The best walks and hikes around Cheddar

Cheddar offers a great mix of difficulties. While the area is famous for its steep gorge, you'll find everything from easy, flat walks to challenging ascents. Out of more than 120 routes, about half are easy, with the rest split between moderate and difficult, so there's a trail for every fitness level.

Yes, the Cheddar Reservoir loop from Cheddar is an excellent choice for families. It's a flat, 4.7-mile (7.6 km) circular path around the water, perfect for a gentle stroll and popular for birdwatching. The Strawberry Line, a former railway track, also provides a very flat and accessible path.

Most trails around Cheddar are dog-friendly, but you need to be cautious. On the clifftop paths, it is essential to keep dogs on a lead due to the steep drops and free-roaming livestock like Soay sheep and goats. Nature reserves may also have specific rules to protect wildlife.

There are several pay-and-display car parks located along the B3135 road that runs through Cheddar village and the gorge itself. For the main clifftop walk, parking in the village is convenient. For quieter routes, you might find free lay-by parking further up the gorge or near nature reserves like Black Rock.

The village of Cheddar has several traditional pubs and tea rooms perfect for relaxing after a walk. You'll find a good selection at the base of the gorge, offering food and local ales, many with outdoor seating for sunny days.

The clifftop path can be challenging, with steep, uneven sections that become slippery when wet. Sturdy footwear with good grip is essential. The trail is exposed with sudden drops, so it's important to be mindful of your footing, especially in windy conditions. Also, be prepared to encounter grazing livestock.

Yes, circular routes are very common in Cheddar. Many of the most popular hikes, including the main gorge walk and reservoir loop, are designed as circuits that start and end in or near the village. This makes logistics simple as you can easily return to your starting point.

The hike to Beacon Batch, the highest point in the Mendip Hills, offers a different experience from the gorge. The Velvet Bottom & Beacon Batch loop from Black Gate — Mendip Hills takes you across open moorland with wide-ranging panoramic views. The terrain is less precipitous than the gorge but can be boggy after rain.

Ebbor Gorge is a smaller, quieter alternative managed by the National Trust. It offers a more woodland-focused walk and is often described as a hidden gem. While it lacks the dramatic scale of Cheddar Gorge, its trails are peaceful and provide a lovely, less crowded hiking experience.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the spectacular panoramic views from the clifftop paths over the Somerset Levels. The unique landscape, combining dramatic cliffs with serene nature reserves, is also a major highlight.

While Cheddar Gorge was carved by meltwater rivers, there are no significant, permanent waterfalls to see on the main hiking trails. The area's beauty comes from the dramatic limestone cliffs and vast views rather than flowing water features.

Yes, Cheddar village is accessible by bus from nearby larger towns like Wells and Weston-super-Mare. Once in the village, the starting points for many popular hikes, including the main Cheddar Gorge Clifftop Walk, are within easy walking distance.