Great dog walks in Taunton in Somerset

There are plenty of stunning locations in Taunton and the surrounding countryside, which offer the perfect place to walk a dog while taking in some beautiful views.

There are heaps of benefits to getting outdoors for a walk including getting a burst of energy from the low-impact exercise and improving your mood, as well as boosting your immune function, strengthening your heart, and easing joint pain.

Going out to walk the dog is also a great chance to socialise with friends or family members, and needless to say, your dog will also have a great time with mental and physical stimulation from the sights, smells and sounds around them.

So, it’s time to put on your walking shoes, grab the dog’s lead and start telling your four-legged friend that it’s time for ‘walkies’ as we give you our list of some of the top dog walks in Taunton….

Cothelstone Hill

Cothelstone Hill which is part of the Quantock Hills, looks picture-postcard perfect in the spring with a carpet of bluebells to brighten your spirits, as well as being home to a wealth of wildlife including the famous Exmoor ponies, birds and butterflies. It also features 360-degrees on a clear day with lots of rich heritage to discovers such as the remains of a folly tower, the clump of beech trees known as the Seven Sisters, and three bronze age burial mounds.

Ramscombe Forest

Ramscombe Forest, known as Great Wood, offers some tranquil spaces to enjoy a picnic with your friends and family. Red and roe deer can be spotted in amongst the trees and in the summer, walkers may catch sight of a nightjar at dawn and dusk, as well as the occasional sparrowhawk. Look up in awe at the Douglas firs, which are some of the tallest trees in England, which the largest of which is over 50 metres, which is the height of more than 11 double-decker buses!

Longrun Meadow

Longrun Meadow and the connecting French Weir Park, which runs alongside the River Tone, features an incredible cathedral-like structure made of willow. It is a lovely place to sit on a sunny day and will provide huge fun for children as they run through the archways with the dog. It is the perfect place for a picnic with a children’s play park in French Weir Park, which will prove a welcome sight for little ones during a pitstop on your walk.

Vivary Park

Vivary Park right in the centre of Taunton is at its best in the spring and summer months when it is home to delightful parkland and colourful flowers surrounding the iconic bandstand, fountain and war memorial. It also features a sensory garden to tantalise the senses filled with sculptures, grasses and aromatic herbs, and there’s plenty of opportunity for people of all ages to take on a short walk which will leave them feeling relaxed and refreshed without travelling a great distance.

Hestercombe Gardens

Hestercombe Gardens features over 40 acres of unique historic landscape and formal gardens that span three centuries of garden design. From woodland walks to formal planting, it’s perfect for an afternoon spent with the family and your dog can come too. When it’s time to ‘paws’ for a spot of lunch, or you just fancy a drink and some cake, the Courtyard plays host to the Stables Restaurant and Coffee Shop.

Living in Taunton

We think Taunton is a great place to live and that’s why we have built an independent-living complex for over 55s in the town centre named Quantock House, which offers stunning views over the Quantock Hills. Homeowners can enjoy a range of communal facilities at Quantock House including a homeowners’ lounge, bistro, treatment room, activity room, and space to sit outdoors in the secluded landscaped gardens. Get in touch with our team today to find out why Quantock House could work for you.