Explore Cheddar and the Mendip Hills with five of the best short walks in the area

Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest gorge and was created naturally by glacial meltwater when a river cut through the landscape. The 5 km-long gorge is a fascinating natural phenomenon that 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. Here are five of the best short walks to begin exploring this landscape, formed millions of years ago.

15 Short Walks Cheddar and the Mendips

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Discover 15 of the best short walks around Cheddar and the Mendips. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means everyone can enjoy the walks.

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The best walk to the iconic Cheddar Gorge...

What: South of Cheddar Gorge
Summary: The iconic walk with spectacular views across Cheddar Gorge
Start/finish: Edelweiss Cafe, Cheddar
Time: 2hr
Distance: 4.5km (2.8 miles)
Climb: 270m

Depending on the time of day, the beginning of this walk will be busy with tourists as the views are truly spectacular. But what most tourists don’t know is that you’ll get bonus, far-reaching views when you follow this loop. There will be nimble, gravity-defying goats on this walk – get your camera ready! The terrain is rocky underfoot in places and, by its very nature, steep in places too.

The best walk for a challenging climb...

What: Crook Peak and King’s Wood
Summary: With spectacular 360-degree views, this walk summits at a distinctive natural landmark
Start/finish: The White Hart Inn, Cross
Time: 3hr
Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
Climb: 330m

For those of you after a challenging scramble, this walk hits the spot with a mid-walk clamber to the rocky ‘summit’ of Crook Peak. The terrain underfoot is uneven, but the views are worth the effort! You’ll explore an ancient woodland and Compton Bishop, too.

The best walk for birdwatching...

What: Cheddar Reservoir and Axbridge
Summary: A mainly flat walk round Cheddar Reservoir, with a backdrop of Cheddar Wood and views across farmland
Start/finish: Axbridge Town car park
Time: 1hr 30min
Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
Climb: 25m

Although Cheddar Reservoir was built in 1937, it was only during the 1980s that the public were fully permitted to walk around it. Keen birdwatchers will spot chiffchaff, goldcrest, linnet and reed bunting. There are several refreshment options in Axbridge, although the wall around the reservoir also makes a great spot for a picnic, and there’s an interesting museum in the town centre.

The best walk through an enchanting woodland...

What: Ebbor Gorge and Ebbor Wood
Summary: A short walk surrounded by ferns and woodland, and a rocky scramble through the heart of an ancient gorge
Start/finish: Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve
Time: 1hr 30min
Distance: 2.5km (1.6 miles)
Climb: 135m

Although this walk is short in distance, parts of it are challenging. Begin with an enchanting woodland walk before scrambling over rocks through an ancient gorge. Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve is of geological interest and there is evidence of Stone and Bronze Age human activity. The path through the woods can be muddy and the rocks of the gorge uneven and slippery after rain.

The best walk to see Exmoor ponies...

What: Beacon Batch and Velvet Bottom
Summary: A climb to the highest point on the Mendip Hills, with Exmoor ponies roaming in a scarred, yet beautiful, landscape
Start/finish: Ubley Warren Drive, Blagdon
Time: 2hr 30min
Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
Climb: 180m

From as early as the Roman times this area of the Mendip Hills has seen mining activity. The land was rich with lead, and the landscape you see today bears evidence of large-scale lead extraction. Much of the valley at Velvet Bottom is designated as a Scheduled Monument. Exmoor ponies roam freely at Beacon Batch, and the views are far-reaching. At 325m, Beacon Batch is the highest point in the Mendip Hills, and the climb can be soggy underfoot, depending on the season.

All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks Cheddar and the Mendips. Other highlights include Dolebury Warren and Rowberrow, Ashton Windmill and Priddy Nine Barrows and Stockhill Wood. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.