The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Cheddar Reservoir

There are over 70 dog-friendly hiking trails around Cheddar Reservoir, offering a wide range of options for you and your canine companion. These routes vary in length and difficulty, ensuring there's something for every energy level.

The terrain around Cheddar Reservoir is quite varied. You'll find largely flat, well-maintained paths around the reservoir itself, perfect for an easy stroll. As you venture into the surrounding Mendip Hills, trails become more rugged with significant elevation changes, offering more challenging climbs and panoramic views. Expect a mix of open fields, wooded areas, and some paved sections.

Yes, there are plenty of easy dog-friendly walks. The most popular is the circular path around Cheddar Reservoir, which is largely flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for most. An example of an easy route is the Cliff Street Car Park – Edelweiss Café loop from Axbridge, which covers about 7.3 km with minimal elevation gain.

Absolutely. For experienced hikers and their dogs, routes extend into the Mendip Hills offering more strenuous climbs and longer distances. A challenging option is the Beacon Batch summit trig point – View of Cheddar Gorge loop from Axbridge, a 25.7 km hike with significant elevation, providing panoramic views from the highest point in the Mendips.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly routes around Cheddar Reservoir are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The reservoir itself offers a popular circular loop. For a shorter, easy circular option, consider the Edelweiss Café – Cheese House Cafe loop from Axbridge.

The area boasts stunning natural beauty. The reservoir itself offers continuous waterside views. For dramatic scenery, head towards Cheddar Gorge, where you can see impressive limestone cliffs. Higher points in the Mendip Hills, such as Beacon Batch, provide panoramic vistas stretching towards the coast and even into Wales on clear days. The Cheddar Gorge Lookout Tower – Feral Goats of Cheddar Gorge loop from Cheddar offers great views and a chance to spot the famous feral goats.

Yes, the nearby villages of Cheddar and Axbridge offer several dog-friendly cafes and pubs where you can refuel after your hike. It's always a good idea to check with the establishment beforehand, especially if you have a larger dog or are visiting during peak times.

There are various parking options around Cheddar Reservoir and the surrounding areas. Some car parks may be free, while others might charge a fee. It's advisable to arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot, especially for popular trailheads.

Cheddar Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, particularly known for its birdlife, including overwintering waterfowl. You might also spot rabbits, foxes, and various other bird species. In spring and summer, wildflowers add to the natural beauty. Please keep your dog under control, especially near wildlife habitats, to avoid disturbing the local fauna.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1600 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse trails, from easy waterside strolls to challenging hill climbs, and the stunning scenery of the reservoir, gorge, and Mendip Hills. The availability of dog-friendly amenities and the overall natural beauty are frequently highlighted.