Chew Valley Lake Walks
Chew Valley Lake offers a range of scenic walks for all levels and we have four walks to choose from on the Somerset Walks app. The 1.5-mile short walk is perfect for a gentle lakeside stroll with picnic spots and views, while the 2-mile Knowle Hill route adds a rewarding climb for lovely views. For a longer walk, the 4.25-mile West Harptree walk takes you through countryside and a charming village with pubs and historic sites. Finally, the 4.5-mile Chew Magna loop follows riverside paths, fields, and quiet lanes, combining nature, birdlife, and heritage. All routes offer peaceful views, with refreshments available at lakeside spots and local inns.
Here is a route map for a Chew Valley Lake Walk on the Somerset Walks App. Let the app guide you around the route and show your location as you walk.
Download the app to get more Chew Valley Lake walks as well as 150 more walks in Somerset.
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A view over Chew Valley Lake
The Somerset Walks app will take you to the parking and starting location for each Chew Valley Lake Walk.
Start point grid reference: 51.32078,-2.616646
Chew Valley Lake Short Walk
1.5 miles
A lovely lakeside walk overlooking Chew Valley Lake, the largest lake in the southwest and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This short little walk is one for everyone, overlooking the water and passing many areas for picnics. There is also a small restaurant 'Salt and Malt' for a bite to eat, although please check the opening times as it varies across the year.
Chew Valley Lake Walk and Knowle Hill
2 miles
The second route is a lovely little walk overlooking Chew Valley Lake. This walk will take you past the lake and then up onto Knowle Hill for nice views to see after the climb. There is a small restaurant in the car park for refreshments called 'Salt and Malt'. There is also numerous picnic spots for you to enjoy a peaceful lunch. There is a section of walking along a quiet country lane on this walk, so please be careful here.
Chew Valley Lake Walk and West Harptree Village
4.25 miles
The third walk is an easy but longer walk that begins at the scenic Chew Valley Lake. The lake’s reedy shoreline is home to a rich variety of waterfowl and other birds, making it a delightful spot for nature lovers. Starting at Herriotts Bridge, you’ll cross over the bridge and follow the main A368 for a brief stretch before turning onto a quiet country road. The walk then takes you across open fields to the village of West Harptree, where you’ll find the Crown Inn, a village shop, and the 12th-century Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From West Harptree, you’ll travel through more fields and country lanes, eventually circling back to the lake, offering lovely views of Herriotts Mill Pool once again. For refreshments, you can stop at the Crown Inn or visit the nearby New Manor Farm Shop for alternative options. Please note that although this walk starts by the lake, it's mainly across countryside. This walk may be wet and boggy after rain. There is a footpath to use along the A368 but as it is a fast road, care is needed. Refreshments: The Crown Inn, West Harptree
Chew Valley Lake Walk and Chew Magna
4.5 miles
The final walk is also a lovely, easy circular walk starting from the shores of Chew Valley Lake, where you can enjoy views of a variety of wildfowl, including migrating birds feeding in the reed beds around the lake. The route follows the Two Rivers Way, a charming path that leads alongside the River Chew to the village of Chew Magna. Here, you can visit St Andrew’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century, and perhaps take a break for some refreshments. From Chew Magna, the walk continues across open countryside fields, eventually leading to Knowle Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the lake. The final part of the walk takes you across more fields and along quiet country lanes back to the lake. For refreshments, The Pelican in Chew Magna is a great option, or you could enjoy some fish and chips by the lakeside at the award-winning Salt and Malt. Please note, there are a couple of busy roads to cross, and the fields may be muddy after rain. You may also encounter livestock at certain times of the year. There is a section of walking along a quiet country lane on this walk, so please be careful here.
