The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Burrington
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Dog friendly hiking trails around Burrington are primarily located within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterized by dramatic limestone gorges, crags, and woodlands. The terrain includes varied landscapes from rocky outcrops to open moorland, offering significant elevation changes. This region provides a diverse environment for hikers and their dogs, featuring geological formations and expansive views.
Best dog friendly hiking trails around Burrington
- The most popular dog friendly hiking route is Blagdon, Cheddar Gorge & Beacon Batch loop from Burrington Ham — Mendip Hills, a 12.1 miles (19.5 km) trail that takes 5 hours 44 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain and panoramic views across the Mendip Hills.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is View of Cheddar Gorge – Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve loop from Aveline's Hole, a moderate 10.1 miles (16.3 km) path. This route offers views of Cheddar Gorge and traverses the natural features of Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve.
- Local hikers also love the Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve – Beacon Batch summit trig point loop from Aveline's Hole, a 10.6 miles (17.0 km) trail leading through varied terrain to the Beacon Batch summit, often completed in about 4 hours 48 minutes.
- Hiking around Burrington is defined by limestone gorges, open moorland, and woodlands, offering a range of natural features and viewpoints. The network provides options for different ability levels, from moderate walks to more challenging routes with notable elevation gain.
- The routes in Burrington are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from nearly 300 reviews. More than 1,400 hikers have used komoot to explore Burrington's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Embark on a difficult 12.1-mile (19.5 km) hike through the Mendip Hills, gaining 1702 feet (519 metres) of elevation over approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes. This challenging loop from Burrington Ham takes you across varied terrain, from rare limestone grasslands to open moorland and woodlands. You will traverse mostly accessible paths, hiking paths, footpaths, and some street sections, with rocky outcrops and loose ground, especially around Beacon Batch. Expect breathtaking panoramic views from high points like Beacon Batch, the highest peak in the Mendips, stretching across the Bristol Channel into Wales.
This trail requires very good fitness and sure-footedness, as it involves moderate to steep climbs and uneven ground. Certain sections, such as the Black Rock Steep Rocky Path, can be particularly challenging, especially after rain or when descending. The route begins from Burrington Ham, which offers 360-degree views and is often home to wild horses and cattle. Plan your visit to allow ample time for the duration and prepare for diverse conditions underfoot.
The route is rich in natural and historical significance, passing through several protected areas. You will experience Cheddar Gorge, England's largest gorge and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its geology and archaeology. The trail also visits Velvet Bottom, a nature reserve with unique dry river valley characteristics, and Black Down, the largest area of open heathland in the Mendips, known for its valuable wildlife habitats and ancient archaeological sites, including Bronze Age burial mounds at Beacon Batch.
4.8
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153
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
22
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9.46km
02:45
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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22.0km
06:13
470m
470m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
12
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
High elevation Hill mixed terrain of mud stones, an enjoyable scramble at times.
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Mountain goats located across Cheddar Gorge. These are feral goats, roam freely and play a role in managing the landscape.
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Cheddar Gorge is home to a notable population of feral goats, which are a significant part of its unique ecosystem. These goats are free-roaming and play a crucial role in the gorge's conservation efforts. The goats were deliberately introduced to Cheddar Gorge in the 1990s (and alongside some Soay sheep) to help manage the landscape. Before their introduction, sheep grazing had declined, leading to scrub and trees encroaching on the rare, flower-rich limestone grasslands. The goats act as natural "graziers," keeping aggressive scrub in check and preventing it from smothering the rare plant species that thrive there, such as the famous Cheddar Pink.
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We found it to be the best route to the Gorge, longer but flatter overall !
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https://youtube.com/@hoofhike 👈 see details Absolutely fantastic walk definitely “must visit “
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Check full video 👉https://youtube.com/@hoofhike
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many dog-friendly hiking trails are available around Burrington?
There are 6 dog-friendly hiking trails around Burrington featured in this guide. These routes vary in length and difficulty, offering options for different preferences and fitness levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on dog-friendly hikes in Burrington?
The terrain around Burrington is quite varied. You can expect dramatic limestone gorges, such as Burrington Combe, with striking crags and rocky outcrops. Trails also lead through woodlands and open areas with sweeping views. Some routes, particularly those venturing into the Mendip Hills, may involve significant elevation changes.
Are there any circular dog-friendly walks in Burrington?
Yes, many of the dog-friendly routes around Burrington are circular. For example, the Blagdon, Cheddar Gorge & Beacon Batch loop from Burrington Ham offers a challenging circular experience, while the Rowberrow Warren – Burrington Combe loop is a moderate circular option.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks I can see on a dog-friendly hike?
Burrington offers several impressive natural features. You can explore the dramatic limestone gorge of Burrington Combe, or reach the Beacon Batch summit trig point for panoramic views. Other highlights include the Cheddar Gorge Climb and the chance to spot wild ponies near Black Down Summit.
Are there any challenging dog-friendly hikes for experienced walkers?
Yes, for experienced walkers and their dogs, the Blagdon, Cheddar Gorge & Beacon Batch loop from Burrington Ham is classified as difficult. This route covers nearly 20 km with over 500 meters of elevation gain, offering a strenuous full-day adventure.
What are some moderate dog-friendly hiking options in Burrington?
Most of the dog-friendly trails in Burrington are moderate. Good options include the View of Cheddar Gorge – Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve loop (16.2 km) or the Burrington Ham Viewpoint – Goatchurch Cavern loop (11.3 km), both offering rewarding experiences without extreme difficulty.
What do other hikers say about the dog-friendly trails in Burrington?
The dog-friendly trails around Burrington are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.58 out of 5 stars from over 290 ratings. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, stunning viewpoints, and the well-maintained paths suitable for exploring with their canine companions.
Are there any routes that pass through nature reserves?
Yes, several routes incorporate nature reserves. The View of Cheddar Gorge – Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve loop and the Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve – Beacon Batch summit trig point loop both take you through the Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve, offering opportunities to experience its unique environment.
Can I find trails with good viewpoints for my dog and me?
Absolutely. Burrington is known for its sweeping views. The Burrington Ham Viewpoint – Goatchurch Cavern loop specifically highlights a viewpoint, and routes that climb towards Beacon Batch summit trig point or Black Down Summit offer extensive panoramic vistas across the Mendip Hills.
Are there any shorter dog-friendly walks suitable for a quick outing?
While many routes are moderate to long, the Rowberrow Warren – Burrington Combe loop is one of the shorter options at just over 9 km, making it suitable for a half-day outing with your dog.
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