As a dog walker, I spend a lot of my week walking dogs in South Bristol. This means I’ve got a good bank of varied walks that dogs love – and it also means I know where all the poo bins are. Some of these walks are popular, well-known spots, and some are less well-known.
I’ve given all the useful information I can think of, and I hope you find something for you and your pooch in my six best dog walks in South Bristol.
Ashton Court
This is probably one of the most popular dog-walking areas in South Bristol, so I felt it had to come first, and it would be weird not to include it. Ashton Court has a great mix of woodland and open fields. It also has a dog-friendly cafe, and even a deer park (though I usually keep the dogs away from there)
Terrain: A mix of terrain. Flat sections as well as hills that wind up into the forest. There are open fields of grass, trails and also paved sections that run all the way through the park.
Busyness: This is a big open area, but it does get very busy in the summer and during weekends as it’s a popular spot.
Facilities: Lots of poo bins; there are toilets and 3 car parks. There’s a cafe in the middle of the estate and dogs are very welcome. Dog water bowls and dog treats are available in the cafe.
Off-lead: Plenty of off-lead opportunities, though there are deer in the estate section of the park, so your dog should be kept under close control here. It’s worth noting that cyclists use the paved paths and there are frisbee golf sections, so still a few distractions to bear in mind for the pups.
Length of walk: You can vary the length of walk very easily, there’s so much space to roam that you can do as little or as much as you like. Typically I’ll do an hour, but you could do two without much bother.
Water: There are water pools but the quality of the water is very variable throughout the year. Watch out for thick green algae and keep your dog on lead near the ponds if you don’t want them swimming.
Reactive dog tips: If you go at a quiet time (early morning or during the week) you can have big sections of the park largely to yourself. There is good visibility across the fields, so even reactive dogs get a chance for off-lead time.
Leigh Woods
Leigh Woods is the biggest woodland in Bristol, and there’s no shortage of trails for varying your walk lengths. The paths are wide and easy to walk on, which makes this a great walking spot at any time of year. The shade of the trees is great in the summer.
Terrain: Mostly flat Woodland trails, though there are hilly areas in the woodland too.
Busyness: Can get very busy at weekends. If you’re looking for quieter times go early in the morning or during the week.
Facilities: Car park. Toilets. Poo bins. Also a refreshment van at weekends. Phone signal can be patchy but who doesn’t like a break from tech every now and again?!
Off-lead: Given the woodland nature, lead walking may be recommended if your dog’s recall can be unpredictable, as there are plenty of hiding spots. There are cyclists and runners to be mindful of, but still plenty of long open paths where pups can explore and run freely providing you trust their recall.
Length of walk: Lots of different options but the purple route takes around 45 minutes, and the red takes about 30. You’ve got a lot of options to extend the walks if you venture onto other paths. The route from Leigh Woods to Clifton is 6.2 miles.
Water: Paradise Bottom has small ponds and streams for dogs to splash about it. The rest of the woodland is without any water features but muddy puddles can arise during the wetter months, so make sure to bring a towel.
Reactive dogs: For reactive dogs, it’s good to go early in the morning. The blue route is one to be avoided as it is busy with cyclists. Creating your own path will help avoid some of the crowds, but this can be a busy area at the weekend.
Ashton Hill Plantation
This gorgeous woodland is a less well-known dog walking spot. You might occasionally share the path with a horse, but dogs love exploring this area. It’s great for humans too, the redwood trees are beautiful.
Terrain: A mix of terrain. Flat bridleways as well as hills if you do the full circular route.
Busyness: Typically this is much quieter than your go-to walks at Ashton Court or Leigh Woods.
Facilities: Free parking. No toilets, dog poo bins or cafes. Phone signal can be patchy.
Off lead: Dogs are fine off-lead here if they are under close control. There are sometimes horses on the bridleways, so remember to call your dog back (and put them on lead if needed) if you encounter a horse. It’s a popular spot for mountain biking, so remember to be mindful of the bike park users.
Length of walk: The circular path takes about an hour, so it’s an ideal walk.
Water: None.
Reactive dogs: Squirrels in the woodland can be a big distraction for dogs here, so bear that in mind if your dog is off lead and doesn’t have great recall.
Abbots Pool
Abbotts Pool is a beautiful wooded area that surrounds a large pond of water. Shady and secluded it can be a good option in the warmer summer months. There is a small car park, but if there is no space there, you can park on a nearby lane and walk to the pond.
Terrain: Mostly flat. A circular walk around the pond. Hilly if you venture into the woodland. There are a mix of paved paths and woodland trails.
Busyness: Quieter than other walks, but a smaller area, so if you go on a sunny day at the weekend, it can be a busy place.
Facilities: Small car park. Poo bins but no toilets (you win some, you lose some).
Off-lead: Similar to Leigh Woods & Ashton Hill plantations, dogs can be walked off lead here, providing you trust their recall. There can occasionally be horses and squirrels in the woodland can be a distraction so be mindful of these aspects.
Length of walk: Around 40 minutes; it’s not the longest route, but it allows good exploration and sniffing opportunities. If you venture into the woodland, this can be extended to an hour.
Water: Dogs can’t swim in the main pond, but there is a smaller pond and stream where they can have a paddle.
Reactive dogs: There isn’t lots of free-roaming space here, so if your dog is reactive this might not be the best walk for them.
Bourton Combe
This is another quieter spot that I’ve recently started visiting more and more. The dogs love exploring the less-frequented woodland; there’s plenty to sniff, and the Bristol countryside is always nice to be out in.
Terrain: Bridleway paths that can get a bit muddy and slippery underfoot in the winter, so make sure to wear sturdy footwear.
Busyness: Typically a quieter spot for dog walkers.
Facilities: Limited on-street parking for a few cars is available at the far end of Bourton Combe Lane (off the A370)
Off lead: A good place for off-lead walking, though be mindful of the woods bordering a quarry. Important to keep your dogs under control in this area as the quarry does have exposed edges.
Length of walk: The main circular loop is about 2.5 miles, though you can make shorter loops. The 2.5-mile loop takes around an hour.
Water: No water during this walk.
Reactive dogs: A good option for reactive dogs as it is usually quiet and unlikely to see too many other dogs or people. There are sometimes livestock on the way into the woods, so a lead can be a good option until you get into the woods.
Manor Woods Valley
One of my favourite routes. It’s got something for everyone without having to travel too far. Options for flat terrain, options for woodland hills, options for open fields and options for play in the water stream.
Terrain: Mostly flat if you stick to the cycle paths, but this can be the busiest route. If you venture into the woodland there are a few hills.
Busyness: Can get busy during peak times, weekends, and the summer months given the option for shade in the woodland areas and access to the water stream.
Facilities: Parking on Headley Lane, St Peter’s Rise, and Bishopworths Road. All busy roads, though, so check surroundings before getting dogs in and out of your vehicle. Plenty of poo bins, no toilets or cafes.
Off-lead: A good place for off-lead walking; there are options to stick to open fields if you like to keep an eye on your dog. Keep an eye out for cyclists on the path, and there are a few opportunities where dogs could exit the park and end up near busy roads, so keep an eye out for these.
Length of walk: The main circular woodland walk can take around 45 minutes, and extend to an hour if you spend time in the open fields with a bit of ball play. You can opt for a shorter walk if sticking to the cycle paths.
Water: The River Malago runs through Manor Woods Valley, making this a popular spot in the summer months. The quality of the water is very variable throughout the year, so it’s always best to keep an eye out before letting your pup dive in. Because it’s an urban stream, the water can sometimes carry bacteria – especially after heavy rain – so keeping a towel handy for a quick wipe-down or sticking to the main paths during dry spells is a smart move.
Reactive dogs: Plenty of space to walk a reactive pooch in Manor Woods Valley. If you venture into the woodlands, the paths can get narrow, so keeping a close eye on what could be round the corner is ideal.