Cheddar Gorge and Beacon Batch (Black Down)

Joe Jackson

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Starting off in the bustling tourist destination of Cheddar Gorge, the walk follows the road through the bottom of the gorge to begin with, offering views up to the towering pinnacles above the limestone cliffs. Upon reaching the bottom of the gorge the path turns uphill and follows a bridleway along the edge of the gorge, again offering views of the cliffs but from a lofty height above the road.

After enjoying the views from above the gorge the route follows the bottom of the valley continuing east and follows footpaths through farmland until you reach the summit of Beacon Batch, the top of the Mendip Hills. The summit is 325m above sea level and offers views as distant as Cardiff in Wales.

The journey down passes several ancient burial mounds before joining the road and crossing quiet fields back down to Cheddar Village.

England - South West England - Somerset - Cheddar Gorge

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

24/09/2020 - Paul Barnes

We did this walk in Sept 2020. Due to poor weather and my wife's knees, we cut it short by taking path from waypoint 14 to waypoint 27. It was still a decent walk and interesting. Look out for the goats in the woods on the way back to the village.

09/03/2015 - Rob Sandercock

Great walk best done when visibility is good to properly appreciate the views from the gorge and the mendips..not as we did, in thick fog and constant rain. Worth noting that as of March 8th 2015 the field edge between points 19 and 20 is very boggy and waterlogged and wet feet should be expected if not shrouded in goretex. All good fun !!