The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Mendip Hills AONB

The Chew Valley Lake, Knowle Hill & Chew Magna loop offers a diverse and scenic hiking experience at the northern edge of the Mendip Hills. You will find a mix of lakeside paths, riverside walks along the River Chew, woodlands, and open countryside fields. The landscape features gently undulating terrain with rolling hills and elevated views across the valley, including the expansive Chew Valley Lake. This easy 4.4-mile (7.0 km) hike involves a gentle 233 feet (71 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 1 hour and 52 minutes to complete. The atmosphere is tranquil, with soft, watery colors and shafts of sunlight, especially around the lake.

This trail is generally considered easy and suitable for most fitness levels, though paths can become muddy after heavy rain, so dry weather is recommended for the best experience. Refreshments and public toilets are available at Chew Valley Lake, and the nearby village of Chew Magna offers pubs and cafes for a post-hike treat. You can also find picnic spots around the lake, making it easy to extend your visit.

Chew Valley Lake is a nationally important site for wildlife, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area. It supports a huge population of waterfowl and other birds, with over 260 species recorded, and you might even spot some of the more than 30 mammal species, including occasional otters. The climb up Knowle Hill rewards you with extensive panoramic views across the Chew Valley to the Mendip Hills and Dundry Ridge, adding a memorable highlight to your hike.

Embark on a difficult 12.1-mile (19.5 km) hike through the Mendip Hills, gaining 1702 feet (519 metres) of elevation over approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes. This challenging loop from Burrington Ham takes you across varied terrain, from rare limestone grasslands to open moorland and woodlands. You will traverse mostly accessible paths, hiking paths, footpaths, and some street sections, with rocky outcrops and loose ground, especially around Beacon Batch. Expect breathtaking panoramic views from high points like Beacon Batch, the highest peak in the Mendips, stretching across the Bristol Channel into Wales.

This trail requires very good fitness and sure-footedness, as it involves moderate to steep climbs and uneven ground. Certain sections, such as the Black Rock Steep Rocky Path, can be particularly challenging, especially after rain or when descending. The route begins from Burrington Ham, which offers 360-degree views and is often home to wild horses and cattle. Plan your visit to allow ample time for the duration and prepare for diverse conditions underfoot.

The route is rich in natural and historical significance, passing through several protected areas. You will experience Cheddar Gorge, England's largest gorge and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its geology and archaeology. The trail also visits Velvet Bottom, a nature reserve with unique dry river valley characteristics, and Black Down, the largest area of open heathland in the Mendips, known for its valuable wildlife habitats and ancient archaeological sites, including Bronze Age burial mounds at Beacon Batch.

Embark on a moderate 7.4-mile (12.0 km) hike through the Mendip Hills, gaining 560 feet (171 metres) of elevation over approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. This loop from Black Gate takes you through the varied landscapes of Velvet Bottom and up to Beacon Batch. You will experience woodlands, open moorland, and pastures, with the path in Velvet Bottom traversing a dry river valley. As you ascend towards Beacon Batch, the terrain becomes more challenging, leading to the highest point in the Mendips.

When planning your visit, be aware that paths in Velvet Bottom can be wet and muddy, especially after rain. The ascent to Beacon Batch also involves some short climbs and potentially loose terrain and rocks. The Mendip Trail sections can be very muddy in wet conditions, so appropriate footwear is essential. This route is generally considered moderate, requiring good fitness, but it offers easily accessible paths for most hikers.

This trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial history. Velvet Bottom, now a nature reserve, reveals a landscape shaped by extensive lead mining from Roman times through the Victorian era, with visible remains of dams and buddle pits. From Beacon Batch, the highest point in the Mendip Hills at 325 meters (1066 feet), you can enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views that can stretch to the Bristol Channel and South Wales on clear days. The area is also rich in wildlife and home to Bronze Age round barrows.