We rescued our Romanian pup just over a year ago
Come rain or shine, you can’t have a day off when you have a dog! Just over a year ago we rescued our little Romanian rescue pup Caramel – isn’t she cute?
When we first got her she was five months old and didn’t even know how to walk on a lead. Now she lives for her walks and, if I so much as go near her lead, she goes crazy and does zoomies around the house!
And these days a walk is as exciting as it gets for us humans too. So with this in mind, I thought I’d share my top 10 favourite dog walks in Bristol. Please let me know your favourites as it would be nice to have a change of scenery.
1. My all time favourite dog walk is Nightingale Valley in Brislington. If you’ve never been, maybe wait ’til the spring as It’s a bit of a mudfest at the moment. On really hot days it’s the perfect place to take your pooch for a shaded walk in the woods and a refreshing dip in the river. However, if you’ve braved Glastonbury and own a pair of good wellies, I’m sure a bit of mud won’t put you off!
2. More often than not, you’ll find us wandering around Victoria Park in Bedminster where we like to meet up with Caramel’s best doggo friend Betty. There’s something for everyone here – three play parks for the kids, basketball courts, somewhere to skateboard and unfortunately for me – lots of squirrels! Despite losing Caramel a couple of times to the squirrel scent it’s still one of our favourite walks.
My daughter at Perrett Park with Bella – a dog we used to look after
3. When we first moved to Totterdown and stumbled across Perretts Park, I literally couldn’t believe my eyes. What a view! From the top you can look across the city and the Suspension Bridge and it’s a great place to watch the balloons take off during the International Balloon Fiesta. I also love the fact that you’ll usually find other dogs and their owners up for a chinwag and a play!
4. You can’t beat going for a walk around Bristol’s harbourside on a sunny day and this is a great option if you want to stay clean and dry. When I get the chance, it’s lovely to walk all the way around the harbour through Baltic Wharf and Underfall Yard. There are a few lovely pubs en route too, like the Cottage and the Pumphouse, so it’s the perfect excuse for a spot of lunch or a relaxing drink when we’re not in lockdown.
5. If I want to escape the city, Arnos Vale is the perfect getaway as it feels like you’re in a completely different world. Although it’s not a million miles away (just off the Bath Road) this stunning woodland walk feels ‘other worldly’ and is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll with the dog. Again, there’s a play park for the kids and a field for the dog’s to play – win, win!
6. When I first moved to Bristol, I spent a lot of time at Blaise Castle Estate – so this part of the city will always hold a special place in my heart. I have memories of my grandma taking me here to play when I was a young child. There really is something for everyone – a fantastic play park for the kids, lots of adventures to be had and peaceful walks along the river. If the weather’s not too bad you can spend the whole day here and meander along to King’s Weston House.
7. One of my favourite walks is through Wapping Wharf with its eclectic mix of independent restaurants and cafes. From there you can pass through the dockside by the iconic M Shed cranes and take a stroll up Brandon Hill. At the top, you can take the steps up to Cabot Tower where you can finally relax and enjoy stunning views of the city.
8. Ashton Court Estate is another firm favourite of mine because there is just so much green space whether you want to relax in the grounds and just breathe in the scenery, amble through the 850 acres of woodland with the dog or play a bit of sport with the kids. There’s also a café where you can stop for a warm drink and enjoy the view. Leigh Woods, with all it’s natural beauty, welcomes you the other side.
9. Another lovely walk is Snuff Mills and Oldbury Court Estate where you can meander along the river before popping to the playground. This is a great place for dog lovers and you often see our furry friends taking a splash or a swim in the river Frome.
10. A post on Bristol’s best walks wouldn’t be complete without mentioning The Downs. This open space often plays host to festivals and bigger events but on a weekend in winter it’s a great spot for a leisurely walk and a spot of people watching. Clifton Downs and Durdham Downs reaches from Observatory Hill through to Seawalls and Henleaze.
What are your favourite dog walks in and around Bristol? Let me know on the Broke in Bristol – & beyond Facebook page. More from Broke in Bristol:
Free things to do with the kids in lockdown
