Top Dog Walks in the Avon Valley

Here are our top 4 spots to experience with your pup.

1. Kelston Roundhill
2. Swineford to Keynsham River Walk
3. Keynsham Marina Circular
4. Leigh Woods

Just a short drive from Saltford, Kelston Roundhill is a beautiful destination for walkers and nature lovers.

Kelston Roundhill is perched above the Avon Valley offering scenic panoramic views across the Somerset countryside. This hilltop spot gives you a birds eye view over Bath, Bristol, and even the Severn bridges on a clear day.

You and your dog can take a gentle, manageable walk to its summit. The trail takes you through rolling fields and past peaceful farmland and open meadows, providing a tranquil escape from nearby towns.

Visitors are kindly asked to keep dogs on a lead and follow the Countryside Code to help preserve this beautiful area.

To start your walk you can park at The Shallows car park. Postcode: BS31 3EX

The Swineford to Keynsham River Walk is a peaceful, flat riverside walking route that follows the River Avon, offering a relaxing countryside experience just outside of Bath and Bristol.

The Swineford to Keynsham river walk is an easy-going trail is perfect for walkers of all abilities and is especially popular with dog owners. The path forms part of the Avon Valley Trail and is generally well-maintained, making it suitable for families of all ages.

This trail is a real treat for dog walkers. There are several spots along the river where dogs can safely paddle or swim, particularly near the wooden bridge under the cycle path, This is a well-known splash zone for energetic pups.

With long stretches off-road and low foot traffic compared to busier trails, it’s a great route to let dogs stretch their legs.

Start your walk near The Swan Inn in Swineford Postcode: BS30 6LN. Limited parking is available. The walk then winds westward along the riverbank, offering a mixture of open fields, shaded woodland edges, and occasional views of passing narrowboats and wildlife on the water.

A 1.5-hour walking route offering a mix of river views, open countryside and peaceful woodland.

The Keynsham Marina Circular Walk is perfect for walkers looking to enjoy a scenic and dog-friendly outing close to town.

Begin your walk at the Portavon Marina, Postcode: BS31 2DD. Limited parking is available.

The path will lead you alongside the River Avon, offering lovely views of the water and passing wildlife, including swans, herons, and the occasional kingfisher.

The route then winds through a mixture of pastoral fields and shaded woodland paths, ideal for energetic dogs to let off some steam. The Meadow Wood is an enclosed woodland area that provides a safe and exciting environment for dogs to roam, sniff, and explore off-lead without worry.

You will then circle back towards the river. The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle inclines, but is generally accessible for most walkers and suitable for well-behaved dogs.

A tranquil forest with trails suitable for walkers of all ages, and their four-legged friends.

Leigh Woods is a beautiful National Trust-managed woodland. Offering a peaceful, shaded woodland escape with a blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and breathtaking views.

The woods are crisscrossed with a network of well-marked walking paths, but the two most popular circular routes are the:

• Purple Trail – This takes approximately 45 minutes. It takes you deeper into the woodland, with opportunities to see viewpoints overlooking the gorge and the bridge.
• Red Trail – Is slightly shorter and takes about 30-minutes to complete. It makes it ideal for quick strolls or for families with younger children as the route is flatter and more accessible.

Along both trails, you’ll pass through towering broadleaf trees, open glades, and spots of interest like ancient ruins and nature sculptures.

Leigh Woods is a dog-friendly site, but Red Devon cattle do graze in parts of the woodland, particularly during certain times of year. For this reason, dogs should be kept on a lead in these grazing zones and under close control elsewhere to protect both wildlife and livestock.

We suggest parking at the National Trust car park, Postcode: BS8 3QB, where there are toilets and information boards at the entrance to help you plan your visit.

Avon Valley is soon to be home to a NEW Bruce’s Doggy Day Care centre. Offering a variety of services for the local dog community.

If you think your dog would benefit from more off-the-lead fun than you can provide why not consider doggy day care.

A place where your dog can meet and make new doggy friends and enjoy days of off-the-lead fun in a safe and caring environment. Our daycare centre will have a dedicated puppy preschool as well as a pick up and drop off service, getting your dog to daycare everyday for you.

Our new Avon Valley centre will open in September 2025. To celebrate the opening we are offering an amazing special offer for our first 50 customers!

The first 50 customers to enrol will get 20% off their day care subscription for life!*

Register your interest now and secure your spot in the Bruce’s family as a Founding Member of Bruce’s Avon Valley!

*Terms & conditions apply