3 fantastic walks in Bristol and Bath

Willsbridge Mill and Valley is so popular that dog owners head to it from lots of different suburbs of Bristol including Keynsham and Bitton. This circular walk takes you along the Siston Brook and towards the mill, which is from the 18th century and is home to a lovely tea room and ice cream parlour, which are both dog friendly. They do a fantastic cooked breakfast!

The mill also has a charming community garden next to it, which is perfect for putting your feet up if you just want to get away from it all.

The walk itself is flat in most parts, easy to follow and even has cut throughs down to the brook for paddling hot paws.

And the best bit yet is that the walk follows the old Dramway, which was used for carrying coal. You’ll spot various signs and monuments giving you a clue as to the place’s history, which definitely adds interest to your daily dog walk!

You may even hear the woodpeckers that are known to frequent this area too!

There’s a car park on Long Beach Road, which is free to use and well signposted to and from the Dramway and mill. There’s also space for a few cars right next to the mill, which are reserved for those with disabilities.

BONUS! If you walk through the mill’s community garden and along the road for a bit, then it’s also possible to walk across fields and hills within the area of Willsbridge Valley. Here, you can enjoy a circular route from Willsbridge Mill; but this time with epic views across the surrounding countryside!

1. Willsbridge Mills

2. Conham River Park Leap Valley in Downend is one of the lesser-known dog walks in Bristol, but is a charming escape from the hustle and bustle.

There are various routes you can take of different lengths including a 0.9 mile walk (taking just 25 minutes), a 2 ¾ mile long walk (taking about an hour) and a 4 mile walk (which is two hours long).

Whichever way you go, you’ll come across streams, tiny bridges, woodlands, country lanes, wildflower meadows and apple and damson orchards, which all help to make this dog walk fun and varied for both you and your canine pal.

Another of the best dog walks in Bristol is Conham River Park in Brislington.

This gentle flat walk follows the River Avon Trail for roughly 45 minutes. But you could keep walking further if you want, which will take you towards Bath and Pulteney Bridge.

This is a popular route with other dog walkers, families and cyclists though, so it’s best to keep your dog on a lead when it’s busy. But they are allowed off lead along the paths when it’s safe to do so.

Another great thing about this dog walk is Beese’s Riverside Bar. It’s only open during the warmer months, but it’s home to a charming riverside beer garden and tea room.

You have to get a boat across the river to the bar but it only costs 50p for a return and takes just a couple of minutes.

And of course, dogs are allowed on the boats and in the gardens, so you can easily make a total doggy day of it if you want!

There’s a free car park at the entrance to Conham River Park. It’s a little on the small side, but you shouldn’t have any issues with parking on less busy days or during off-peak times.

3. Leap Valley

While you’re in this area, don’t forget to check out The Beehive Coffee House along the Downend highstreet. This charming tea room is dog friendly and is the place to be for epic freakshakes!