Want to head out for a woodland ramble, a wander through parkland or walk by a lake? The best off-lead dog walks in North Somerset are easily accessed and navigated, many with nearby parking
What can be better on a nice day than to go on an adventure with your four-legged best friends, taking in some of the district’s most beautiful views and wildlife-rich locations?
Avoiding busy roads and livestock, the dog walks listed below offer fresh air as well as peace and quiet.
1. Weston Big Wood, Portishead
Maintained by Avon Wildlife Trust, this woodland can be accessed a number of ways including off Valley Road and from a footpath leading from The Downs. With a few wider, well-walked routes crossing the woodland, there are also a number of narrower, paths that can be taken to make the most of this walk. Go here at the right time of year and you’ll be blown away by the colourful bluebell display.
2. Walton Common, Walton-in-Gordano
For those who don’t mind a bit of an uphill start, the common – another Avon Wildlife Trust site - can be accessed from a path leading up from Walton Street. On a circular course, you will take in the open common before venturing into the woodland with wide paths leading you on an easy-to-follow route. A warning for anyone with a dog with a fairly high prey drive, at certain times of year the common is home to lots of pheasants!
3. Clevedon Pill and Wains Hill
Great on a sunny day, giving gorgeous views of the Bristol Channel, Clevedon Pill and Wains Hill can be accessed either from Old Church Road or Salthouse Road, via the Marine Lake. This route includes green open spaces, great for a game of fetch, as well as the hardcore coast path (which is good on a wet day when you want to avoid too much mud).
4. Leigh Woods and the Avon Gorge
This walk starts at Leigh Woods, where there is a large car park used by walkers, cyclists and families to access the woodland’s numerous trails. A path drops gently downhill through woodland to reach the banks of the River Avon, with the Clifton Suspension Bridge high overhead. When beginning the walk at Leigh Woods, follow the signs for Paradise Bottom. If unsure about walking along the riverbank, where the water flow can be very strong, you can simply remain in Leigh Woods and walk for miles around its numerous gravel paths.
5. Chew Valley Lake
For dogs that love water, this can also be a worry-free walk for their owners who know their pets will be safe diving in and out of the lake. Park alongside the Pelican Inn at Chew Magna and follow the banks of the River Chew which will lead you to the lake. If you and your dog haven’t burnt all of your energy off at the lake, you can continue a route up to Knowle Hill before heading back toward the pub.
6. Ashton Court, Long Ashton
With 860 acres of land, this estate offers vast open spaces to allow your dog to make the most of their day out. You can park in a public car park near to the estate entrance off Kennel Lodge Road (which also leads to buildings owned by the University of the West of England). After parking, avoid the gate to the deer park but instead turn left up the hill toward some woodland where you can roam for as long as you want before perhaps enjoying a much-deserved drink at the Courtyard Café.
* Let us know your favourite dog walks so we can share them with our readers by commenting below. Why not also share this with your other dog-loving friends?
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