particularly popular with dog walkers.
Absolutely. The area offers several gentle walks perfect for a family outing. For a straightforward and pleasant stroll, consider the River Chew – The Gift Box Café loop from Pensford. It's a relatively flat, 3.8-mile (6.2 km) route that follows the river.
Yes, combining a walk with a pub visit is a popular choice here. Many routes start or finish in Pensford, which has well-regarded pubs. The Pensford Viaduct is a notable landmark, and several trails pass nearby, offering a great opportunity to stop for refreshments after your hike.
Walks along the River Chew are typically tranquil and scenic. The footpaths follow the meandering river through lush green valleys, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like kingfishers and herons. Some routes, such as the Pensford Viaduct – River Chew loop from Pensford, combine these peaceful riverside sections with views of local landmarks.
Yes, you can easily incorporate a visit to the Stanton Drew Stone Circles into a hike. These ancient megaliths are a short walk from Publow. For a route that explores the surrounding woodland before heading towards the historic site, try the Pond in Lord's Wood – Woodland Pond loop from Upper Stanton Drew.
Yes, the majority of popular walking routes around Publow are circular, or 'loop' trails. This makes logistics simple as you can start and end your walk in the same place, which is convenient for parking.
There are over 40 curated hiking routes to explore around Publow on komoot. They range from easy riverside strolls to more challenging hikes through the rolling hills of the Chew Valley, so there's a trail for every ability level.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful scenery of the Chew Valley, the impressive views of the Pensford Viaduct, and the mix of riverside paths and quiet woodland trails.
Numerous footpaths offer fantastic views of the Pensford Viaduct from below its towering arches. While you cannot walk on top of it, a great option for seeing it up close is the Pensford Viaduct – Pensford Viaduct loop from Pensford, which is a moderate 5.3-mile (8.6 km) circular trail centred around the structure.
Yes, the region has several charming woodlands to explore. A lovely route that takes you through local woods is the Woodland Pond – Woollard River Swimming Spot loop from Upper Stanton Drew. This trail offers a mix of woodland scenery and riverside paths.
The Chew Valley is rich in wildlife. Along the River Chew, keep an eye out for kingfishers, herons, and other water birds. The nearby woodlands, like Lord's Wood and Culvery Wood, are home to a variety of birds and insects, while the wider countryside provides habitats for foxes, badgers, and deer.
Most hikers start from the villages of Pensford or Upper Stanton Drew, where you can find on-street parking. It's best to arrive early, especially on weekends, and please park considerately, avoiding blocking driveways or narrow roads.


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