4.5
(1450)
9,916
hikers
536
hikes
Hiking around Chelwood offers diverse landscapes, from expansive vistas to undulating woodlands and significant bodies of water. The region is characterized by rolling hills, remnants of old mining activity, and picturesque river valleys. Hikers can explore areas with panoramic views across Somerset, discover historical features, and enjoy trails alongside lakes and through natural vegetation.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.9
(48)
198
hikers
6.18km
01:36
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(21)
73
hikers
7.21km
01:58
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7
(11)
43
hikers
6.74km
01:49
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(17)
60
hikers
7.53km
02:01
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(10)
35
hikers
6.02km
01:39
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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I wouldn't go out of your way to come here... But, if you happen to be in / near here on a walk, then you may as well add it on! • Also, this pond is very deep in the woodland. There is a path all around it, and it is very pretty; it's mostly obscured from view (which is great) because this means that you can peek through the foliage and see birds who aren't aware you're there! Of course, they will be as soon as you move on! I have only been once, it was very muddy after & during rain, so I can't advise on other seasons.
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WELL! When I walked here, it was (genuinely) the muddiest hike I had ever been on! So, if you're planning to go & it's been raining a lot recently, be prepared for actual flooded fields! It is a really stunning place, so it is worth it, and usually, of course, it won't be flooded! But because it is low-laying, rainwater does accumulate in the fields around, just something to bear in mind if it is/has been very wet.
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It is not so common for a Christian place of worship – which encompasses the whole of heaven – to be dedicated to “ALL SAINTS”. Usually it is one (or occasionally two) named saints who hold the patronage of a church – and thus usually also of the parish or town in which it is located. But to find the origin of such a dedication, one has to go far back in history, because the model for this practice of dedication to ALL SAINTS can be seen as a pagan custom, according to which there were already central temples in pre-Christian times that were dedicated to all deities (PANTHEON). The probably most famous Pantheon, formerly a pagan temple and now a Christian place of worship, is located in the Italian capital.
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As with many stories of stone circles, legends explained the stones were a petrified party of people. Aubrey wrote that The Cove were the parson, bridegroom, and bride. Another group of stones was the band, while the circles comprised the dancing guests later, the story evolved, as the wedding took place on a Saturday. As the evening wore on, one musician player (either a piper or a harper) had simply refused to play beyond the point of midnight since it would mean playing on into the Sunday. The furious bride claimed she would find another player even if it meant travelling to hell to fetch one. Then Hell came to her in the form of the Devil, dressed in a disguise of that as an old man. He played and played as the company endlessly danced, but soon to find that they couldn’t stop dancing, no matter how much they tried or badly wanted to, and they had became to turn into stone by in the Sunday morning
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The Stanton Drew stone circles are located just outside the village of Stanton Drew in the English county of Somerset. The largest stone circle is the Great Circle, standing in a 113 metres in diameter and is in-fact the second largest stone circle to be discovered in Britain. After Avebury and It’s considered to be one of the largest Neolithic monuments to have ever been built. The date of the construction is not actually accurately known of, but it’s thought to have been built between 3000 and 2000 BCE. These standing stone circles of which have been studied since John Aubrey's visit in 1664. It was only made a scheduled monument of it is today in 1982. Please be aware that an entrance fee is charged by the landowner for any entry in among the grounds of the Stone Circles and any public access is at his discretion only. NO DOGS ALLOWED! As the land is used for agriculture purposes and usually has cattle grazing on the fields where the standing stones are. Please be aware that the English Heritage sites do not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, by any circumstances except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions only. Just having experienced this ourselves before.
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Pensford Viaduct is a disused railway bridge. It was built in 1874 to carry the Bristol and North Somerset railway over the River Chew. It was closed in 1968 and is now preserved as a historic building. Great views of the viaduct can be had from Stanton Lane.
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This footpath between Woollard and Compton Dando is part of the 45 mile (72 km) Community Forest Path which circles Bristol. This section crosses fields above the River Chew.
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Gorgeous Woodland. Really stunning villages nearby, too. The fields in the vicinity can become *very* waterlogged after a lot of rain!!
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Chelwood offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 550 routes available. These range from easy riverside strolls to more challenging loops with elevation changes, catering to different fitness levels.
The terrain around Chelwood is quite diverse. You can expect rolling hills offering expansive views, such as from Kelston Roundhill, undulating woodlands like East Harptree Woods with its unique 'gruffy ground' from old mining, and scenic paths alongside significant bodies of water such as Chew Valley Lake.
Yes, Chelwood is rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. You can encounter the ancient Kelston Roundhill with its panoramic vistas, the remnants of old lead and zinc mining in East Harptree Woods, and the restored Smitham Chimney. Additionally, the breathtaking Stanton Drew Stone Circles and Cove, one of England's largest stone circle complexes, is nearby.
Many trails in Chelwood are suitable for families. For instance, the River Chew – The Gift Box Café loop from Pensford is an easy 3.8-mile path that offers a gentle walk along the river, perfect for a relaxed family outing. East Harptree Woods also features an easy-going trail that accommodates all users, including those with prams.
Yes, many of the trails around Chelwood are dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock or in nature reserve areas like Chew Valley Lake, which is a haven for birds. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
Absolutely. Many of the popular routes in Chelwood are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Pensford Viaduct – Pensford Viaduct loop from Pensford, which is a moderate 5.3-mile trail offering views of the historic viaduct and the River Chew.
Parking is generally available near popular trailheads and villages like Pensford, which serves as a starting point for several routes. For specific trails, it's advisable to check the route details on komoot for designated parking areas or nearby street parking options.
While Chelwood is a rural area, some public transport options may connect to nearby towns and villages. For direct access to trailheads, driving is often the most convenient. However, checking local bus schedules for routes serving villages like Pensford or those near Chew Valley Lake is recommended.
Chelwood offers beautiful hiking opportunities year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer provides lush greenery, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Even in winter, the trails can be enjoyed, though some paths might be muddy. Clear days offer the best chance to appreciate the expansive views from spots like Kelston Roundhill.
Yes, Chelwood has trails suitable for those seeking an easier experience. East Harptree Woods, for example, features an easy-going trail designed to accommodate all users, including those with wheelchairs and prams. The Woodland Pond – River Chew loop from Pensford is another easy option, leading through woodlands and along the river.
Villages like Pensford, which is a common starting point for many hikes, offer options for refreshments. The River Chew – The Gift Box Café loop from Pensford even highlights a café along its route. Additionally, areas around Chew Valley Lake, such as Salt & Malt, provide places to eat with scenic views.
The hiking routes in Chelwood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,300 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to explore both natural beauty and historical sites.
Yes, Chelwood offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly around Chew Valley Lake. This significant body of water is a haven for birdwatchers, with various wildfowl and migratory birds frequenting its reed beds. The woodlands and river areas also provide habitats for local wildlife.


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