There’s something magical about a Christmas Day walk. Maybe it’s the crisp winter air, the anticipation of what’s to come, or simply the chance to step away from the bustle and enjoy a moment of calm. Whether you’re gathering loved ones together for a post-breakfast ramble or carving out some precious time just for yourself, getting outdoors is one of the best ways to embrace the season.
We’ve put together this guide to five wonderful walks, each one near one of our clinics across Somerset and Bristol. They’re all manageable within 30 minutes to an hour, so you can easily fit them in around your Christmas plans. From woodland trails rich with history to coastal paths with sweeping sea views, there’s a walk here for every mood and moment.
So grab your warmest coat, lace up your walking boots, and let’s explore some of the beautiful spots right on our doorstep.
Worle: Worlebury Hill & Weston Woods Walk
Perfect for: History buffs and woodland lovers
Right on the doorstep of our main clinic in Worle, this woodland walk is a local treasure. Weston Woods (also known as Worlebury Woods or Ashcombe Woods) covers an impressive 130 hectares and offers a network of signposted paths suitable for all abilities. Some sections have even been surfaced to make them more accessible, so everyone can enjoy the experience.
As you wander through the trees, you’ll discover you’re walking through history. Hidden among the woods are the ramparts of Worlebury Camp, an Iron Age hillfort that once stood sentinel over this landscape. It’s fascinating to think about the people who lived here thousands of years ago, and the views they would have enjoyed from these heights.
The woods are home to an abundance of wildlife, and even in winter there’s plenty to spot if you keep your eyes open. The walk can be as short or as long as you like, with several routes to choose from. Some paths connect down to the coastal path below if you fancy extending your stroll to take in some sea views.
There’s free parking available, and with Weston-super-Mare just below, you’ll have plenty of options for refreshments before or after your walk.
Portishead: Lake Grounds & Battery Point Walk
Perfect for: Seaside strolls and spectacular views
The Lake Grounds in Portishead offer one of those walks that feels special at any time of year, but there’s something particularly lovely about it at Christmas. This popular parkland sits right on the Bristol Channel, with a beautiful man-made lake as its centrepiece, created in the early 20th century to provide leisure space for the growing town.
The walk itself is wonderfully flexible. You can enjoy a gentle stroll around the lake, taking in the swans and geese, or extend it to Battery Point at the northern end of the Esplanade for those spectacular panoramic sea views across the estuary. The full route to Battery Point and back is about 2.3 miles, but you can easily make it shorter or longer depending on how you’re feeling.
The area is well set up for visitors with a café, children’s play area, and even an open-air lido. The Lakeside Café is typically open daily from 10am to 4pm (weather permitting), making it a perfect spot for a warming drink to start or finish your walk. There’s also the historic Battery Point lighthouse to admire – a striking black structure that’s become something of a Portishead landmark.
The paths are well-maintained, parking is free at the Lake Grounds, and the whole area has a festive, welcoming atmosphere that makes it ideal for Christmas Day.
Clevedon: The Poet’s Walk
Perfect for: Stunning vistas and literary connections
If you’re after the very best views in North Somerset, many locals will point you towards Clevedon’s Poet’s Walk. This 2km coastal trail winds along Church Hill and Wain’s Hill, taking you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area.
The walk gets its name from the poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Alfred Tennyson, who both visited Clevedon and were inspired by its beauty. As you follow in their footsteps, you’ll discover why. On a clear day, you can see Clevedon Pier stretching out into the Bristol Channel, with Wales visible across the water. The views are simply breathtaking.
Along the route, you’ll pass St. Andrews Church (which you might recognise from the TV series Broadchurch) and discover the site of an ancient Iron Age fort. There’s even a sculpture featuring lines from Tennyson’s poem ‘In Memoriam’, written for his friend Arthur Hallam who is buried at St. Andrews.
The good news is that this walk is pushchair-friendly, so it’s accessible for those with young children or anyone who needs easier terrain. There are several benches along the way where you can pause and simply drink in those magnificent views.
Start at the Salthouse pub on Salthouse Road, where you can also stop for refreshments. The path is a mixture of paving and woodland trail, with some gentle inclines but nothing too challenging. It’s the kind of walk that lifts the spirits and clears the head – perfect for Christmas Day.
Shirehampton: The Lamplighters Walk
Perfect for: Peaceful riverside rambling and nature watching
Just north of Bristol in Shirehampton, the Lamplighters Walk offers a beautiful accessible route along the River Avon and towards the Severn estuary. This is nature on your doorstep – a chance to escape into green space without travelling far.
The walk takes you through a nature reserve, with the river on one side and fields and woodland on the other. The Avon riverside here consists of a series of grassy recreation grounds linked by a pleasant riverside path, so you can make your walk as long or short as suits you. There are lovely views across the river, and even in winter you might spot herons, kingfishers, or the winter visiting birds that make this area their temporary home.
One of the great things about this walk is how accessible it is. The paths are well-maintained, mostly flat, and there’s a pub and children’s play area along the route if you need them. It’s the kind of walk where you can simply let your mind wander, enjoy the sound of the water, and feel the stresses of the season melt away.
Starting from Shirehampton railway station or the Lamplighters Inn, the walk is easy to find and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re craving company or solitude, the riverside path provides both the space and the scenery to make your Christmas walk memorable.
Weston-super-Mare: Uphill Nature Reserve & Beach Walk
Perfect for: Beachcombers and those seeking variety
Sometimes a walk by the sea is exactly what you need, and Uphill, just south of Weston-super-Mare, delivers beautifully. This walk combines the best of several worlds: a marina, a nature reserve, riverside paths, and a gorgeous rugged beach.
Starting from the car park on Uphill Way, the route takes you past the marina and small pond before following the River Axe. The walk is relatively short and has minimal hills, making it ideal for a relaxed Christmas Day stroll. The river views are particularly lovely, and if you’re walking at low tide, you might venture onto the beach itself.
If you want to extend your walk, the Uphill Nature Reserve offers plenty to explore. The area is rich with wildlife, and the views from Uphill Beacon are spectacular, taking in the Somerset Levels and the coast. You’ll also find the historic Uphill Church perched on the hillside – a beautiful medieval building that’s been watching over this landscape for centuries.
The combination of beach, river, and nature reserve means you can tailor this walk to your mood. Fancy a bracing walk along the sand? Head for the beach. Prefer a gentler riverside stroll? Stick to the path by the Axe. Want to add in some history and views? Climb up to the church and beacon.
It’s this versatility that makes Uphill such a wonderful choice for Christmas Day, whether you’re walking solo, with a companion, or with a whole crew in tow.
The Gift of Fresh Air
In a season that can sometimes feel overwhelming, a good walk is a gift you give yourself. It’s a chance to reset, to breathe, to remember what really matters. Whether you’re processing the year that’s been, dreaming about the year ahead, or simply enjoying the moment, these walks offer the space to do exactly that.
From all of us at Meadows & Wood Hearing Care, we wish you a wonderful Christmas, wherever you choose to spend it and however you choose to walk through it. May your day be filled with fresh air, beautiful views, and moments of peace and joy.
And who knows? With your hearing aids working perfectly (and their ‘Find My Hearing Aid’ technology safely in your pocket, just in case!), you’ll be able to enjoy every sound along the way – from the crunch of leaves underfoot to the call of seabirds overhead, from the laughter of fellow walkers to the peaceful silence of a winter’s day.
Happy walking!
Have you discovered a wonderful walk near one of our clinics that we haven’t mentioned? We’d love to hear about it! Drop us a message and share your favourite festive walking spots.
