We loved the new cycle trail at Chew Valley. As the children get older we’re always on the look out for new places to cycle and it’s great to find a cycle path that’s safe so they can cycle independently to gain confidence. There’s also a cafe and ice cream stop en-route.
We parked at The Woodford Lodge car park then made our way down the cycle path, entered through the car park. The path takes you down to the lake, alongside the road and round to the Salt & Malt. Keep going and the path takes you over to Grebe Nature Trail. There’s more adventuring to do further afield but this was plenty for little legs.
The Cycle Path The new path is a 2.7km walking and cycling trail. It’s an all weather path on the northern section of the lake. I can’t find or even create a map yet because the path was recently constructed, but it was easy to find and follow. We started at Woodford Lodge and made our way round on the new path to Salt & Malt. We continued around Glebe Trail, half of which is accessible for bikes, then returned.
Chew Valley Lake Loop – Not a loop of the lake but a 24 mile circular route that takes you from the heart of Bristol out into the beautiful surrounding countryside of the Chew Valley.
The Trail. Grebe Nature Trail is a 1.2km walk beside Chew Valley Lake. The trail starts here where there’s also a pay & display car park. Starting and finishing at the wooded picnic area, this short and sweet 1.2km circuit takes you into the heart of the conservation area. Listen out for the distinctive song of the shy but vocal Cetti’s warblers. Stop at the Hollow Brook footbridge and spot the swans and moorhens. The path is suitable for pedestrians, pushchairs and wheelchairs. Dogs must be kept on leads.
The Playground. There’s a lovely playground with a butterfly trail beside the cafe and lake. Take some duck food as there’s plenty of ducks and geese waiting to be fed.
The Cafe. The Salt & Malt fist and chip shop and restaurant has a fantastic spot overlooking the lake and the rolling Shropshire Hills. Plenty of tables indoors and outdoors and lots of grassy spots for a picnic blanket if it gets busy.
There’s often a well placed ice cream van in the next car park.
The Sailing Club. If sailing tickles your fancy there the Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club on the lake.
The Viewpoint. Map I’ve stopped a few times at this popular viewpoint overlooking Herriott’s Mill Pool, especially pretty early in the morning.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
WHEELS: The route we took was friendly for all wheels.
TERRAIN: The path is smooth tarmac so great in all weathers. It undulates so is good for little ones practicing but not too steep they can’t make it.
DOGS: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead to protect wildlife.
PARKING:
Chew Valley Lake Walk Car Park
TOILETS: Toilets beside Salt & Malt cafe or public toilets in Chew Valley Lake Car Park
