Is your dog…struggling to get up from the couch for walks even when coaxed? Do they walk super slow and seem disinterested in their surroundings?

Or is this you?

Either way these gentle walks we’ve selected might be just what you or you dog need to kick start your energy system.

Listen, isn’t that the sound of the hills calling your name?

Yes! This January it’s National Walk Your Dog Month and we’ve selected 2 walks in each of our festival locations. Our fifth location in our ‘Walkies Anyone?’ series is for those in and around Bristol.

Our 2 Top walks in Bristol include:

1. River Chew: Pensford to Stanton Drew

This easy 3 mile walk from Pensford to Stanton Drew takes about an hour and 13 minutes to complete.

You’ll start at the car park by St Thomas a Beckets Church and walk along the River Chew. Soon, you’ll come to a footbridge that offers stunning views of the Pensford Viaduct, an old railway bridge with 16 arches.

After crossing the footbridge, you’ll follow the river through farmland, passing cows and sheep along the way. You might even see a deer or two!

Eventually, you’ll reach Stanton Drew, where you can visit the Stanton Drew Great Circle, a huge stone circle that’s over 4,500 years old. It’s one of the largest stone circles in Britain, magical to experience up close.

Once your doggo has sniffed the stone circle, you can head back to Pensford along the same route. Or, if your dog still has bounce left in them, you can take a detour through Culver Wood, a beautiful woodland area with lots of trees and pathways.

2. Conham River Park and Avon Valley

This easy 3.7 mile loop trail is perfect for families with kids of all ages.

You’ll start your walk at Conham River Park, a beautiful woodland reserve with a riverside footpath. Dogs will love exploring the woods and sniffing for animals. You might see squirrels, rabbits, or deer!

After a while, you’ll come to the Avon Valley Trail. This towpath follows the River Avon.

Along the way, you’ll pass by several other parks and reserves, including Hanham Lock, Eastwood Farm, and Netham Lock. There are plenty of places to stop for a picnic.

The Avon Valley Trail is also a great place to spot wildlife. You might see ducks, geese, and other birds swimming in the river. You may even spot a kingfisher!

The whole walk takes about an hour and a half, but you can do as much or as little as you like. There are also places you can off-lead your darling doggo!