Bristol sits in a rare position where genuinely wild-feeling countryside is never far away. Ancient woodland, limestone gorges, rolling hills and quiet river valleys surround the city, offering a huge amount of variety for dog owners willing to head just beyond the suburbs.
These walks focus on the best outdoor dog walks in and around Bristol, where space, scenery and terrain take priority. Each route is clearly defined, with a set start point and distance, and offers something different, from shaded woodland rambles to exposed hilltop hikes. Whether you’re looking for a shorter, easier outing or a more demanding walk with big views, these routes showcase the countryside that makes Bristol such a strong base for dog-friendly adventures.
Leigh Woods Circular via Nightingale Valley
This route explores one of the quieter and more atmospheric corners of Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve, looping through dense ancient woodland and the sheltered depths of Nightingale Valley. Although the walk starts close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, it quickly drops into a calm, enclosed woodland environment where traffic noise fades and the forest takes over.
The paths vary throughout, moving from wide, well-trodden tracks to narrower, root-laced trails that reward slower exploration. The return climb brings occasional glimpses across the Avon Gorge, adding drama without dominating the walk. Dogs will enjoy the variety of scents and terrain, but steady handling is important near cliff edges and on shared sections.
- Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
- Terrain: Woodland paths, rocky sections, steady climbs
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Laybys near Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Dog notes: Keep dogs under control near cliffs and cyclists
Blaise Castle Estate And Kings Weston Downs Loop
This circular route takes in the full scale of Blaise Castle Estate, extending beyond the woodland core and out onto the more open expanse of Kings Weston Downs. Starting near the estate entrance, the walk eases you in gently with tree-lined paths before gradually opening up into rolling grassland with wider views.
The contrast between shaded woodland and exposed downland gives the walk a balanced feel, making it suitable for a wide range of dogs and walkers. There’s plenty of space to spread out, especially away from peak times, and the terrain remains manageable throughout. Seasonal mud is common in lower sections, but it never feels overly demanding.
- Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 km)
- Terrain: Woodland trails, grassland, gentle hills
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Parking: Blaise Castle Estate car park
- Dog notes: Watch for grazing livestock and cyclists
Dundry Hill And Maes Knoll Circular From Dundry Village
South of Bristol, this walk climbs onto the open ridgeline of the Dundry Hills, finishing at Maes Knoll, an Iron Age hillfort with commanding views across Somerset and beyond. Starting from Dundry village, the route quickly leaves roads behind and follows field paths and tracks that steadily gain height.
This is one of the more exposed walks in the guide, with long sections offering little shelter from wind or weather. In return, you get a real sense of space and quiet, particularly on weekdays. Dogs comfortable around livestock will enjoy the freedom, but this is a route that rewards good recall and steady pacing, especially in poorer conditions.
- Distance: 6.8 miles (10.9 km)
- Terrain: Fields, tracks, open hillside
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Parking: Dundry village roadside parking
- Dog notes: Livestock common, very exposed in bad weather
Goblin Combe Circular From Cleeve
Hidden away just south-west of Bristol, Goblin Combe offers a dramatic limestone gorge and woodland setting that feels surprisingly wild. This circular route drops into the wooded valley before climbing back out onto higher ground, creating a walk with real character despite its relatively compact distance.
The gorge itself is steep-sided and atmospheric, with narrow paths, mossy rock faces and a sense of enclosure that dogs often find fascinating. The upper sections open out more, providing contrast and occasional views. Footing can be uneven in places, so it’s best suited to confident walkers and dogs used to rougher terrain.
- Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
- Terrain: Woodland trails, limestone paths, climbs
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Goblin Combe car park
- Dog notes: Narrow paths and steep drops in places
Cheddar Gorge Outer Woodland Loop
Rather than following the busy gorge road, this route stays on the quieter outer paths above Cheddar Gorge, looping through woodland and open downland with dramatic views into the gorge below. It’s a walk that feels expansive, with long stretches of open ground and a strong sense of elevation.
The distance and sustained climbs make this one of the more demanding routes in the guide, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. Dogs need to be comfortable with exposure and rough ground, and leads are essential near cliff edges. On clear days, the views alone make the effort worthwhile.
- Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km)
- Terrain: Woodland tracks, rocky paths, exposed sections
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Parking: Cheddar Gorge upper car parks
- Dog notes: Cliff exposure and livestock grazing
Pensford Viaduct River Chew Loop
This gentle countryside loop follows the River Chew beneath the impressive Pensford Viaduct, combining riverside paths, open meadows and quiet lanes. It’s a flatter walk than many others listed here, offering a calmer pace and fewer sustained climbs.
The route has a peaceful, pastoral feel and works well year-round, though winter rain can flood sections close to the river. Dogs that enjoy water and wildlife scents will find plenty to investigate, and the open landscape makes it an easy, relaxed option without feeling dull.
- Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
- Terrain: Riverside paths, meadows, lanes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Pensford village parking
- Dog notes: Muddy sections after rain, livestock in fields
Willsbridge Mill And Dramway Path Circular
This walk explores the wooded valley around Willsbridge Mill, linking into the historic Dramway Path for a gentle but engaging countryside route. The setting feels enclosed and green, with the sound of water and birdsong often accompanying the walk.
The paths are generally well-defined and forgiving underfoot, making this a good choice for less experienced walkers or older dogs. While it’s one of the shorter routes in the guide, it still delivers a strong sense of place and a break from busier landscapes.
- Distance: 3.8 miles (6.1 km)
- Terrain: Woodland paths, tracks
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Willsbridge Mill car park
- Dog notes: Shared paths with walkers and cyclists
Bath Skyline Western Loop From Kelston
Starting from Kelston, this route follows the western edge of the Bath Skyline, offering a countryside experience with long views rather than city streets. The walk climbs gradually through farmland and woodland, creating a steady rhythm without harsh ascents.
It’s a longer outing that suits dogs with good stamina, rewarding effort with sweeping views across the Avon Valley. Livestock are common, and shade is limited on higher ground, so timing and preparation matter, particularly in summer.
- Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
- Terrain: Fields, woodland, tracks
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Kelston roadside parking
- Dog notes: Livestock present, limited water sources
Advice For Walking Dogs Around Bristol
- Expect mud in woodland and valley routes after rain
- Keep dogs on leads around livestock and cliff edges
- Carry water on exposed hills, especially in summer
- Early mornings and weekdays are quieter on popular walks
- Check seasonal access restrictions where applicable
Map of Dog Friendly Walks In and Around Bristol
Explore these Bristol-based dog friendly walks using our handy map below, click the pins below to unveil more details and directions to the nearest car park.
Starting from Kelston, this loop follows the western edge of the Bath Skyline, offering a countryside walk with long views rather than city streets. The route climbs gradually through farmland and woodland, creating a steady, flowing walk.
Open sections reward effort with wide views across the Avon Valley, while woodland stretches provide shelter and variation. Livestock are common, and water sources are limited, so preparation is important, particularly in warmer months.
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Terrain: Fields, woodland, tracks
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Roadside parking in Kelston village
Dog notes: Livestock present, limited water sources
This walk explores the wooded valley around Willsbridge Mill, linking into the historic Dramway Path for a gentle but characterful countryside route. The setting feels enclosed and peaceful, with woodland, old stonework and flowing water shaping the experience.
Paths are generally well-surfaced and easy to follow, making this a good choice for less demanding outings or older dogs. While shorter than many routes, it still delivers a strong sense of place and escape from nearby urban areas.
Distance: 3.8 miles (6.1 km)
Terrain: Woodland paths, tracks
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Willsbridge Mill car park
Dog notes: Shared paths with walkers and cyclists
This gentle countryside loop follows the River Chew beneath the striking Pensford Viaduct, combining riverside paths with open meadows and quiet rural lanes. The flatter profile makes it a more relaxed walk compared to others in the guide.
Seasonal flooding can affect parts of the route, particularly after heavy rain, but the peaceful atmosphere and wildlife-rich surroundings make it rewarding year-round. Dogs that enjoy water and open space will feel at home here.
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
Terrain: Riverside paths, meadows, lanes
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Village parking in Pensford
Dog notes: Muddy sections after rain, livestock in fields
This longer route avoids the busy gorge road, instead following quieter woodland and downland paths above Cheddar Gorge. The walk circles the outer edge of the gorge, delivering dramatic views while maintaining a sense of space and remoteness away from the main tourist areas.
Sustained climbs and exposed sections make this one of the more demanding walks in the area, but the scenery more than compensates. Dogs must be kept under close control near cliff edges, and livestock grazing is common across open sections.
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km)
Terrain: Woodland tracks, rocky paths, exposed sections
Difficulty: Challenging
Parking: Upper Cheddar Gorge car parks
Dog notes: Cliff exposure and grazing livestock
This atmospheric circular walk explores the steep-sided limestone gorge of Goblin Combe, an unexpectedly wild-feeling landscape just south-west of Bristol. The route descends into dense woodland where narrow paths weave between rock faces and trees, creating a strong sense of enclosure.
As the walk climbs out of the gorge, the scenery opens up and the terrain becomes drier and more exposed, providing contrast and occasional views. Footing can be uneven throughout, particularly on lower sections, so confident walking dogs are best suited to this route.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Terrain: Woodland trails, limestone paths, climbs
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Goblin Combe car park
Dog notes: Narrow paths and steep drops in places
This circular route climbs steadily from Dundry village onto the exposed ridge of the Dundry Hills, finishing at Maes Knoll, an Iron Age hillfort with expansive views across Somerset and towards Wales on clear days. The walk leaves built-up areas quickly, replacing them with open fields, tracks and long stretches of countryside.
Exposure is a defining feature here, with little shelter once on the ridge, making weather conditions an important consideration. The terrain is straightforward but sustained, rewarding effort with a strong sense of space and quiet. Dogs should be comfortable around livestock, and good recall is essential across open sections.
Distance: 6.8 miles (10.9 km)
Terrain: Fields, tracks, open hillside
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Parking: Roadside parking in Dundry village
Dog notes: Livestock common, very exposed in poor weather
This loop takes in the full breadth of Blaise Castle Estate before opening out onto the wider landscape of Kings Weston Downs. Starting close to the estate entrance, the route moves through mature woodland with well-established paths before gradually transitioning into open grassland with broader views.
The mix of enclosed woodland and exposed downland gives the walk a balanced feel and keeps it interesting throughout. Paths are generally clear and easy to follow, though lower sections can become muddy after rain. Dogs benefit from plenty of space, particularly on the downs, but livestock grazing means leads may be needed at times.
Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 km)
Terrain: Woodland trails, grassland, gentle hills
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Parking: Blaise Castle Estate car park
Dog notes: Watch for grazing livestock and cyclists
This circular walk explores the quieter, more wooded side of Leigh Woods, dropping into the sheltered depths of Nightingale Valley before looping back through ancient woodland above the Avon Gorge. Despite its proximity to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the route quickly feels enclosed and calm, with dense tree cover, winding paths and a strong sense of separation from the city.
The terrain varies throughout, with wide woodland tracks giving way to narrower, root-covered trails and steady climbs on the return section. Occasional viewpoints offer glimpses across the gorge, adding interest without dominating the walk. Dogs will enjoy the variety of scents and terrain, but care is needed near cliff edges and on shared paths.
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
Terrain: Woodland paths, rocky sections, steady climbs
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Roadside laybys near Clifton Suspension Bridge
Dog notes: Keep dogs under control near cliffs and shared paths
Find even more dog friendly adventures across the UK using our Wildpack Map, a specially curated list of dog friendly points of interest.
What’s Nearby?
If you’re exploring further afield, consider:
- Dog friendly walks in the Cotswolds – Rolling hills, honey-stone villages, and well-marked paths make this an easy inland contrast to the coast.
- Dog friendly walks in Gloucestershire – from Cotswold hills to Forest of Dean trails, this guide covers varied terrain for every type of walk.
- Dog friendly beaches in Somerset – Wide tidal sands and long, open walks suit dogs that love space and steady coastal exploration.
- Dog friendly walks in the Forest of Dean – Dense woodland trails and riverside paths offer shaded walking and exciting afternoons.
- The Atlantic Highway Road Trip – A classic coastal route linking beaches, cliffs, and wild landscapes that’s ideal for slow travel with a dog.
All pair well with a Bristol base and offer very different terrain.
Final Thoughts
Bristol’s real strength for dog owners lies just beyond the city edge. From wooded gorges and river valleys to open hills and downland, the surrounding countryside offers genuine variety without long travel times.
These routes are designed to give dogs space, stimulation and proper outdoor adventure, while offering owners walks that feel rewarding rather than routine.