Best Spring dog walks in Bristol

Harridge Wood can be described simply as magical. The nature reserve consists of a wonderful woodland walk with streams flowing through it, ruins of an old Keeper’s Cottage and a cascading waterfall. Spring is a great time to go, as the floor is covered in wild garlic flowers, bluebells start emerging and the water levels should still be high enough to see the waterfall in all it’s glory.

Blaise Castle is an absolute favourite for dog walks, the estate is so large, that you could come here again and again and find a new route every time. Spring is particularly beautiful at Blaise Castle, as the woodland starts coming back to life, dogs can splash about in the streams and pools and at the top of the hill, you will be rewarded with spectacular views over Bristol.

Bourton Combe is a tucked away woodland in Flax Bourton, with it’s more rugged terrain, it feels slightly wild and unkempt. But as a result, the wild garlic roams through the peaceful woodland, making you and your dog feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden woodland. There’s a good circular route here that takes just over an hour.

Badock’s Wood is a dog walkers dream. The walk is varied, with a narrow woodland that centres around an old valley with a stream running through, as well as meadows, fields and numerous paths. It’s a great walk to take kids on as well as the main paths are concreted (perfect for wheelchairs) and there are numerous wooden sculptures around the wood for children to spot and even sit on.

Stockhill Wood has become a real gem for dog walkers, with people always contacting us saying just how much they loved it. The woodland is vast (you could spend hours here), with numerous paths that take you on a journey around the woods, there are pools for dogs to splash around in and a wheelchair friendly path. In spring, the trees and meadows start coming back to life again.

Ebbor Gorge is a spectacular walk, with an ancient woodland that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the Jurassic age. A gorgeous walk at any time of year, but in spring, hopefully, you should have a beautiful sunny day to appreciate the stunning view at the top of the hill. Take a picnic up to the top and you won’t regret it!

Eastwood Farm is of the best nature reserves in Bristol. For an area that most Bristolians have never heard of, it should be far more known! It has fields, woods and the most beautiful walk next to the River Avon, where in spring, it starts coming to life and is so lush and green. Dogs will love it here! In Easter, the hidden gem Beese’s Riverside Bar & Garden opens, so you will be able to enjoy the sunshine (hopefully) whilst sitting outside and having a drink.

Woodchester Park is a tranquil secluded wooded valley looked after by The National Trust. This is a haven for foragers, with an amazing carpet of wild garlic covering the forest floor (we are partial to making some wild garlic pesto)! Later in spring, bluebells start appearing, making for a gorgeous walk through the woods. Please be aware of areas that ask dogs to stay on lead as there are sheep and lambs in nearby fields.

Lord’s Wood is a large woodland (150 acres) teeming with wildlife and a popular spot for families. Dogs who love a swim will absolutely adore it here, with streams and pools to splash around in. There are so many woodland paths to explore, so you could easily be here for hours.

Greyfield’s Wood and Stephen’s Vale Waterfall is a firm favourite for dog walkers who don’t mind going a little further out of Bristol for a great walk. Spring is a brilliant time to go as the water level is still high enough to see the waterfall in all its spectacular glory. It’s a magical place to spend some time with your pup.

Westonbirt Arboretum is a perfect place for a spring walk, with fantastic foliage, bursts of colour and brilliant blossoms. Spring in the Silk Wood is a great time with masses of bluebells appearing late April and May. If possible, go there as many times as you can in spring as this seasonal time Westonbirt is glorious! Stop at the cafe after so dogs can quench their thirst whilst you have a coffee.

Priors Wood is one of the best bluebell walks in Bristol, the colour of the forest floor in spring is magnificent. The bluebells are on one side of the woodland (south-east, on the furthest away point from the M5), so if you don’t see them straight away, just ask someone who will point you in the right direction. There’s no designated parking at Priors Wood, so try to get there early and park considerately.