An enormous limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills AONB, Cheddar Gorge draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. There are numerous notable features of the gorge, particularly its towering cliff faces, incredible rock pinnacles and formations, and its exceptional views south across the flat Somerset Levels.

The gorge is also home to sprawling cave systems and a series of show caves. It's here that the remains of Britain's oldest complete skeleton were found, dating back 9,000 years and appropriately named, 'the Cheddar Man'.

There is also a herd of feral goats in the gorge, which can often be seen halfway up the cliffs or on the top of the eastern cliff, munching plants. Footpaths cover both clifftops and it's easy to explore the area in depth. The village of Cheddar lies at the southern end and has plenty of cafes, restaurants and attractions.

Parking can be a challenge in high season and on bank holidays, not because there's not much, but because it's such a popular place. Drive up the gorge to find more parking outside of the village.

HMyr

April 28, 2021

Cheddar is a gorge lying on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills. The maximum depth of the gorge is 137 m (449 ft), with a near-vertical cliff-face to the south, and steep grassy slopes to the north.

Mike Cree

June 14, 2024

Stunning views across the plains of Somerset. can see for absolutely miles on a clear day. Don't be fooled in to thinking it's an easy route I have made. It really isn't. Proper footwear and even poles are recommended. Bring waterproofs as back up shelter, as there are not many places out of the gorge to shelter. Download the route to device also, there is no phone coverage the further in to the gorge you go.

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Elevation 280 m

Weather

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Wednesday 22 October

12°C

8°C

70 %

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Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

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Location: Cheddar, Sedgemoor District, Somerset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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