Two Of The UK’s Most Popular Walks Are Near Bristol

Bristol: So, I’ve decided to join the Dry January crowd this year. Honestly, it’s a bit of a drag, but I keep telling myself it’s good for me. The real question is, what do I do with all this extra time? Well, in England, the answer is simple: go for a lovely country walk.

Lucky for me, Bristol is super close to some of the UK’s most stunning walks. A footwear brand called Fitflop recently looked into the most Googled walking spots in winter. Guess what? Dunham Massey in Cheshire tops the list with a whopping 135,000 searches. But there are some amazing spots even closer to Bristol.

One of the top walks is Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, which gets about 60,500 searches. It’s a must-see! The gorge is nearly 400 feet deep and stretches for three miles. You can hike along the cliffs and take in some breathtaking views of Somerset and the Mendip Hills.

If you’re looking for something even closer, check out Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire. It’s the ninth most popular walk, with 49,500 searches. This place is a treasure trove of trees, boasting over 15,000 varieties and 17 miles of paths to explore. You could easily spend hours wandering around.

Both of these spots are under an hour from Bristol. But if you’re up for a bit of a drive, there are even more fantastic walks nearby. You might want to visit the charming village of Bibury in Gloucestershire or the historic Corfe Castle in Dorset. But honestly, Stourhead in Wiltshire is a standout choice.

Stourhead offers walks through beautiful landscapes, ancient woods, and even Iron Age hillforts. Plus, you’ll find a stunning Palladian villa, a famous landscape garden, and a 160-foot-tall folly with incredible views. It’s a real treat for nature lovers!