Nestled in the heart of Somerset, England, Cheddar Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder that draws thousands of visitors each year. Cheddar Gorge is the largest and the most famous gorge in the UK. It reaches a maximum depth of 137 m, more than 400 ft. It has been on our wish list since I saw a short video on TikTok.
Cheddar Gorge is a great place for a day trip from London or even a weekend break. Since we wanted to explore the area, we visited the gorge and Cheddar village during the weekend. The Cheddar Gorge Walk is one of the most beautiful hikes in England.
In this post, we share everything you need to know about the Cheddar Gorge Walk, including the route's highlights, duration, and essential tips to help you make the most of your journey. If you prefer a visual guide, you can also watch our video on the experience.
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Why is Cheddar Gorge so famous?
The gorge is famous for its dramatic cliffs, fascinating rock formations, and rich wildlife. The gorge was formed over one million years ago during the last ice age, but did you know that Britain's oldest complete human skeleton was found here in one of the caves? The skeleton is estimated to be 9,000 years old, belongs to an adult male and is known as Cheddar Man.
Interestingly, he had dark skin and blue eyes, quite different from many modern English men.
The area is not only a natural wonder but also a site of significant historical and archaeological interest. The gorge has been a place of human habitation for thousands of years, with evidence of prehistoric occupation found in its caves.
Today, Cheddar Gorge is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of activities from caving and rock climbing to scenic walks.
Parking in Cheddar Gorge: What You Need to Know
When planning your visit to Cheddar Gorge, one of the first things to consider is where to park. We visited Cheddar Gorge on a long weekend in May, knowing it would be busy. We arrived around 11:30 am and managed to find a spot without too much trouble. Luckily, there are several parking options available and most of them are pay-and-display.
Cliff Street Car Park is a popular choice for many visitors because of its proximity to Cheddar Village. This car park offers easy access to both the village and the gorge, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. You have the option to pay for parking based on the duration of your stay: up to 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, or all day.
Cheddar Gorge & Caves Car Park is another popular option, located closer to the main attractions like Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave. This is a convenient spot if you plan to explore the caves or take a shorter walk via Jacob's Ladder. Parking fees here are typically charged by the hour, and like the Cliff Street Car Park, it tends to fill up quickly on weekends and during busy tourist seasons.
Parking within Cheddar Gorge itself offers several spots, many of which are also pay-and-display, but there are some free spots available too. Actually we parked in a free spot, since all the paid car parks were full, which worked out perfectly.
The Cheddar Gorge Walk: An Overview
The Cheddar Gorge Walk is a circular route that takes you around the top of the gorge and through the surrounding countryside. The walk offers stunning panoramic views of the gorge, the Mendip Hills, and beyond. It’s a relatively easy hike, with some steep ascents and descents that can become slippery when it rains. Honestly, the weather wasn’t the best during our walk, but we didn’t find the hike challenging at all. As long as you’ve got the right shoes, gear, and a decent level of fitness, you should be just fine.
Length and Duration of Cheddar Gorge Walk
The full Cheddar Gorge Walk covers about 4 miles (6.4 kilometres) and usually takes around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you pause to enjoy the views or snap some photos. The path is well-marked with signs, and there are several route variations, so you can easily adjust the walk to suit your fitness level and the time you have available.
If you’re not up for the entire loop but still want to experience those incredible cliff views, you can start from the village and walk up just 1 kilometre to be on top of the cliffs.
Alternatively, you can take Jacob's Ladder to reach the Lookout Tower. Keep in mind that climbing the ladder requires a ticket, and you’ll need to tackle 274 steep steps to reach the top.
The Route: Step-by-Step Guide
Starting Point
You can join the walk from different spots but we went for the official circle route, so we started our walk from the Cheddar Village. From there, it’s easy to spot the Public Footpath sign pointing to the “Gorge Walk Via Clifftops”. I showed it in my video.
As you head towards the gorge, the first part of the walk involves a steep climb up to the top. In less than a kilometre, you'll find yourself standing atop the cliffs, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the gorge below. This is the perfect place to pause and snap some photos.
The Cliff-Top Walk
The cliff-top section of the walk is the highlight. The path runs along the edge of the gorge, offering breathtaking views. This part of the walk is relatively flat, making it a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery. Along the way, you’ll pass several viewpoints, each offering a different perspective of the gorge.
Continue following the Gorge Walk signs until you reach a long set of steps leading you down into the gorge. A quick tip: this area can get quite muddy in wet weather, so tread carefully.
Descending into the Gorge
After the cliff-top stretch, the path begins its descent back into the gorge. This section can be steep and rocky, so watch your footing as you make your way down. At the bottom of the steps, pass through a wooden kissing gate, then continue along the path that leads into a wooded area, eventually descending to meet the stony “Black Rock” path. Here you can continue and visit the Black Rock and then rejoin the Gorge Walk path. Since it was raining during our visit, we decided to skip Black Rock and stay on the main trail.
The path will bring you back down to the road running through the gorge. Here, cross the road and rejoin the trail on the other side. This section is steep, rocky, and uneven as it climbs through the woods, so take your time.
At the top, the path levels out and leads through a gate onto a wide grassy track. The views from here are absolutely incredible, so be sure to take your time, enjoy the scenery, and capture some photos.
Continue following the rocky path downward through the woods until you reach another tall gate. Just ahead, you’ll spot the lookout tower. On your right, you’ll find Jacob’s Ladder—a steep set of steps. You can use the ladder free of charge to descend and end your journey.
What to Bring
To ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable walk, it’s important to come prepared. Here are some essentials to bring with you:
Good Walking Shoes: The path can be steep and rocky in places, so sturdy walking shoes with good grip are essential.
Water and Snacks: The walk can take a few hours, so make sure you bring enough water to stay hydrated, especially on a hot day. A few snacks will also help keep your energy levels up.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to bring layers and a waterproof jacket, just in case.
Where to Stay for the Cheddar Gorge Walk
If you're planning to stay overnight as we did to explore the area. You should know that Cheddar offers a variety of accommodation options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Here are some great places to consider:
The Bath Arms Hotel
For those seeking a comfortable and adult-only experience, The Bath Arms Hotel is an excellent choice. This 4-star hotel is situated in the picturesque village of Cheddar, just a 10-minute walk from the Cheddar Gorge Caves. The hotel offers free private parking. With its high rating on Booking.com, it's clear that guests appreciate the cosy atmosphere and the proximity to local attractions.
American School Bus Glamping
For a truly unique stay, consider the American School Bus Glamping experience. Located in Cheddar, this one-of-a-kind accommodation provides an unforgettable glamping experience in a beautifully converted school bus. The property features bicycle parking and a picnic area, perfect for those looking to enjoy the outdoors. Free private parking is available, and the campground also offers bike hire for guests wanting to explore the surrounding area.
Gordons
For a charming bed and breakfast experience, Gordons is a wonderful option. Located just 28 km from Ashton Court, this 3-star B&B offers accommodation with stunning pool views, free WiFi, and free private parking. Some units even have a private entrance for added privacy. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and relax in the beautifully maintained garden.