Shear Water dog walk - Longleat Estate, Wiltshire

BA12 8AF

Shear Water dog walk - Longleat Estate, Wiltshire - Dog walks in Wiltshire

Description

This is a forest of varying walks for all levels of dog walker. From an amble through the forest sticking to the well maintained paths or trekking across the forest floor up some fairly challenging hills and cuttings. Alternatively you may choose simply to walk around the lake watching the ducks and other birds on the water.

Disabled Access Available
Refreshments Available
WC Available
Free Parking Not Available
Children's Activities Not Available
No Height Restriction
Sleep Not Available

Details

GPS coords for car park: 51.1772, -2.2102  This is a private fishing lake, contact Longleat estate for more details about fishing. Near to Shear Water there is a pub and at the main entrance there is a cafe serving hot and cold drinks and food during busy times.

Full Walk Details

There are three car parks associated with the lake and forest. The main car park by the main gate (50p), the car park after you have driven around the lake (£1) and Nocketts Wood Car Park on the other side of the forest.  There aren't any set walks as such, however, from the entrance into the forest at Sheerwater there are signs to Nockett Wood and from there back to the forest. However, while a fair size of forest it isn't huge. And the tarmac paths tend to follow in a pattern around the forest. 

I have said the walk is suitable for the disabled or unstable on their feet, this is only applicable to walking around the lake and not in the forest, there are areas where there aren't tarmac paths. 

This forest is very well managed and therefore the trees are not on top of each other, making it a great place for dogs to explore on and off the lead.  Please be aware there are deer in the forest and there are signs telling dog walkers in parts of the forest to keep their dogs on the lead. You also need to check your dog for ticks after being in the forest. This is a very clean walk and a lot of families and walkers without dogs use it. Clean up after your dog. And if your dog is excitable make sure they are controlled as there could be people who don't like dogs just out of sight.  A dog whistle is a good tool especially in a forest, if you and your dog should become separated you can indicate to your dog where you are and hopefully be reunited very quickly. Beware this forest has a heavy cover and it can get darker on the forest floor quite some time before sunset, therefore if you don't know the forest make sure you have plenty of clear daylight in case you spend longer in there than you anticipated!