Somerset Walks

Chew Valley Walks & Route Map

Chew Valley walk, Somerset
Chew Valley · Photo: Eirian Evans

Set in the heart of Somerset, these walks around Chew Valley Lake offer a peaceful mix of lakeside scenery, gentle countryside and rewarding hilltop views.

With options ranging from an easy stroll along the water’s edge to longer circular routes taking in Knowle Hill and the village of Chew Magna, the walks follow stretches of the Two Rivers Way and provide wonderful opportunities to spot wildfowl and migrating birds.

Expect a blend of field paths, quiet country lanes and a few road crossings, with some climbs rewarded by sweeping views over the lake. Picnic spots are plentiful, and refreshments are available at Salt and Malt by the water or at welcoming village pubs, making these walks a relaxing and scenic day out for all abilities.

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Walk information

Chew Valley Walk 1

Walk distance
1½ miles
Time
1 hour
Route type
Circular

A lovely lakeside walk overlooking Chew Valley Lake. 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 Walk 1 No ratings yet Be the first - rate this walk in the Somerset Walks App

Chew Valley walk 02

Chew Valley & Knowle Hill

Walk distance
2 miles
Time
1 hour
Route type
Circular

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 & Knowle Hill 4.0 Ratings and reviews 1 rating

Based on 1 user rating

Community feedback

Overall rating4.0

A very popular walk

Dog friendly5.0 / 5
Path condition5.0 / 5
Buggy friendly2.0 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.0 / 5
Toilet facilities3.0 / 5
Pub or café5.0 / 5
Route accuracy3.0 / 5
ClimbingGentle slopes
LivestockRarely any livestock
StilesA stile or two
Mud levelMay be muddy after wet weather

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Somerset Walks app.

Chew Valley walk 03

Chew Valley & The Two Rivers Way

Walk distance
4½ miles
Time
2.5 hours
Route type
Circular

This is a lovely, easy circular walk starting from the shores of Chew Valley Lake, a renowned scenic spot 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.

Chew Valley & The Two Rivers Way 4.0 Ratings and reviews 2 ratings · 1 review

Based on 2 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.0

A very popular walk

Dog friendly3.5 / 5
Path condition3.5 / 5
Buggy friendly1.0 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.0 / 5
Toilet facilities2.5 / 5
Pub or café3.0 / 5
Route accuracy4.5 / 5
ClimbingGentle slopes
LivestockRarely any livestock
StilesA few stiles on route
Mud levelWellies when wet

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Somerset Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Lovely walk through some countryside, crossing streams and passing through Chew Magna. There are clean and well-maintained toilet facilities only at the beginning of the walk. The signing is not great at all, had to depend on the app which came up trumps. Lots of nettles so be careful wearing shorts.

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Somerset Walks App

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The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

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Expanded route map for Chew Valley Walk 1, a 1.5 mile circular walk in Somerset