8 min readDid you know that you can travel directly from the heart of Bristol to the beautiful landscapes of the Chew Valley by bus? The Big Lemon’s new X91 ‘Chew Valley Sprint’ bus service connects the city directly to the scenic slopes of the Mendip Hills, as well as the banks of the spectacular Chew Valley Lake. As you’d expect, there’s plenty to enjoy in the area, so we’ve put together a list of the best things to do along the route!
Hop aboard the X91 at The Centre (C6) bus stop at Broad Quay in Bristol city centre, directly opposite the Radisson Blu hotel. Be sure to plan ahead – as of 31 August 2025, only four X91 buses operate each day from Bristol, with the final service departing from its southern terminus in the village of Ubley at 3:50pm each day.
For more information on purchasing tickets, alighting, and much more, check out our guide to taking the bus in and around Bristol.
Image: The Big Lemon
1. Savour a country pub lunch in Chew Magna
During its journey, the X91 passes through several characterful North Somerset villages, of which Chew Magna is the first. This characterful village, which dates back to Saxon times, is home to several medieval buildings, including the 12th-century St Andrew’s Church, as well as three fabulous pubs.
Alight at the ‘Sacred Heart’ stop in the west of the village, then head straight down the High Street, where you’ll first come across The Bear & Swan, a traditional 18-century inn with an expansive garden. Savour delicious pub grub, from fish and chips to flat iron steak and burgers, all complemented by a wide selection of ciders, lagers, real ales and wines.
If it’s breakfast or brunch you’re after, make for The Pelican next door. Here, you’ll find with a selection of mouth-watering options, including a classic Full English, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on sourdough toast, and shakshuka with chorizo sausage, among others. The pub also offers a couple of eye-catching dishes for more adventurous diners, such as sirloin steak with eggs and salsa, and hazelnut dukkah on sourdough toast.
Across the road and on the opposite side of Chew Magna’s churchyard is The Queens, a stunning gastropub tucked away in a peaceful corner of the village. Expect a menu packed full of pub classics with a twist, such as ‘Hunter’s Chicken’ schnitzel and Cornish sole doused in jalapeno sauce. Better still, the pub sells local craft beers on tap at the bar, with appearances from Bristol Beer Factory, Electric Bear Brewing, and many more.
Those bringing their furry friends along for the trip will be pleased to know that all three pubs are dog-friendly.
Image: The Queens Chew Magna
2. Wander around Chew Valley Lake
Further along the route, after passing through the village of Chew Stoke, alight at the ‘Chew Valley Lake Picnic Site’ spot and embark on one of the many hikes around the titular 1,200 acre lake.
There are excursions to suit all needs and abilities, including the flat nature trails along the eastern bank, which offers plenty of opportunities to spot some of the 270 species of birds present at the lake, taking one hour to complete.
The nature trail is ideal for families or those with reduced mobility, with a largely flat terrain and short distance. Plus, there’s a chance to indulge in some award-winning fish and chips from Salt & Malt’s Chew Valley restaurant before or after your walk.
Another easy route from the picnic site is the short walk to the opposite bank via Wally Lane, taking just 35 minutes. Once there, you can enjoy a wholesome lunch overlooking the water at the Woodford Lodge restaurant.
You can also opt for one of the more challenging, circular hikes from the picnic site available on Outdooractive, such as the moderate ‘Chew Valley Explorer’ route. Taking approximately two hours, this 5-mile walk will take you up the nearby Knowle Hill, which offers panoramic views over the lake and its surrounding area, then through open countryside to Chew Magna, before heading back to the lakeside.
Hikers up for a longer ramble can also alight further along the X91’s route at the ‘New Manor Farm’ stop. From here, take your pick from the 7-mile ‘Chew Valley Lake-Hinton Blewett Circular’ route, taking three hours to complete, or the 6-mile ‘Chew Valley and the Harptrees’ route, taking just over two hours to complete. Both walks are a great way to discover even more of the area, including the pretty villages of Hinton Blewett, West Harptree, and East Harptree, but are unfortunately unsuitable for those with reduced mobility.
If you’re bringing a dog with you on your walk, keep them on leads at all times, including on the bus. Dogs are only allowed in the outdoor spaces at Woodford Lodge and Salt & Malt.
Image: Chew Valley Lake
3. Explore Folly Farm
Just down the road from the lake, disembark at the ‘Bonhill Road’ stop in the north of Bishop Sutton, then follow a public footpath leading off the nearby street Summer Leaze, through the neighbouring village of Stowey, to the spectacular Folly Farm nature reserve.
Here, you’ll discover a natural paradise, with 250 acres of unspoilt wildflower meadow and woodland brimming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for butterflies and badgers below, to nuthatches, buzzards and spotted woodpeckers above.
It’s not just about the fauna either; visit in spring and you’ll be treated to a stunning display of seasonal flowers on the woodland floor, including bluebells, primrose, and purple orchids. Or, if you’re visiting in summer, marvel at the meadows covered in ox-eye daisies, betony, and heath spotted orchid.
Please note that dogs are not permitted to enter the Folly Farm nature reserve, and that the terrain on the reserve and footpath from Bishop Sutton is unsuitable for wheelchair and mobility scooter users, as well as those with reduced mobility.
Image: Folly Farm nature reserve
4. Discover Blagdon Lake
If you’ve stayed aboard the bus all the way to its final destination, you’ll find yourself in the small residential village of Ubley. At first glance, it might seem that there’s not much to do, but there’s much more to the village than meets the eye!
Walk back up the main road from the bus stop outside the old sawmill and take the first left downhill via The Street, until you reach the centre of the village. Here, head down Stilemead Lane and join a footpath across fields to Snatch Lane, then turn left and follow the road, then take the first right onto a footpath along the southern banks of Blagdon Lake.
This path is roughly two miles in length, and will take you on a gentle hour-long walk along the lake’s southern perimeter, offering a chance to admire the scenery from land. Note that while mostly flat, the terrain on many of the paths is uneven, and may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. If you’d prefer to head out on the water for a spot of angling, hire a motorboat from the lake’s Fishing Lodge, which is situated at the Blagdon end of the lake footpath.
If you’re up for a challenge, follow the lake footpath all the way to its end near the village of Blagdon, then climb up a steep lane to The New Inn, where you can reward yourself with a hearty meal and pint while taking in the pub’s unrivalled views over the lake.
Image: The New Inn, Blagdon
5. Visit Yeo Valley
If you’re visiting between April and September, don’t miss a chance to visit the Yeo Valley Organic Garden near the banks of Blagdon Lake, which places an emphasis on bold planting and whimsical elements across its multiple areas. The garden is easily accessible from the same lake footpath mentioned above.
If you’re visiting outside these times, the Yeo Valley Canteen, based a 20-minute walk away from the New Inn in the village of Blagdon, is open all year round from Tuesday to Friday each week. Sample some of Yeo Valley’s delicious dairy products in the tasty selection of breakfast and lunch dishes, whether it’s their Greek yoghurt with granola, beef chilli, or lamb.
Image: Yeo Valley Organic Garden
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