Discover the dramatic limestone landscapes and hidden green valleys of Somerset with this collection of 15 short walks exploring Cheddar and the Mendips. From the towering cliffs of Cheddar Gorge and panoramic hilltop viewpoints to tranquil woodlands, reservoirs and flower-rich grasslands, these routes reveal the rich variety of the Mendip Hills, ideal for relaxed days out and family adventures.

• Each walk is accompanied by a clear Ordnance Survey map and step-by-step route description, with numbered waypoints linking mapping and text to make navigation simple for walkers of all experience levels.
• Practical information is included for every route across Cheddar and the Mendip Hills, covering parking, public transport, facilities and refreshment stops, so you can plan your outing with confidence.
• Explore standout Mendip highlights including Crook Peak, Beacon Batch, Velvet Bottom, Ebbor Gorge, Cheddar Gorge, King’s Wood and the Cheddar Reservoir loop, with routes showcasing limestone gorges, wooded combes and far-reaching viewpoints.
• Routes range from 3 to 10km (all under three hours) and are graded easy to moderate, featuring manageable distances and short climbs without technical terrain, making them ideal for beginners, families and leisurely countryside strolls.
• A handy route summary table helps you select the perfect walk by distance, duration and difficulty, while local tips point out viewpoints, wildlife interest and welcoming cafés and pubs along the way.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this guidebook is the perfect companion for discovering Cheddar and the Mendip Hills on foot. Whether you are wandering through dramatic gorges, climbing gentle summits or enjoying peaceful woodland paths, this collection offers everything you need for memorable short walks in Somerset.

15 Short Walks Cheddar and the Mendips - Quick Facts

Location: Mendip Hills, Somerset, England
Number of walks: 15 circular routes
Distance: 3–10km (2–6 miles)
Typical duration: Under 3 hours per walk
Terrain: Limestone gorges, wooded combes, grassland hills, reservoirs and farmland
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for beginners and families
Highlights: Cheddar Gorge, Crook Peak, Beacon Batch, Velvet Bottom, Ebbor Gorge and Cheddar Reservoir
Navigation: OS maps with numbered waypoints and clear route descriptions
Facilities: Information on parking, refreshments and public transport for each walk
Best season: Year-round walking with wildflowers in spring and wide views on clear winter days

Author Highlight

“When you step out on one of these walking routes you will be exploring a landscape that was formed millions of years ago. Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest gorge and was created naturally by glacial meltwater when a river cut through the landscape. The 5km-long gorge is a fascinating natural phenomenon which continues to captivate all who visit. Cheddar sits in the midst of the Mendip Hills – an area which has been designated as a ‘National Landscape’. From the coastal town of Weston-super-Mare in the west to the trendy and vibrant town of Frome in the east, the Mendip Hills stretch up to the Chew Valley in the north of the county and down to Wells, the smallest city in England, in the south. Once you lace up your hiking boots, you’ll soon see why the Mendip Hills are adored for their incredibly diverse and spell-binding landscapes.”

- Rachel Mead, author of 15 Short Walks Cheddar and the Mendips

Using this guide 
Route summary table 
Introduction 
Walking on the Mendip Hills 
When to go 
Where to stay  
Getting around 
The walks 
Walk 1 Crook Peak and King’s Wood 
Walk 2 Dolebury Warren and Rowberrow 
Walk 3 Beacon Batch and Velvet Bottom 
Walk 4 Piney Sleights and north of Cheddar Gorge 
Walk 5 South of Cheddar Gorge 
Walk 6 Middledown and Bubwith Acres Nature Reserves 
Walk 7 Cheddar Reservoir and Axbridge 
Walk 8 Rhynes and droves 
Walk 9 Ashton Windmill 
Walk 10 Nyland Hill 
Walk 11 Westbury-sub-Mendip 
Walk 12 Ebbor Gorge and Ebbor Wood 
Walk 13 Priddy and Deer Leap 
Walk 14 Priddy Nine Barrows and Stockhill Wood 
Walk 15 Chew Valley Lake and Knowle Hill 
Useful information 

Seasons

Enjoy the Mendip Hills all year round. Be mindful that some routes can be slippery and muddy in the wetter months, but crisp winter mornings and balmy summer evenings gift glorious sunrise and sunset opportunities.

Centres

Cheddar, Axbridge, Westbury-sub-Mendip, Priddy, Rowberrow

Difficulty

You’re in the Mendip Hills, so expect a climb or two during most of these walks. Much of the landscape, by its very nature, is uneven and of mixed terrain. Many stiles require a climb and footpaths can be very wet during the winter months.

Must See

Explore the world-famous Cheddar Gorge and the historic Mendip Hills – renowned for dramatic inland cliffs and far-reaching views across to Glastonbury Tor and as far as Wales.

March 2026

Walk 5 South of Cheddar Gorge - route description clarification

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