Somerset is one of those counties that quietly delivers. Away from the coast and Exmoor’s wild moorland, you’ll find a landscape shaped by limestone hills, ancient woodland, winding canals and wide, open wetlands that feel a world away from busier national parks. It’s a county that rewards slower exploration, with routes that suit everything from gentle ambles to more leg-testing hill walks.
This guide focuses on inland, countryside walks that are genuinely dog friendly and geographically spread across the county. Expect Mendip viewpoints, Quantock ridgelines, peaceful canal paths and flat, easy routes across the Somerset Levels. If you’re looking for coastal rambles or Exmoor adventures, we link those separately. These are Somerset walks in their own right.
Cheddar Reservoir
Cheddar Reservoir – Photo Credit: David Smith
Cheddar Reservoir offers an easy, well-maintained circular walk with expansive views across the Mendip Hills. The wide gravel track makes this a great option for year-round walking, even after wet weather, and the open setting gives dogs plenty to sniff and explore without feeling confined.
Despite its accessibility, the walk still feels spacious and peaceful, especially outside peak summer weekends. It’s a reliable option if you want something straightforward that still delivers countryside views, and it works well as a shorter outing or a relaxed leg-stretch between bigger adventures.
- Distance: 4.2 miles | 6.8 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Gravel paths, open countryside
- Dog suitability: Great for most dogs; keep on lead near wildlife and cyclists
- Facilities: Parking nearby; limited shelter on route
Ebbor Gorge
Ebbor Gorge – Photo Credit: Rodw
Ebbor Gorge is one of the Mendips’ most dramatic inland landscapes, with steep limestone sides, ancient woodland and a real sense of enclosure once you drop into the gorge itself. The paths weave between open viewpoints and shaded woodland, making it an engaging walk for both dogs and humans.
There is some climbing involved, but the reward comes in the form of far-reaching views back across Somerset. Dogs that enjoy woodland scents and varied terrain will love this route, though it’s best suited to confident walkers rather than a casual stroll.
- Distance: 4 miles | 6.4 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Woodland trails, limestone paths, gradients
- Dog suitability: Suitable for fit dogs; leads advised near edges
- Facilities: Small car park; no facilities on route
Crook Peak
The Summit of Crook Peak – Photo Credit: Roger Cornfoot
Crook Peak is one of the Mendips’ standout viewpoints and delivers a short but rewarding hill walk. The ascent is steady rather than extreme, and once you reach the top, the views stretch across the Somerset Levels and towards the Bristol Channel on clear days.
This walk is ideal if you want something that feels adventurous without taking up a full day. It’s popular with locals, but still retains a wild, open feel, particularly in quieter hours. Wind can be a factor on the ridge, so it’s worth packing a layer.
- Distance: 2.8 miles | 4.5 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Grass paths, open hillside
- Dog suitability: Fine for most dogs; exposed sections
- Facilities: Roadside parking nearby
Quantock Hills – Great Wood & Beacon Hill
Quantock Hills – Photo Credit: Lewis Clarke
The Quantock Hills feel noticeably different to Exmoor, with softer ridges, wooded combes and a more intimate scale. This circular route combines Great Wood’s dense woodland with open hilltop sections around Beacon Hill, offering variety without the crowds found elsewhere.
It’s a rewarding walk for dogs that enjoy changing scenery and longer routes. Woodland sections provide shelter on hot days, while the hilltop paths give you a sense of space and elevation that feels bigger than the map suggests.
- Distance: 6.2 miles | 10 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Woodland paths, ridgelines, mixed surfaces
- Dog suitability: Good for experienced walkers; livestock present
- Facilities: Parking at designated Quantock car parks
Staple Plain
Staple Plain – Photo Credit: Stephen Wilks
Staple Plain is one of the most accessible entry points into the Quantocks, offering open heathland, wide tracks and gentle gradients. It’s a great introduction to the area and suits walkers looking for something scenic without committing to a long, strenuous route.
The openness makes this a pleasant walk in all seasons, with changing colours across the heath and plenty of space to roam. It’s especially good if you want flexibility, as the network of paths allows you to shorten or extend the walk easily.
- Distance: 3.5 miles | 5.6 km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Heathland tracks, open countryside
- Dog suitability: Good with recall; leads near livestock
- Facilities: Parking available at Staple Plain
Bridgwater and Taunton Canal
Bridgwater and Taunton Canal – Photo Credit: Guy Wareham
The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal offers flat, easy walking that’s ideal for older dogs, puppies, or recovery days between hill walks. The towpath is largely level and well-defined, passing through quiet countryside and small settlements.
While it’s not a dramatic route, it’s calming and consistent, making it perfect for longer, steady walks. Dogs that enjoy water, wildlife smells and predictable terrain will find plenty to enjoy here.
- Distance: Up to 5 miles | 8 km (out and back)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Towpath, flat ground
- Dog suitability: Excellent for most dogs; cyclists use the path
- Facilities: Parking at various access points
Ham Hill Country Park
Ham Hill Country Park – Photo Credit: Bill Harrison
Ham Hill Country Park is one of Somerset’s most distinctive inland landscapes, with golden stone terraces, wide paths and sweeping views across South Somerset. The elevated plateau gives the walk an open, airy feel, while the surrounding countryside keeps it firmly rooted in rural Somerset.
There are multiple route options here, making it easy to tailor the walk to your time and energy levels. It’s a sociable spot without feeling crowded, and the solid paths make it a reliable choice year-round.
- Distance: 3 miles | 4.8 km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Parkland paths, open hilltop
- Dog suitability: Very dog friendly; popular with local walkers
- Facilities: Parking and café on site
Westhay Moor
Westhay Moor – Photo Credit: Des Blenkinsopp
Westhay Moor sits right at the heart of the Somerset Levels and offers a completely different walking experience to the county’s hills. Boardwalks and flat paths cross open wetlands, reedbeds and waterways, creating a calm, expansive route that’s perfect for slower days.
This is a brilliant option if you want something flat and accessible without sacrificing interest. Wildlife is a big feature here, so keeping dogs under control is important, but the space and scenery make it well worth the visit.
- Distance: 3.7 miles | 6 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Boardwalks, flat paths
- Dog suitability: On lead recommended due to wildlife
- Facilities: Parking available nearby
Map of Dog Friendly Walks in Somerset
This map brings together all of the walks listed above, helping you plan routes across the county and avoid overlap with coastal and Exmoor locations. It’s designed to complement our wider Wildpack Map of the UK and slot neatly into your Somerset planning.
Tips for Walking in Somerset with Your Dog
- Watch for livestock, especially in the Mendips and Quantocks
- Pack water in summer, as many routes are exposed
- Use leads near wildlife, particularly on the Levels and nature reserves
- Check weather conditions, as limestone paths can be slippery after rain
What’s Nearby?
If you’re exploring further afield, these guides pair well with Somerset countryside walks:
- Dog Friendly Walks in Exmoor National Park – Moorland, tors and forest routes
- Dog Friendly Beaches in Somerset – Coastal walks and year-round dog access
- Dog friendly walks in Wiltshire – a mix of woodland shade, exposed ridges and relaxed riverside walking
- Dog Friendly Beaches in Dorset – Stunning coastal beaches and coves with good access
- Dog Friendly Walks in Dorset – From exposed ridgeways to gentle river routes
- Dog Friendly Walks in Devon – Woodland valleys, rolling countryside and inland routes
- Dog Friendly Beaches in Devon – Expansive beaches, rugged coastlines and seaside walks
Final Thoughts
Somerset’s inland walks often fly under the radar, but that’s part of their appeal. From limestone gorges and rolling hills to canals and wetlands, the county offers a huge amount of variety without the crowds found elsewhere.
These dog friendly walks are ideal if you want to explore Somerset at a gentler pace, build a longer stay around the county, or simply discover new places to walk beyond the obvious hotspots.