The Chew Valley

Chew Valley signposts Tucked away in the shadow of the Mendip Hills, the Chew Valley and its lakes are a haven of tranquillity between the bustling cities of Bath and Bristol. The pretty setting, criss-crossed with country walks and cycle routes, as well as sharing a strong sense of community, make it an excellent area to visit.

The Chew Valley has a history that dates back more than 10,000 years and is rich in mystery and myths. The ancient stone circles at Stanton Drew are believed to be part of a Neolithic site of pagan worship and a legend that involves the devil and a wedding.

The area's heritage can also be traced among the many chocolate-box villages that thread the valley with names such as Nempnett Thrubwell, Hinton Blewett and Norton Malreward. At the heart of the valley is the pretty town of Chew Magna which offers pubs, traditional butchers, delicatessen and other local services.

birdwatching at Chew Valley Lake Chew Valley Lake is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by unspoilt meadows and woods. Built as a reservoir in the 1950s it is now a haven for wildlife and, along with its sister lakes, is popular with anglers and birdwatchers. The restaurant and picnic facilities at Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes provide a pleasant setting for refreshments. Aftewards, waymarked, waterside trails provide the perfect opportunity to walk off those extra calories.

Horseworld Close to the lakes, near Bishop Sutton, is Folly Farm, a nature reserve managed by Avon Wildlife Trust. Although there are no animals here the meadow and woodlands are brimming with wildlife. Horse lovers may wish to head to the north of the Chew Valley and visit Horseworld, a visitor centre and museum that cares for rescued horses, ponies and donkeys.

The Chew Valley is also close to Bristol Airport, making it an ideal stopping point for travellers. Local accommodation is small in scale and family run, assuring a friendly and welcome stay.

How to get here: From Bath take the A39, or from Bristol take the A37. Click on the RAC website for a detailed routeplanner. For information on bus routes and timetables see First Group. Click here for further information on Bristol Airport.

Find out more:
Rivers, Villages and Valleys - an illustrated journey through North East Somerset, Bristol and Bath. (£3.95 from Bath Tourist Information Centre)

Drop into Bath's Tourist Information Centre for a selection of free leaflets on the Chew Valley.