Chew Valley Lake was created in the early 1950 s to provide drinking water to Bristol and the surrounding area. It also controls the flow rate of the River Chew.

The A368 crosses the southern edge of the lake. There is car parking along the causeway, and it's always a popular bird watching area.

Holly

March 20, 2025

Hiking

Beautiful Lake. It's very large(!) And is really easily accessible, there is parking right by the edge of the lake, if you can not walk there.
It's a fantastic spot for bird watching, too! There is a board that displays the birds you may be likely to see and when you'll see them.
Please do not feed bread to the ducks & birds! (I know it was normal, I used to do it as a small child in the late 80s & 90s, but we know it's bad for them now)

Routes here

Best routes to Bird Watching at Chew Valley Lake

hikers

1. Chew Valley Lake & West Harptree loop from East Harptree — Mendip Hills

8.70km

02:19

90m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

hikers

2. Chew Valley Lake loop from West Harptree — Mendip Hills

5.79km

01:31

40m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

hikers

3. Herriots Mill Pool – Chew Valley Lake loop from West Harptree

3.91km

01:01

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 60 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 4 March

13°C

4°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

Most visited during

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See routes here

Take Me There

Location: West Harptree, South West England, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Litton Reservoirs

Stockhill Woods

East Harptree Woods

Greyfield Wood Waterfall

View of Chew Valley Lake from Wrangle Road Climb

Norton Lane Climb

View of Chew Lake from Smitham Hill

Ring O' Bells, Hinton Blewett

Chew Valley Lake

Chew Valley Lake Dam

View of Pensford Viaduct

View of Ebbor Gorge

Bird Watching at Chew Valley Lake

1. Chew Valley Lake & West Harptree loop from East Harptree — Mendip Hills

2. Chew Valley Lake loop from West Harptree — Mendip Hills

3. Herriots Mill Pool – Chew Valley Lake loop from West Harptree

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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