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Somerset is known for many things including the Glastonbury Festival, cider, cricket and Britain’s oldest preserved skeleton (Cheddar man). Aside from all of that, there are some beautiful dog walks to take in. With stunning coastline and historic sites as well as Britain’s tallest gorge.
We have selected some of our favourites. These have previously been well trodden by our namesake chocolate Labradors Oscar and Hooch. Here are nine walks they loved.
Part of the Mendip hills, Crook Peak sits towards the west and offers a stunning and very rewarding dog walk in Somerset. Set in over eight hundred acres, this walk has it all: woodland, open grassland and breathtaking views.
You can start either side of the hill though the Kings Wood car park (A38 end of Winscombe Hill) is best for a longer walk. The car park is small and can be busy, especially when the weather is favourable. On the road parking is an option but limited. People come and go all the time, so spaces can become free quite quickly.
Walk from the car park through the gate, and right into the woods and up a hill. This will quickly bring you out to open grassland, where you will see the walk ahead. Horses and cows are often grazing here, so keep your dog well under control.
Continue uphill past a house on your right. The next ascent is steep and slippery in wet weather. At the top, a viewpoint map offers stunning views across Cheddar.
You can then carry on towards the peak. You will see in the distance, something akin to the top of a witch’s hat. The path is very straight, and you will have more downhill until you reach the peak. A very short final ascent will bring you to the top.
The views here are breathtaking. With the Coast and Wales on one side, and Glastonbury Tor rising up on the other. You can also get a bird’s eye view of stationary traffic on the M5 during the summer months!
We highly recommend visiting the New Inn Pub situated in Cross. There is a footpath to the left of the pub which will bring you onto the edge of Kings Wood. If you plan to eat at the pub and want to be inside, then you should book in advance.
Definitely one of our favourite dog walks.
The Quantock hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offering countless dog-friendly walking routes. From dramatic coastal views at Kilve to peaceful woodland trails from Holford, there is something for every dog and owner.
From Holford, follow the stream into the woods—perfect for dogs who love water. In Nether Stowey, the Post Office café offers great coffee and waffles for a post-walk treat.
Because there are so many routes, we haven’t suggested one specific walk—exploring is half the fun!
Dunster lies on the edge of Exmoor National Park and is surrounded by beautiful scenery, dog-friendly paths and charming village streets. There is also the delightful Dunster Castle. If you have time, then you should take in the gardens of the castle, where dogs are welcome.
Use Dunster Steep car park, found just before entering the village.
Head downhill to the water mill and follow Mill Gardens to the medieval Gallox Bridge.
Cross the bridge (ignoring the path to the left) and walk up into the woods. This path continues for miles and eventually leads out onto the top of Exmoor.
Return in a loop back toward Dunster—although be prepared for adventure if you take a wrong turn!
Mentioned in the legend of King Arthur, the Tor is shrouded in mystery. The monument at the top is St Michaels built in the 14thcentury. This monument replaced the original wooden church that had been destroyed by an earthquake in 1275.
Begin your dog walk in Glastonbury town. Parking near the base is tricky, so walking from town is often easier.
The walk up the hill can be steep. There are points where you can take a break if it is too much! Your dog should enjoy running up and down the terraces while you catch your breath. Interesting fact, no one actually knows how these terraces were formed.
At the top you can enjoy the ambience of Celtic mystery and the knights of the roundtable. Take in the views after climbing just over five hundred feet. You will get great views of the Somerset levels and beyond, as well as Glastonbury below.
Brean Down sits between Weston Super-Mare and Burnham. It rises up just over three hundred feet and juts out of the Somerset coastline. It is best to go outside of summer.
You can park on the beach (seasonally) or at the two car parks at the end of the road leading to the Down.
Be aware. The beach is very muddy. The further out you go towards the sea, the muddier it gets. So make sure you wear appropriate footwear and be careful you dog doesn’t get stuck in the mud. There are steps leading up to the Down, and then you should turn left to head towards Brean Down Fort.
The walk to the fort is approx. one and half miles. There are sheer drops on either side of the Down, so dogs should be under close control (and young children!). Depending on the time of year you visit, be prepared for windy conditions. Once you reach Brean Fort, there are lots of places to take shelter from the wind.
Brean Fort dates back to the Bronze Age. It was further strengthened with the addition of guns to protect Bristol and Cardiff. You can swap sides on the way back to make it a more interesting dog walk. The café at the bottom of the Down isn’t bad. There’s lots of seating inside and out (although at the time of writing, dogs are not allowed inside).
Out on the Somerset levels between Wedmore and Glastonbury, the Westhay Nature Reserve is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers.
When driving on the main road from Wedmore towards Glastonbury you will pass Sweets Tea Rooms on your left. You should take the left had turn immediately after the tearooms. Carry on this road until you come to the nature reserve.
For dog walkers, this is an interesting and pleasant walk with lots of different nooks and crannies to explore. There are bird watching huts you can go into and lots of information about the local wildlife. Sometimes Exmoor ponies graze here, so dogs should be kept under close control.
The Knoll can be viewed from miles around. It is a distinctive hill that can be seen from the M5 and the local railway lines. It stands at over 400ft and is situated between the villages of East Brent and Brent Knoll.
For the East Brent walk, head down Church Rd and park near the church. A footpath passes the First School and takes you to the base of the hill. You can then walk straight up the hill and take in the spectacular views.
The Brent Knoll side walk starts in Brent Knoll. Head up Church Lane (turning into Hill Lane). You will see a farm on your right and a small car park on the left. Park in the car park and then cross the road. Go through the gate, passing the house and farm on your left. Keep walking along the path until eventually you will reach the steps up to the top. This is a slightly gentler walk than the East Brent side and has well maintained paths.
Well behaved dogs should be fine off the lead, as all farm animals are behind fences. When you get near the top of the Knoll there may be grazing animals so beware.
The views at the top are great. You get a complete view over the levels and out to Wales and the sea. Fancy a stop for a well-earned drink or snack after your walk? We recommend the Red Cow in Brent Knoll.
Located near Priddy, Stockhill Woods offers a lovely, peaceful woodland dog walk at any time of year.
Drive up Cheddar Gorge and take the third turning toward Priddy after the one for the gliding club dn the one other for Westbury Sub-Mendip). The woods are on the right near the Hunters Lodge crossroads, with plenty of parking available.
The woods are pretty all year round, with well-marked out footpaths. You can venture into the woods and there are some lovely spots that you dog is sure to enjoy exploring.
We recommend:
Cheddar Gorge is one of Somerset’s most dramatic natural landmarks and provides incredible dog-friendly hiking opportunities.
We suggest driving up the Gorge and parking near the National Trust woods. There are free lay-bys on both sides.
There are very steep drops on both sides—keep dogs close and be cautious.
Once in Cheddar, there are many cafés and tea rooms to enjoy.
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Here at Oscar & Hooch, we sell a range of dog-walking essentials such as leads, training leads, collars and harnesses. All are handmade in Somerset.
It is generally recommended you walk your dog 3 to 4 times per day for at least 15 minutes. Otherwise take them on 1 or 2 longer walks. However, this can vary depending on your dog’s breed.
Yes, it’s safe to walk dogs of all breeds and sizes in the rain. It’s important to ensure your dog is getting their daily exercise, even if the sun isn’t shining!
Yes, dogs need the mental stimulation that new sights bring. Repeating the same walk can become boring for both you and your dog!