Best Winter dog walks in Bristol
With the shorter, colder days of winter, we just love making the most of our time outdoors with Bella. The forests floors become frosty, icy puddles need to be jumped in and wellies are definitely a must. We have so many great dog walks to choose from, so below is some we would love to share with you. We are especially partial a walk with a pub or cafe at the end of it like Oldbury Court Estate, Kings Weston House or Ashton Court Estate.
Ashton Court Estate
Ashton Court Estate, one of the most popular walks in Bristol, truly deserves to be on our list of winter walks. If you get there early in the morning on a cold frosty day, there’s sometimes a layer of mist that clings to the ground, making the whole estate look ethereal and wonderful. There are also 2 cafes here, perfect for warming up with a cup of tea after a long walk! Or visit The Ashton pub, just on the edge of Ashton Court, where you can warm up in front of the large fire.
Manor Woods Valley
There’s something lovely about Manor Woods Valley in the winter, there’s a large area of green which seems to reflect the dull winter light so well, brightening up your walk. It’s also has a great mix of woodland, fields and water for pooches to splash around in (if they are willing!) It’s not a very long walk (45 mins – hour circular route), but worth a wander.
National Trust Tyntesfield
A National Trust property, with extensive grounds and gardens. You will have to pay entry to go into the estate or use your National Trust card (the car park is also free for National Trust members or £3 to park). Dogs are welcome in most places in Tyntesfield on lead, so take a walk around the wonderfully large woodland, the volunteers will give you a map and let you know where you and your pup are allowed.
Stockhill Wood
Stockhill Wood is a large woodland that is gorgeous whatever the weather. It is a truly great dog walk, as even in winter the place is so green, with a layer of moss covering much of the woodland floor, it’s even more magical when it snows (if you can get there!). Make sure you take wellies though, as it can get very muddy!
Oldbury Court Estate
Oldbury Court Estate is a Bristol favourite for dog walkers. With a varied terrain that allows you to change up your walks, it has paved walkways (perfect for avoiding that wet grass!), large grass fields, woodlands to explore and the River Frome for your dog to splash in. If you go into the woodland, take wellies as the mud can be very deep sometimes (we will never forget the first time we took puppy Bella and she rolled in a MASSIVE muddy puddle!) Enjoy a delicious lunch at nearby The Duck & Willow after, just a couple of minutes away in the car.
Blaise Castle Estate
Blaise Castle Estate is a beloved Bristol walk that will always be a pleasure to walk through whatever the season. Park at The Dingle to walk straight into the woodland before following the pathed walkway that will lead you past streams and pools towards the hill where, after a bit of a steep walk, you will reach the folly castle with spectacular views. There are so many different routes to chose from, you can have a different walk on every visit. We’ve definitely got lost a few times!
Overscourt Wood
Overscourt Wood is a large space that feels very open and peaceful to walk around. It is dog heaven with 87 hectares (207 acres) of new woodland and fields with wonderful views of Kingswood, Bristol and the Cotswold Edge. Popular with dog walkers, the walk is split into two different areas, one area has sloping hills, viewpoints, benches and clusters of new woodlands. The other side is flatter with the Siston Brook running through. There are also numerous walks here, so you will be able to vary your walks every time.
Ashton Hill
Ashton Hill is a brilliant place for a woodland dog walk in Bristol. With an easy to follow circular route that takes about an hour or so, this walk never fails to impress us. We always make sure we visit the Giant Redwood Grove and gape at the sheer scale of them whilst Bella runs in and out of the trees happily chasing squirrels. It is also a good walk for a wet, windy winter’s day as you can take shelter in the trees against the elements.
Badock’s Wood
Badock’s Wood is a hidden haven in the city with a variety of terrain to explore. In the centre of the woods, the River Trym flows through the valley floor and meanders through ancient trees, Bella just loves splashing in the water, as do many other doggies. Dotted around the woodland are amazing tree carvings, making it a great place to venture with kids. Spend an hour or longer here exploring the different areas.
Stoke Park Estate
Stoke Park Estate is a popular walk for dog walkers and is most well known to Bristolians for the yellow Dower House that sits proudly on the hill as you drive down the M32. The park has woodlands, extensive grassy fields, pond, fishing lake, sculpture trail and historic monuments so there’s always something to see. Just make sure you pack wellies for a muddy walk! Cosy up after in nearby Boston Tea Party, where dogs are very welcome inside.
Goblin Combe
Goblin Combe is a magical woodland in Cleeve, even in the cold winter days, it’s a beautiful walk. There are a few different routes to choose from here, but one of the most impressive is following the path through the woodland, surrounded by mossy stones and ancient trees, then climbing up the hill to the vantage point of Cleeve Toot to see some spectacular views.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt Arboretum is a stunning walk any time of year and it’s one of Bella’s favourite places to dart in and out the trees, sniffing new smells and meet other doggies. Dogs are allowed off lead in Silk Woods and Lower Downs. Venture along the frosty paths in winter to see the evergreens and pine trees, finishing at one of the lovely cafes (outside seating only for dogs and their humans, but there are covered areas). You do need to pay for entry to Westonbirt Arboretum and in December last entry to day visitors and members will be at 2pm, and the site will shut at 3pm.
Kings Weston House
One of our favourite winter walks! Kings Weston House is just one of those walks that is always delightful, with a circular route that will take about an hour, through gardens, woodland and ruins, finishing with amazing views of Avonmouth and Portishead. The best part is ending the walk in the lovely and super dog friendly Kings Weston House Cafe where you can warm up with a cup of Clifton Coffee Roasters coffee, breakfast or lunch near the wood burner.
Weston-Super-Mare Beach
Winter is the best time to visit Weston-Super-Mare, as it’s only dog friendly 1st October until 30th April. Make the most of the empty beaches and stroll around with your pup whilst they chase balls and dig in the sand. If you are feeling adventurous and crave a longer walk, then carry walking on the beach south to Uphill Beach or north to explore Weston Woods.