Pensford Viaduct

1 miles (2 km)

This short circular walk visits the impressive Pensford Viaduct from the Somerset village of the same name. The route runs for just over a mile, passing the structure with views of the River Chew to enjoy on the way.
The walk starts in the pretty little village of Pensford where you can pick up the Two Rivers Way long distance footpath. Follow the trail west and it will take you along the river to the viaduct. The now disused viaduct was built in 1874 to carry the�Bristol and North Somerset Railway�over the valley of the�River Chew. The Grade II�listed building is 995 feet (303�m) long, reaches a maximum height of 95 feet (29�m) to rail level and consists of sixteen arches.
The route continues west to Byemills Farm where you can cross the river. Here you can pick up the Three Peaks Walk and follow it east back into the village.
To extend your walking in the area you can follow the Three Peaks Walk about a mile to the east to visit Lord's Wood where you'll find some nice woodland trails. Just beyond the woods you'll find Hunstrete House with grounds including�Hunstrete Lake, a walled garden�and an�icehouse�which is also a listed building.
If you head west from the village along the Two Rivers Way you can visit Chew Magna and the lovely Chew Valley Lake where there is a delightful nature trail to try. Near here there's also the delightful Litton Reservoir to visit.
The Community Forest Path passes through the area and will take you on a tour of the countryside, villages and historic estates around Bristol.

Pensford Viaduct Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Pensford Viaduct Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Pensford Viaduct OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Pensford Viaduct Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Back in Pensford you could head to The Rising Sun for some post walk refreshment. The pub has a particularly lovely garden area with views of the river and the viaduct. You can find them on Church Street with a postcode of BS39 4AQ for your sat navs.
On the route you could stop off at the noteworthy Druids Arms, just west of the village in Stanton Drew. It is located in a great spot next to the historic stones. They serve delicious food which you can enjoy with a country view in the lovely large garden area. You can find them at postcode BS39 4EJ�for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The country paths make for a pleasant walk with your dog. Both The Rising Sun and the Druids Arms pubs mentioned above are also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head west of the village and you could visit the Stanton Drew Stones. The English Heritage run site includes three significan stone circles dating from the Late Neolithic to Early�Bronze Age period. It's notable as the third largest complex of prehistoric standing stones in England.
The climb to the viewpoint and Iron Age hillfort at Maes Knoll also starts from the village.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Mendip Hills Walks page.