We’ve already spoken about how glamping is the ultimate dog-friendly holiday. With acres of open countryside for canine adventurers to explore, and cosy fires to curl up beside at the end of a long day, there’s plenty to keep those tails wagging.
Of course, being located in some of the most spectacular regions of the UK means that there’s plenty for both dogs and their owners to discover beyond the Lantern & Larks sites…
Here we look at the best dog walks that you can reach from our beautiful glamping site in Kittisford Barton in Somerset. So grab your lead and get exploring!
- Dog walk in Berrow
- Dog walk in Heddons Mouth Circular
- Dog Walk in Dunkery & Horner Wood
- Dog Walk in Weston Woods
- Dog Walk in Cheddar Gorge
- Dog walk in Bridgwater
- Dog walk in Yeovil
Dog Walk in Berrow – 50 minutes via the M5
Berrow is a beautiful coastal village, but if you’re looking for dog-walking then you should head for one of the town's two local beaches. Here dogs can run freely on the sand throughout the year, splashing in the waves and sniffing that fresh sea air. There's nothing quite like watching your four-legged friend meet new friends and having the time of his life in the open water.
One thing to keep in mind is that the beaches are also sites for watersports and fishing, as well as horse and donkey rides, so it may be wise to keep that lead handy! Also take notes of the safety notices, as there are mud flats to the North which can prove treacherous.
There’s plenty of parking on the beach, and the path outwards provides some amazing sea views that you won’t want to miss, especially on a sunny day! Finally, once you (or the dog) have had enough of digging in the sand and chasing waves, there are plenty of toilets, shops and cafes in which to rest your tired feet.
Dog Walk in Heddons Mouth Circular – 1 hour via the B3227
This lovely circular walk in Somerset takes you through ancient woodland, along spectacular cliffs and all the way to the beautiful secluded bay of Heddon Mouth. For nature lovers, the Heddon valley has also been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife including otters and the rare high brown fritillary butterfly.
You can start and finish this spectacular walk at the National Trust shop, then follow the valley down until you reach the beach. We’d always recommend taking a moment to stop here and appreciate this lovely secluded cove, where waves crash on the pebbled shore and your four-legged friend can really stretch their legs.
The rest of the walk takes you back along the opposite side of the valley, all the way along the unspoilt rambling paths to the shop where you started. The whole circuit is around 2 miles long, and should take just under an hour. Once you’re done, why not reward yourself with an ice cream at the National Trust Ice Cream parlour?
Dog Walk in Dunkery & Horner Wood – 50 minutes via the B3224
Another circular walk, this one will take you and your pup from Webbers Post car park to the very peak of Dunkery Hill, and then all the way back again. Along the way you’ll come across rivers, streams, rugged terrain and beautiful woodland, meaning there's plenty for both you and your dog to discover. The circuit is 3 miles long, and should take around an hour to complete (depending on how many trees your furry friend has to stop and sniff, of course!).
Watch your feet on this walk; the path is steep and stony in areas, and if it’s been raining you can be in for some mud. Put simply… pack your walking boots! There are also no bins on the route, so please dispose of any waste once you’re back on site.
Dog Walk in Weston Woods – 1 hour via the M5
Weston Woods spans an area of 130 acres, and takes over the Northern side of the lovely town of Weston-Super-Mare. With so much woodland to explore, you can easily spend a whole day sniffing out all of the paths and bridleways. There’s a big car park, which can be very busy during the summer, and you need to be aware of horses and cyclists throughout the woods during this dog walking in Weston super mare route.
Dog Walk in Cheddar Gorge – 1 hour via the M5
The famous Cheddar Gorge is almost 400 feet deep and 3 miles long, making it England’s largest gorge. It’s crags and pinnacles make it one of the most spectacular natural sights in the country, and the 4 mile circular walk is a fantastic way to drink it in.
During this Cheddar Gorge dog friendly walk you can enjoy beautiful views of Cheddar, Glastonbury Tor, the Somerset levels and Bridgwater Bay. It’s very well signposted, and leads up and down the gorge, taking you past some of the most breathtaking views on the way... Don't forget your camera!
This may not be one for dogs or people who are less steady on their feet – there are some very steep sections and some places may become slippery and muddy after bad weather. However, the scenery is worth the climb!
Of course, if you fancy exploring a little closer to home, our beautiful Kittisford Barton site is in a prime location for exploring the Somerset countryside. Just grab a map of the local area from the honesty shop, pop your pooch on their lead, and venture out into the world. You can even join one of the many Somerset walks crisscrossing the Blackdown Hills and experience everything this beautiful county has to offer.
Dog walk in Bridgwater - 35 mins via the M5
The Birdgwater and Taunton canal is a charming dog walk should you find yourself in this part of Somerset. The canal is cut off from the rest of the canal system, but has a well-maintained footpath and some fascinating sights to enjoy as you wander along the bank. It’s a idyllic, easy walk that’s perfect for those days when you just want to stretch your legs, drink in the scenery and spend time with man’s best friend.
The towpath itself runs for around 14 miles between Bridgwater and Taunton, so you can walk for as long or as short a time as you want. On the way, you’ll pass the villages of North newton, Creech St Michael and Bathpool, meaning there’s a selection of dog-friendly cafes and pubs to choose from should you decide to rest your legs.
Dog walk in Yeovil - 1 hr via the A303
Yeovil Country Park is a popular dog-walking location, with plenty of facilities for the whole family to enjoy during your glamping break. As well as countless tracks and pathways through parkland and woods, there’s a playground, café and plenty of parking.
The highlight of a walk in Yeovil Country Park is Ninesprings – a series of water springs that dogs will love paddling and splashing in. There is also plenty of opportunities to let your furry friend off the lead, where they can run and sniff to their hearts’ content. With so much lush woodland to enjoy, you just know there’s plenty for their noses to follow. With so many different route options, this is a wonderful choice for all dogs and their owners, whatever their abilities.
Dog friendly accommodation in Somerset
There is a wide range of dog friendly accommodation in Somerset including, of course, our very own Lantern & Larks site. Glamping a fantastic choice for a dog-friendly holiday, giving you and your pet unparalleled access to nature with all the comforts of a cottage or hotel stay.
There is also a good selection of dog friendly holiday cottages available throughout Somerset – make sure to take a look at our sister company Rural Retreats for some great options. There is also a good selection of dog friendly bed and breakfasts, hotels and traditional camping sites which welcome furry visitors.
Wherever you go, you can really enjoy yourself knowing that you have a warm, luxurious glamping tent waiting for you when you get back! Book a very special glamping escape for you and your furry friend today.