Dog Walks in Somerset

Somerset is a county of contrasts — the high moors of Exmoor roll across its western edge, the Quantocks and Mendips provide smaller but equally characterful uplands, and the flat Somerset Levels spread out in between with some of the most atmospheric wetland walking in England. Add the Cheddar Gorge and the dramatic coast around Watchet and Minehead, and you've got a county that punches well above its weight for variety.

What makes Somerset work for dogs is the combination of gentler lowland walking and proper upland days within half an hour of each other. It's a county you can visit with an older dog or a young puppy and still find routes that suit.

Top Areas for Dog Walks in Somerset

Cheddar (2 walks) is the Mendips base, with both the classic gorge walk and the higher clifftop route giving dramatic limestone scenery rarely found south of the Dales. Minehead (2) is the western anchor, opening up the Quantocks with circular routes from Staple Plain and Beacon Hill. Porlock (1) and Dunster (1) add further Exmoor and coastal options — Dunster is particularly lovely for a gentler medieval-village stroll.

What to Expect

The Mendips and Quantocks offer moderate walking — open ridges, heather, bracken and scattered woodland — with good footing underfoot. Cheddar Gorge has some exposed clifftop sections that require care with excitable dogs. Exmoor is proper upland with free-roaming ponies and red deer, so leads on around livestock, always. Adders appear on sunny heath in summer, and ticks are widespread. The Levels are flat and easy but gates and livestock abound in field sections.

Planning Your Trip

Somerset has a strong village pub culture, and the vast majority welcome dogs without fuss. Cheddar, Porlock, Dunster and Minehead all have good clusters of dog-friendly Somerset cafes and inns, and there's a growing supply of dog-welcoming cottages across the county. The West Somerset Railway makes a novelty day out for adventurous dogs, and the mainline through Taunton gives car-free access from London and Bristol. For a full weekend of dog walks in Somerset, pair a Mendips day with an Exmoor day — the contrast is what makes this county memorable.