The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Blagdon

There are 7 dog-friendly hiking routes around Blagdon featured in this guide. These trails offer a variety of experiences, from moderate walks to more challenging hikes through the Mendip Hills.

The terrain around Blagdon is quite varied. You'll find paths tracing the serene shoreline of Blagdon Lake, undulating countryside, open farmland, and tranquil woodlands. For more challenging hikes, routes ascend into the Mendip Hills, offering significant elevation changes and panoramic views.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly routes around Blagdon are circular. For instance, the Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve – Burrington Ham Viewpoint loop from Blagdon offers a moderate 12 km circular walk with varied scenery. Another option is the View of Compton Martin – Holt Farm Organic Gardens loop from Blagdon, which is a moderate 13.6 km circular route.

Blagdon Lake itself is a prominent natural feature, offering expansive water views and birdwatching opportunities. Many trails also lead into the Mendip Hills National Landscape, providing stunning vistas. You might encounter highlights like Chew Valley Lake, or the Beacon Batch summit trig point on more challenging routes.

Absolutely. For experienced hikers and their dogs, the Blagdon, Cheddar Gorge & Beacon Batch loop from Burrington Ham — Mendip Hills is a difficult 19.5 km route with over 500 meters of elevation gain, offering a strenuous and rewarding experience through the Mendip Hills.

The Blagdon area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 260 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil lakeside paths to the panoramic views from the Mendip Hills, and the overall dog-friendly atmosphere of the trails.

Yes, many trails provide excellent viewpoints. The Mendip Hills, in particular, offer panoramic vistas. For example, the Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve – Burrington Ham Viewpoint loop from Blagdon specifically highlights a viewpoint, allowing you to take in the expansive scenery with your dog.

While the focus is on natural beauty, some routes may pass near points of interest. The Blagdon Pumping Station, a Grade II* listed building, is a historical attraction near the lake. You might also find routes that offer glimpses of places like Rickford Chapel and Pond, adding a touch of local history to your walk.

The duration varies depending on the route's length and difficulty. Moderate trails like the View of Cheddar Gorge – Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve loop from Aveline's Hole can take around 4-5 hours, while shorter, easier walks might be 2-3 hours. Longer, difficult routes can extend to 6 hours or more.

Yes, several routes extend into the broader Mendip Hills. The Blagdon, Cheddar Gorge & Beacon Batch loop from Burrington Ham — Mendip Hills is a prime example, taking you through significant parts of the Mendip Hills National Landscape, including views towards Cheddar Gorge.

Many of the moderate to difficult routes are ideal for a full day's adventure with your dog. Trails ranging from 12 km to nearly 20 km, such as the Burrington Ham Viewpoint – Goatchurch Cavern loop from Aveline's Hole or the longer Mendip Hills loops, provide ample distance and elevation for a satisfying day of hiking.