With longer days, lighter evenings, and warmer weather, now is the perfect time to venture into the countryside with your dog. Whether you’re looking for just a few days away in the country, or fancy a trip to the beach, the county of Somerset offers, open spaces, woodland, amazing views and great beaches. Here’s our pick of just a few of the wonderful places to visit:
Exmoor National Park - with hundreds of acres to explore, and the extra bonus of all those pretty ponies to see, the Park has much to offer from the Stonechat birds that make a call that sounds like two pebbles being struck together, to the purple swathes of heather that appear in late summer. Take a look at their website here to discover more.
Ranscombe (Great Wood Quantocks ) is great for a family dog walk as it offers many facilities. The routes are mainly pathed making them suitable for a wheelchair, and both on and off lead areas are provided. There is a car park which makes a small charge, plus toilets and some picnic areas.
Vallis Vale, Frome offers a beautiful woodland walk next to the Mells River. It’s an area steeped in industrial history and a site of special scientific interest. The river is accessible in the summer making it popular with dogs who like a dip.
Ham Hill Country Park is a well known dog walking area with the locals. Centred on an Iron Age hill fort there is plenty of landscape to explore and some interesting old quarry areas. Access is easy with a large free car park.
The National Trust has several properties with delightful dog walking. Lytes Cary Manor offers plenty of walking in the surrounding countryside. There are walks around the Estate where dogs are welcome but must be on a lead. Montacute House in Montacute is another great pace to visit, dogs are welcome and you can stop off for a well deserved cuppa and a free doggy treat from the Courtyard Café. There’s also a delightful pub in the village of Montacute called the Kings Arms which is dog friendly and the food is good too!
Blue Anchor Bay - This long sandy bay is open to dogs all year round, making it a popular destination. The beach offers a mix of sand and shingle, and is also lined with great alabaster rocks which make the spot ideal for fossil finding. There’s designated parking on the seafront, as well as loos and a pub nearby.
Enjoy Somerset with your dog