Cheddar Gorge Clifftop Walk: A Complete Guide
The Cheddar Gorge is located in Somerset, England and is one of the UK’s most famous natural landmarks and is looked after by the National Trust. With cliffs towering up to 450 feet (137 metres) high and its amazing views, the Cheddar Gorge walk is a must for anyone in the area.
The Cheddar Gorge Circular Walk.
The Cheddar Gorge Clifftop Walk takes in both sides of the gorge so there is a lot of walking involved and is steep in places, but the views are amazing once at the top and from below looking up, we also saw the goats chomping away at the vegetation and a young goat on the cliff top and they were not even bothered about us.
Getting There and Parking.
Cheddar Gorge is located in Somerset, and it's easily accessible by car. There are many parking areas around the gorge, but they do get busy as we found out, especially during peak times. Alternative parking spots are available in the village of Cheddar, on the day we visited, we parked at Black Rock. Make sure to arrive early as it may be hard to get a parking place later in the day.
Navigating the Cliff Top Walk.
The Clifftop Walk is a circular walk that takes you along the top of the Gorge and offers amazing views. The walk took us about 5 hours, but we did stop along the way and also had something to eat in the village. The route is well-marked, but the terrain can be steep and rocky.
As we started at Back Rock, the initial start was a canny climb up the hill, but once at the cliff top it levels off and you can walk right up to the edge and look down at the road below snaking through the Gorge, the views across to the other side, where good if looking from the side with Jacob's ladder, but I thought the views from the other side were better.
Wildlife Encounters: Goats and Dormice.
The goats are something to see as they so easily walk or jump from rock to rock, it was amazing to watch.
Appartanley there is also dormice in the ancient woodlands surrounding the cliffs, but we never spotted any. The area is also known for its rare wildflowers, including Cheddar Pink and Rock-rose, which add splashes of colour to the landscape in spring and summer.
Peregrine Falcons nest on the cliffs at Cheddar Gorge and I think we saw some, but as we are not bird watchers, I cannot say for certain.
Why the Cheddar Gorge Clifftop Walk is a Must-Do
As you make your way along the Clifftop Walk, there are some interesting places to visit.
- Jacob's Ladder: Over 200 steps, which would be fun walking up, but we came down them to get into the village
- Lookout Tower: The Lookout Tower offers panoramic views of the Gorge and the surrounding Mendip Hills, and it has markers all around telling you the distance to different locations, worth a climb, but I found the steps slippy and I had hiking boots on.
- The Pinnacles: These striking rock formations are a highlight of the walk, and are best viewed from the other side of the Gorge.
- Gough's Cave: If you have time, consider exploring Gough's Cave, a fascinating underground world filled with stalactites and stalagmites. It's a great way to add a bit of variety to your day.
The best time to visit
The Clifftop Walk is accessible year-round, we visited during the summer and it was really busy. Early morning or late afternoon walks are also recommended for those who want to avoid the busiest times.
Historical and Cultural Insights
Cheddar Gorge has a lot of history and is home or was to the famous Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest complete skeleton who lived here over 9,000 years ago and was discovered in Gough's Cave.
It was formed during the last ice age when meltwater from glaciers carved its way through the limestone, creating the cliffs we have today.
Nearby Attractions
If you have time, consider exploring some of the other attractions in the area:
- Cheddar Village: A nice little village with a stream running through and it also has a man-made waterfall.
- Mendip Hills: If you're looking for more walking opportunities, the Mendip Hills offers a variety of trails to walk along.
Conclusion
The Cheddar Gorge Clifftop Walk is a must-do for anyone visiting Somerset. With its breathtaking views and rich history, it offers something for everyone.