Best Dog Walks in Somerset
If you’re searching for the best dog walks in Somerset, you’re in the right place. This guide brings together the top dog-friendly walks across the county. Whether your dog loves bounding through woods, racing along beaches, or exploring wide-open moorland, Somerset is packed with amazing dog-friendly walks for all seasons.
Somerset is one of the UK’s most beautiful places to walk with dogs, from easy riverside trails to dramatic cliff-top paths. These routes are perfect for both families and their four-legged friends.
Why Somerset is Perfect for Dog Walking
Somerset has over 6,000km of public rights of way to explore, including Mendip Hills dog walks with big views and woodland walks in the Quantocks. You’ll find a brilliant mix of beaches, woodlands, hills and countryside.
There are plenty of dog-friendly cafés and pubs nearby and easy-to-access walks for all ages and abilities.
10 of the Best Dog Walks in Somerset
Berrow Beach, Burnham-on-Sea
Why go: One of the best dog-friendly beaches in Somerset, dogs are welcome all year round. There is 7-miles of long sandy beaches stretching from Burnham to Berrow and Brean, making it perfect for playful pups.
Route tip: Walk north towards Brean Down for miles of uninterrupted beach.
Parking: Park at Burnham, Berrow or Brean.
Family tips:
Flat terrain — ideal for kids.
Beware of soft sand and tides.
Stop at a local café in Burnham after your walk.
- Check out Burnham Lighthouse on the foreshore
Great Wood, Quantock Hills
Why go: Set in the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is a lovely woodland dog walk in Somerset. Ideal for energetic dogs and families who love exploring woodland. Expect tall trees, forest paths, and shady picnic spots.
Route tip: The Great Wood Circular Trail offers shady paths and picnic spots. Follow the Forestry England’s waymarked Red Walk for a family-friendly walk (2-miles).
Family tips:
Free parking at Ramscombe.
Keep dogs close around deer.
Brilliant on warm summer days.
- Look out for Douglas firs which are some of the tallest trees in England. The tallest is just over 50 metres.
Leigh Woods, near Bristol
Why go: A tranquil woodland dog walk on the Somerset side of the Avon Gorge.
This is one of the best woodland walks near Bristol, with ancient trees and stunning views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s also a great buggy walk in Somerset, especially on the main colour-coded trails. These are mainly hard-surfaced and suitable for pushchairs. Read here for more accessible walks in Somerset.
Route tip: Follow Forestry England’s purple or orange waymarked trails (2–3 miles).
Family tips:
Well-signed and shaded routes.
Combine with a visit to nearby Ashton Court.
Paid parking.
Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor National Park
Why go: The highest point in Somerset, with stunning moorland views across Exmoor and endless space for exploring. Great for adventurous dogs and scenic family hikes.
Route tip: Try the circular walk from Webbers Post car park to the Beacon and back via Horner’s Wood (around 3 miles).
Family tips:
Bring layers; it can get windy.
Great for active families and older kids.
Keep dogs on leads near ponies and sheep.
Ashton Court Estate, Bristol
Why go: A classic dog-friendly park near Bristol with 850 acres of open space, rolling hills, and woodland trails. There are some great views of the city, a deer park and gardens to explore.
Route tip: Wander from the mansion past the deer park (dogs on leads there) or around the golf course for views over Bristol.
Family tips:
On-site café and toilets.
Great for picnics and bikes.
Ideal for all ages and abilities.
- Bristol International Balloon Fiesta every August (dogs on leads).
Ham Hill Country Park, near Yeovil
Why go: A Somerset country park filled with wildflowers, incredible views over South Somerset and Iron Age history. Ham Hill Country Park has the largest Iron Age Hill Fort in Europe and is a scheduled ancient monument.
Route tip: Explore the footpaths around Ham Hill Country Park, Hedgecock Hill Wood and Hamdon Hill Wood.
Family tips:
- Explore the circular standing stones and the Ham Hill Geology Trail.
Free parking near the Ham Hill Country Park Ranger Station
Prince of Wales pub at Ham Hill is dog-friendly with indoor and outdoor seating with fantastic views.
Dogs can roam off-lead in most areas.
Stunning sunset views.
- Follow the Ham Hill Roman Treasure Trail for a scenic, family-friendly route.
Sand Point and Middle Hope, Weston-super-Mare
Why go: A dramatic coastal walk near Weston-super-Mare, with sea views, rocky coves, and grassy headlands.
Route tip: Either start at Sand Point National Trust car park and follow the coastal path out over Middle Hope (4-mile circular). Ideal if you want to visit the beach at Sand Bay, plus there is often an ice cream van parked here!
Or, start at Middle Hope National Trust car park near Woodspring Priory (Free).
Family tips:
Moderate route with a few climbs.
Perfect picnic spots overlooking the Bristol Channel.
Keep dogs safe near cliff edges.
- Explore Middle Hope beach
- Beware of grazing animals
Cheddar Gorge Cliff Walk
Why go: One of the most dramatic dog walks in Somerset, offering spectacular limestone cliffs, caves and views across the Mendips.
Route tip: The Cheddar Gorge circular trail takes around 2–3 hours.
Family tips:
Keep dogs on leads near cliffs.
Parking, cafés and shops in Cheddar village.
Combine with a cave visit for a full day out.
- Keep dogs away from goats that graze Cheddar Gorge.
Stockhill Woods, Mendip Hills
Why go: Peaceful pine forest trails perfect for off-lead walks in the Mendip Hills. A local favourite for dog walkers thanks to its wide paths and level terrain.
Route tip: Explore the Stockhill Circular Trail (around 2 miles) or make your own route through the forestry paths.
Family tips:
Free parking and picnic tables.
Great in all seasons — dry underfoot even in winter.
Close to Priddy and Wells for post-walk treats.
Langport River Walk (River Parrett Trail)
Why go: Flat, easy and peaceful — this riverside dog walk in Somerset is perfect for families and dogs who enjoy gentle strolls.
Route tip: Follow the River Parrett Trail from Langport to Muchelney and back.
Family tips:
Child-friendly paths.
Dog-friendly cafés in Langport.
Lovely wildlife spotting opportunities.
Dog Walking Tips in Somerset
Bring water and towels — Somerset’s mix of beach and woodland means muddy paws are guaranteed!
Always check signs for livestock.
Dispose of waste responsibly.
Many cafés, pubs and attractions nearby are dog friendly — perfect for refuelling after your walk.
From sandy adventures at Burnham and Berrow Beach to peaceful forest strolls at Stockhill Woods, Somerset is full of dog-friendly walks for every kind of explorer.
Whether you fancy a gentle riverside walk, a coastal hike, or a woodland wander, there’s something for everyone, and every wagging tail.
So grab the lead, pack the treats, and discover the best dog walks in Somerset for your next family day out.
Also take a look at our favourite Somerset Walks with Pubs, great Family Walks in Somerset, and our best Accessible Walks in Somerset. For nature walks, check out Where to see Snowdrops in Somerset and The Best Bluebell Walks in Somerset.
Read more Somerset Guides
Somerset Family Adventures is a free online resource for planning your adventures. If you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful, you can say thanks and show your support by buying me a coffee. Thanks so much! You can also sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear of our new walks and days out.
Share this post with your friends and family, and follow us on our social media. Feel free to tag us in your photos if one of my posts has inspired you to visit.
