North Somerset is truly stunning when the sun is shining on its many beautiful beaches, lakes, marinas and hilltops, so we’ve rounded up 10 of the best walking spots the district has to offer.
Ashton Court, Long Ashton
Distance: 3 miles.
How to get there: The main entrances are off the A369 Portishead Road at Kennel Lodge Road and the route is a circular walk around the park.
This short circular walk shows off one of the South West’s most popular country parks. The estate is just outside of Bristol and boasts 850 acres of woodland, park and gardens.
Ashton Court is home to Bristol’s iconic balloon fiesta each year and if you’re lucky you might even spot a deer in its woodland.
Distance: 1 mile.
How to get there: A five minute drive from Junction 19 of the M5 (Gordano Services).
A perfect afternoon stroll for someone who is looking for a gentle walk. Portishead marina is stunning and provides the perfect places to meander along watching the world go.
Once you’ve finished walking be sure to stop in one of the many nearby coffee shops.
Distance: 1 mile or more.
How to get there: Leave the M5 at Junction 20 and use the B3130 towards Bristol, follow signs to Tyntesfield. The estate is also just four miles from Nailsea and Backwell train station. See our list of 5 must-visit National Trust sites here.
This impressive National Trust estate has so much to offer with a range of beautiful gardens.
There is also an outdoor play area for the kids and stunning converted Victorian farm buildings to explore.
Weston Woods, Weston-super-Mare
Distance: 1.5 miles from the main entrance to hillfort.
How to get there: The main entrance is in Worlebury Hill Road where there is parking. The number 83 bus also runs every hour from Weston-super-Mare town centre to Worlebury Hill Road.
If the weather is warming up Weston Woods is the perfect place to get away from the heat and take refuge in the shady trees.
The 130-hectares of woodland is great for hikers who want to explore steep hills but it also caters for all with its gravel path which was built to cater for parents with pushchairs or wheelchair users. Look out for a stunning array of wild flowers, butterflies and other wild animals.
Beach, pier and conservation area walk, Clevedon
Distance: 1 mile or more.
How to get there: You can start the walk from the car park on Elton Road opposite the bandstand.
This heritage walk is full of impressive landmarks.
Take in the breath-taking views of Clevedon’s beach and explore the restored pier before taking in the old drinking fountain, which was restored to all of its Victorian glory in 1981.
Uphill boatyard, beach and donkey field
Distance: 2 miles.
How to get there: There is plenty of parking on the beach at Uphill but beware the sea comes in fast so take note of tide times.
This flat walk is perfect if you’re looking for a Sunday afternoon stroll with the family. Start at the Wharf entrance and head down the beach for incredible views over the marina and towards Brean Down. Follow the path towards Weston Bay Yacht Club and walk along the sand towards Weston Golf Club.
You can climb the steps over the dunes and cut through the golf course before reaching a small wooded area owned by The Woodland Trust. Follow the path through the woodland and you will reach Donkey, or Bluebell Field before walking back through Uphill to your car.
The Strawberry Line, Clevedon to Shepton Mallet
Distance: Up to 30 miles.
How to get there: The Strawberry Line runs from Clevedon to Shepton Mallett so you can begin your walk at multiple spots.
The Strawberry Line path is a 30-mile route free from traffic running between Clevedon all the way to Shepton Mallet. IT is popular with local cyclists but also great for a walk.
There are currently completed path sections from Clevedon to Yatton, Yatton to Cheddar, Cheddar to Wells and Wells to Shepton Mallet.
Distance: 1 mile or more.
How to get there: This stunning lake is located in Blagdon, just outside of Weston-super-Mare, past Churchill and Langford.
Blagdon is a recognised area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and provides a perfect summer picnic spot.
Once you’ve eaten be sure to take a leisurly stroll or a longer walk around the 440-acre lake.
Sand Point, Weston-super-Mare
Distance: 3 miles.
How to get there: From Junction 21 of the M5 follow signs to Weston-super-Mare and then to Kewstoke. Head north along the coast road and you will find Sand Point car park.
Expect stunning sea views to take your breath away as you walk the moderate terrain along this National Trust coastal walk.
There are some steep drops so children and dogs need to be closely watched but the views span all across the Bristol Channel to Wales across to the Severn Bridge, with lots of wildlife and archaeological features along the way.
Distance: 1 mile or more.
How to get there: There is also a footpath running from the north of Nailsea. The main entrance to the site is from Station Road where there is a car park. Use postcode BS48 1TN if you’re using a satnav.
The lake was constructed in the 1970s and is now a massive habitat for birds, bats and insects, including rare dragonflies.
There are also stunning wild flowers to take in as well as sprawling views across the impressive lake.
If your walk leaves you feeling thirsty why not check out one of these top 10 North Somerset pubs recommended by the Good Pub Guide or visit one of the 9 best places to eat in Portishead.
Did your favourite spot not make our list? Tweet us @NSomTimes to let us know your favourite.
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